Volta hosts Ontario minister, NFN chief at Springer

Mr. Kerem Usenmez reports ONTARIO MINISTER AND NIPISSING FIRST NATION CHIEF VISIT VOLTA'S SPRINGER RARE EARTH PROJECT, ADVANCING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIP AND CRITICAL MINERALS DEVELOPMENT Volta Metals Ltd. has noted a significant site visit by Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation of Ontario, and Nipissing First Nation (NFN) Chief Cathy Stevens to the company's Springer rare-earth project near Sturgeon Falls, Ont. Strategic alignment on project development The visit focused on three key areas that directly impact the project's development timeline: permitting pathways under Ontario's streamlined regulatory framework, indigenous economic participation opportunities and the project's positioning within North America's critical minerals supply chain. Minister Rickford examined the project's geology and infrastructure advantages, including its proximity to established transportation corridors and power infrastructure. Discussions centred on how Ontario's "one project, one process" initiative could accelerate permitting while maintaining environmental standards and respecting indigenous rights and local interests. NFN brings an extensive network of first-nation-owned and community-partnered businesses that can support project advancement as technical work and permitting progress. These relationships offer Volta access to a skilled work force, logistics expertise and essential local services throughout the development stages of the project. Economic reconciliation framework Minister Rickford was briefed on the project's strategic location, its suite of critical minerals and the continuing community engagement. This site visit represents practical progress in economic reconciliation, moving beyond consultation to examine specific pathways for NFN participation in project economics. For Volta, the ministerial engagement underscores provincial recognition of Springer's strategic potential within Canada's domestic rare-earth supply chain. With rare-earth elements largely sourced from outside North America, these supply chain vulnerabilities remain a critical issue that governments and end-users are actively working to mitigate. President and chief executive officer Kerem Usenmez commented: "The Minister's engagement, together with our ongoing collaboration with Nipissing First Nation, underscores the strategic importance of advancing a domestic rare-earth and gallium project in Ontario. With strong indigenous partnerships, established infrastructure and favourable geology, Springer is well positioned as we derisk the project through exploration and permitting. We appreciate the support and regulatory clarity provided through Ontario's One project, One process framework and look forward to continued collaboration as the project advances." Nipissing First Nation Chief Cathy Stevens commented: "This project presents a significant opportunity for Nipissing First Nation, and it is essential that our perspectives guide every stage of its development. We appreciate the commitment to open dialogue and collaboration, and we will continue to advance opportunities that create economic growth for our members while protecting the lands and waters that sustain us." Minister Rockford commented: "Thankful for the opportunity to join Chief Stevens in visiting Volta's Springer rare-earth project, which is quite the find. The ongoing partnership with Nipissing First Nation demonstrates economic reconciliation in action, ensuring resources are developed responsibly while delivering meaningful economic opportunities for first nations." About Volta Metals Ltd. Volta Metals is a mineral exploration company based in Toronto, Ont., focused on rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium and tantalum. It owns, has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium and tantalum projects in Ontario, one of the world's most prolific and emerging hard-rock critical mineral districts. We seek Safe Harbor.