Ameriwest Launches Bornite Community and Stakeholder Engagement Program

Executive Summary

• Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc. announced the launch of a Community and Stakeholder Engagement Program to facilitate transparent, environmentally responsible exploration planning at its 100%-owned Bornite copper-gold-silver project in Oregon.
• The program is designed to provide local communities, Tribal Nations, government agencies, and land users with timely project information and structured opportunities to submit feedback prior to the commencement of significant field activities.
• The release outlines the project's regulatory framework under federal legislation, its proximity to the Opal Creek Wilderness, and the company's commitment to integrating post-2020 Beachie Creek Fire conditions into its exploration and safety planning.

Key Details

• Engagement Program Launch: Introduction of a formal Community and Stakeholder Engagement Program to support transparent exploration planning at the Bornite project.
• Project Location & Status: 100%-owned Bornite copper-gold-silver project located in Oregon within the Willamette National Forest, near the Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area.
• Planned Exploration Activities: Staged program potentially including geological mapping, surface sampling, geophysical surveys, drilling, and other exploration activities, advanced through applicable regulatory processes.
• Stakeholder Outreach Targets: Local communities, Tribal Nations, federal/state/local agencies, recreational/public-land users, environmental and watershed organizations, historical-resource interests, and local businesses.
• Engagement Methods: Direct meetings, virtual meetings, project updates, Q&A/feedback submission portals, and additional outreach forms tailored to the project's development stage.
• Regulatory & Legislative Framework: 16 U.S.C. § 545b explicitly states that federal legislation establishing the Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area does not interfere with or approve exploration/mining at Bornite, while preserving the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to approve/deny special-use permits. Motorized access, roads, structures, and utilities may be authorized within the Scenic Recreation Area to support project activities.
• Environmental & Post-Fire Considerations: The project area was impacted by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire (~182,600 acres). Ameriwest will account for post-fire conditions in exploration planning, including worker/public safety, access, erosion/sediment control, water protection, invasive-species risks, and reclamation. The company may evaluate opportunities to support post-fire recovery in coordination with the US Forest Service.
• Qualified Person Statement: David Watkinson, P.Eng., CEO and director, reviewed and approved all scientific and technical information per NI 43-101 standards.

Notable Quotes

• "Bornite is at an early stage of modern exploration, and we believe meaningful engagement should begin before significant field activities are undertaken. Our objective is to communicate openly, listen carefully and develop an understanding of the social, environmental, cultural, and other interests associated with the area." – David Watkinson, CEO
• "Ameriwest intends to advance Bornite responsibly and transparently... We welcome constructive dialogue regarding our planned activities to ensure the protection of the environment, minimize social impacts, ensure public and worker safety, and maximize economic and other opportunities through which the Project may contribute positively to surrounding communities." – David Watkinson, CEO