Critical Elements Updates on Summer Drill Program Amid Forest Fires

Critical Elements Lithium Corporation announced details of its 10,000-meter Summer 2026 drill program at the Rose West project in Québec. The program, designed to expand and define the mineralized footprint of the known lithium-rich pegmatites, is currently suspended due to nearby forest fires. Safety concerns prompted the evacuation of the site after discussions with SOPFEU, emphasizing the company's commitment to crew safety.

The Rose West area has seen a significant six-fold expansion in mineralized footprint coverage since 2024. The Summer program aims to further this exploration, focusing on continuity and discovering new pegmatitic bodies. Despite the pause, prior drilling in Winter 2026 successfully identified new mineralized zones.

Two drill rigs are part of the current strategy, targeting specific goals like lateral expansion and drilling on Line C. Aligned with recent geological models, these efforts aim to increase the scope of known resources significantly while ensuring safety and land stewardship.