TSX-V-listed Defense Metals has secured a conditional C$853 825 from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) to advance infrastructure development at its Wicheeda rare earth element (REE) project, in British Columbia.

The funding will support an economic study assessing the construction of a 46-km transmission line to connect Wicheeda to the provincial hydroelectric power grid. The study includes powerline engineering, environmental studies, archaeological assessments, and Indigenous engagement.

“We are very grateful for this important endorsement from Natural Resources Canada and its CMIF,” said Defense Metals CEO Mark Tory. 

“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.”

Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson said that programmes such as the CMIF are key to accelerating mine development and boosting Canada’s critical minerals sector. “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,” he said.

“The funding provided to Defense Metals for its Wicheeda REE project will help advance the development of the necessary infrastructure to expand British Columbia’s sustainable critical minerals production.”

As part of the funding initiative, Defense Metals will continue its co-design agreement with the McLeod Lake Indian Band, which is an equity partner in the project. The agreement ensures Indigenous perspectives are incorporated into the project’s development.

Defense Metals recently completed the Wicheeda prefeasibility study, which confirmed the project’s strong economic viability and potential to become a significant North American supplier of critical REEs. The project is strategically located about 80 km northeast of Prince George, with access to paved highways, all-weather roads, power transmission infrastructure, and rail links to export markets.