Cruz Battery Metals Acquires the 'South-Advocate Hydrogen Project' in Nova Scotia Directly Bordering Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.

Executive Summary

• Cruz Battery Metals Corp. acquired the ~5,000‑acre South Advocate Hydrogen Project in Nova Scotia, a property prospective for hydrogen and adjacent to Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.’s recent discovery.
• The company also entered into a joint‑venture agreement to explore deep‑basin lithium‑brine potential on 115 mineral claims (2,300 acres) within the Clayton Valley, Nevada lithium basin.
• Management highlighted strong market interest in hydrogen exploration and expressed optimism for multiple catalysts throughout 2026.

Key Details

• South Advocate Hydrogen Project – ~5,000 acre acquisition; prospective for hydrogen; located directly bordering QIMC’s projects in Nova Scotia.
• Work Program – Management is formulating plans to commence a work program on the newly acquired hydrogen property “as soon as possible.”
• Cautionary Note – Past results or discoveries on neighboring properties are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on Cruz’s lands.
• Joint Venture (JV) – Agreement signed on 28 Jan 2026 for exploration of lithium‑brine potential in Clayton Valley, Nevada.
  • JV land package: 115 mineral claims covering 2,300 acres, fully surrounded by SLB (formerly Schlumberger) and Pure Energy Minerals’ lithium deposit.
• Lithium Context – Clayton Valley hosts the only long‑established producing U.S. lithium‑brine operation (Albémarle’s Silver Peak).
• Qualified Person – Technical contents reviewed and approved by Frank Bain, P.Geo., director of Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (NI 43‑101 qualified person).
• Acquisition Method – Claims were acquired via staking; no cash consideration disclosed.

Notable Quotes

“Hydrogen exploration companies are experiencing a surge of investor attention recently… we are pleased to be able to acquire the South‑Advocate project, prospective for hydrogen directly bordering Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.’s … The Company is very optimistic about the growth prospects for the remainder of 2026 with multiple potential catalysts on the horizon.” – James Nelson, President & CEO

Materiality Assessment: Material – Positive (the acquisition and JV represent significant strategic expansion into hydrogen and lithium‑brine assets, likely to impact future valuation).