USCM Reports 2025 Milestones and Outlines 2026 Exploration Priorities at McDermitt East Lithium Project Amid Accelerating Thacker Pass Developments

Executive Summary

• US Critical Metals Corp. completed two key acquisitions in 2025 – a 100% interest in the Clayton Ridge Lithium Project and secured an option to acquire full ownership of the McDermitt East Lithium Project for CAD $500,000.
• The company closed a $510,000 private placement financing to fund corporate development and its U.S. critical minerals portfolio.
• USCM outlined its 2026 exploration strategy for McDermitt East, targeting additional geological mapping, surface sampling and a maiden drill program later in the year; it also extended its marketing services agreement with Think Ink for up to USD $250,000.

Key Details

• McDermitt East Option Amendment: Provides a clear path for USCM to acquire 100% of the project (currently 50% owned) by paying CAD $500,000 in cash or shares.
• Clayton Ridge Acquisition: Completed 100% acquisition after satisfying option agreement terms, adding another lithium asset in Nevada.
• Long Canyon Sampling Results: Reported strong uranium‑vanadium grades and carbonate‑replacement mineralization in black‑shale samples, indicating multiple mineralizing styles.
• Private Placement Financing: Raised $510,000 through a private placement; proceeds earmarked for corporate development and advancement of the U.S. critical minerals portfolio.
• 2026 Exploration Focus – McDermitt East:
• Planned geological mapping and surface sampling in early 2026 to refine drill targets.
• Prior trench‑dump sampling (Fall 2023 & Spring 2024) returned anomalous lithium values up to 2,129 ppm.
• Objective to define a maiden drill program for later in 2026.
• Marketing Services Extension: Extended contract with Think Ink Marketing Data and Email Services Inc.; agreement allows up to USD $250,000 of services over six months, with either party able to terminate with 30‑day notice. No securities are exchanged as compensation.
• Management Commentary (CEO Darren Collins): Highlighted 2025 as a foundational year, emphasizing asset base strengthening, ownership simplification, and balance‑sheet improvement; expressed confidence in leveraging a constructive lithium market backdrop in 2026.

Notable Quotes

“2025 was a highly transitional and foundational year for USCM,” said Darren Collins, CEO and Director.
“As we commence 2026, USCM is well positioned to capitalize on a more constructive lithium market backdrop…”

Materiality Assessment: Material – Positive (significant acquisitions, financing, and forward‑looking exploration plans that are likely to impact the company’s valuation).