Defense Metals Corp. (TSXV: DEFN | OTCQB: DFMTF | FSE:35D) has announced that it has been named as a recipient for funding of up to C$853,825 from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) to support the advancement of infrastructure for its Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit, located northeast of Prince George, British Columbia.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Canada, commented, “Developing Canada’s abundant critical minerals drives economic opportunity and creates hundreds of high-paying jobs. Programmes like this help mines get built faster, and they are a key element in seizing the generational opportunity before us. The funding provided to Defense Metals for its Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, will help advance the development of the necessary infrastructure to expand British Columbia’s sustainable critical minerals production. Defense Metals, and many other businesses in British Columbia know that moving forward, economic development and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand.”
The CMIF funding will enable Defense Metals to undertake studies for a proposed 46km transmission line, which will connect the Wicheeda Project to British Columbia’s provincial hydroelectric power grid. This initiative represents a critical step toward ensuring a reliable, sustainable power supply for the project while reducing reliance on alternative energy sources. The scope of work under this funding includes powerline engineering, environmental studies, archaeological assessments, and ongoing Indigenous engagement with MLIB.
Additionally, Defense Metals and MLIB have an established co-design agreement, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are integrated into the project assessment and development. MLIB’s equity partnership in the project further reinforces their involvement in decision-making processes.
“We are very grateful for this important endorsement from Natural Resources Canada and its Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund,” said Mark Tory, CEO of Defense Metals. “This funding is the first step to advancing crucial infrastructure for the Wicheeda Project, the only rare earth project in Canada with current proven and probable reserves. As North America’s most advanced rare earth developer, we are bridging the critical minerals supply gap by positioning Wicheeda as a key future supplier of these essential rare earth materials.”
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