Mr. Darren Collins reports

USCM ANNOUNCES 2026 DRILL PROGRAM AT MCDERMITT EAST LITHIUM PROJECT AND INITIATES PERMITTING FOR THE DRILL PROGRAM

U.S. Critical Metals Corp. has executed a drilling services agreement for its 2026 exploration program at the company's McDermitt East lithium project in Nevada and is initiating permitting activities in preparation for drilling.

The company has engaged Envirotech Drilling LLC, a Nevada-based contractor with extensive experience in reverse circulation (RC) drilling, to complete the coming drill program. Under the agreement, drilling will consist of RC holes with an initial planned scope of approximately 1,000 metres, with flexibility to expand based on results.

2026 exploration program highlights:

• Target: lithium-bearing claystone unit identified through surface sampling and mapping;
• Initial program: approximately 1,000 metres of RC drilling (expandable);
• Average hole depth: approximately 100 to 150 metres per hole;
• Drill method: reverse circulation;
• Fully contracted drill rig, crew and support equipment secured;
• Drill mobilization targeted for third quarter of 2026, subject to permitting.

A comprehensive drill plan will be released upon finalization of targeting and permitting approvals.

Management commentary

Darren Collins, chief executive officer and director of U.S. Critical Metals, commented: "Rising fuel prices and continued volatility in traditional energy markets are once again accelerating global demand for electric vehicles and alternative energy solutions. This shift is driving a renewed urgency to secure sources of lithium and other critical minerals. We believe the timing to advance drilling at McDermitt East is ideal as the world looks for new, reliable energy supply chains in an increasingly inflationary environment."

Strategic location -- McDermitt Caldera

The project is located within the prolific McDermitt Caldera, one of North America's most significant emerging lithium districts. Key highlights of the project include:

• Located approximately 19 kilometres from Lithium Americas Corp. and the Thacker Pass lithium project;
• Highly prospective lithium claystone project within a promising U.S. jurisdiction;
• Surface sampling has returned anomalous lithium values up to approximately 2,129 parts per million Li;
• Underexplored relative to nearby deposits;
• Large land position with significant upside potential.

Positioned near Thacker Pass, the largest known lithium resource in the United States, and hosted within lithium-rich claystone sequences analogous to Thacker Pass, the project is located in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with established infrastructure.

Development at Thacker Pass continues to accelerate, underscoring the strategic importance of the district:

• Backed by a major investment and supply agreement with General Motors;
• Supported by U.S. government initiatives, including loan facility from U.S. Department of Energy;
• Advancing toward commercial production, positioning the McDermitt Caldera region as a cornerstone of U.S. lithium supply.

U.S. Critical Metals believes its McDermitt East project is well positioned to benefit from this regional development momentum and increasing demand for domestically sourced lithium.

Permitting and development

U.S. Critical Metals will immediately commence permitting of surface disturbance areas, including drill pad construction and access improvements, as part of its 2026 program. The company expects to submit a detailed plan of operations outlining drill locations, environmental considerations and reclamation protocols to the Bureau of Land Management.

Qualified person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert J. Johansing, BSc (geology), MSc (economic geology), who is a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Johansing is a consultant of the company.

About U.S. Critical Metals Corp.

U.S. Critical Metals is focused on mining projects that will further secure the U.S. supply of critical metals, which are essential to fuelling the New Age economy. The company's assets consist of four discovery-focused projects in the United States. These projects include the McDermitt East lithium project, located in Nevada, the Clayton Ridge lithium property, located in Nevada, the Long Canyon uranium property, located in Idaho, and the Haynes cobalt property, located in Idaho. A significant percentage of the world's critical metal and rare earth supply comes from nations with interests that are contrary to those of the United States. U.S. Critical Metals intends to explore and develop assets with near-term and long-term strategic value to the advancement of U.S. interests.

We seek Safe Harbor.