Quantum Critical Metals Advances Mineralogy and Metallurgy for James Bay Projects

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Vancouver, BC – May 30, 2025 – Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSX.V: LEAP | OTCQB: ATOXF | FSE: 86A1) (“Quantum” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has entered into a nondisclosure agreement with a specialized processing and hydrometallurgy laboratory to initiate metallurgical testing for its Discovery and NMX East projects, located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec.

Key Developments

  • Significant Critical Metals Discoveries
    A detailed reassessment of drill core assays from both Québec projects has confirmed elevated and consistent intervals of gallium, rubidium, cesium, niobium, and tantalum. These results support the identification of two distinct gallium-rubidium-cesium mineralized systems within the Company’s portfolio.
  • Early Metallurgical Focus to Accelerate Recovery Assessment
    In a strategic move, Quantum is prioritizing mineralogical and metallurgical studies ahead of a formal resource estimate to evaluate the economic viability of metal recovery. This proactive approach aims to fast-track development and position the Company at the forefront of critical metal supply efforts in North America.
  • Innovative Gallium Recovery from Mica
    Initial findings suggest gallium may be hosted in mica, a non-traditional source. While gallium is typically extracted as a byproduct of bauxite or zinc processing, historical studies show it can be recovered from mica using processing methods like floatation, followed by hydrometallurgy acid leaching techniques. The Company is engaging multiple laboratories to optimize this process.
  • Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains
    In light of China’s December 2024 ban on gallium exports, Quantum’s discoveries represent a timely and strategic opportunity to support North American critical mineral independence. These metals are essential for high-tech applications, including semiconductors, telecommunications, defense, and renewable energy.

CEO Marcy Kiesman commented: “While advancing metallurgy early in a project’s life cycle may be historically unconventional, it reflects our urgency and commitment to unlocking domestic sources of critical metals. Gallium and other critical elements are essential to critical next-generation technologies. By tackling the processing challenge now, we aim to help fill the growing global supply gap in addition to the growing price escalations which are competitive with gold.”

Next Steps

The Company will collect larger sample volumes from both sites to send to multiple hydrometallurgy laboratories for process optimization. Additional updates will be provided as results become available.

About Gallium

Gallium is a critical component in semiconductors, telecommunications, and renewable energy sectors. Canada and the USA rely on gallium for telecommunications, defense, and green energy. Gallium is also used in semiconductors, AI circuitry, radar and microchips. In 2023, global high-purity gallium production was estimated at 320 tonnes. China has imposed export controls on gallium, exacerbating supply chain challenges for the U.S. and its allies.

About Rubidium

Today most rubidium is obtained as a byproduct of lithium and since it is easily ionized it can be used to propel spacecraft engines (ion). Rubidium’s critical role in emerging technologies and its limited supply make it a valuable strategic resource. Rubidium is a niche market with prices for high-purity rubidium compounds often exceeding $1 million per tonne for rubidium oxide. Applications include specialty glass, telecommunications, quantum computing, and batteries.

About Cesium

Cesium is a rare, silvery-gold alkali metal known for its high reactivity and unique properties. It plays a critical role in various high-tech applications, including atomic clocks, medical imaging, and oil and gas drilling operations. The global cesium market was valued at approximately USD 363.58 million in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 601.72 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%.

About Critical Metals

Critical metals are essential components in modern technologies, including renewable energy systems, defense applications, and advanced electronics. Both the United States and Canada have identified specific lists of critical minerals vital to their economic and national security. The U.S. Geological Survey’s 2022 list includes 50 critical minerals, while Canada in 2024 has designated 34 minerals as critical.

Recent geopolitical developments have heightened concerns over the supply chain security of these critical metals. China, which holds a dominant position in the production and processing of several critical minerals, has implemented export bans affecting the West. These actions underscore the strategic importance of diversifying supply chains and developing domestic sources for critical metals to mitigate geo-political risks and ensure the stability of essential industries.

About Quantum Critical Metals Corp.

Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSX.V: LEAP) (OTCQB: ATOXF) (FSE: 86A1) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing critical metals projects that power next-generation technologies. With a growing portfolio of promising assets—including the NMX East Gallium-Rubidium-Cesium Project in Québec, the Discovery Gallium-Rubidium-Cesium and polymetallic project in Québec, the Victory Antimony Project in British Columbia, and the Prophecy Germanium-Gallium-Zinc Project in British Columbia, among others, the Company is strategically positioned to support the West’s transition to a secure and sustainable critical metals supply.

To stay updated on Quantum’s latest developments, sign up for our mailing list and visit www.quantumcriticalmetals.com and www.sedarplus.com.

Marcy Kiesman, CEO
Telephone: 604.428.2900 or 604.339.2243
Email: info@quantumcriticalmetals.com
Website: www.quantumcriticalmetals.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements that address the upcoming work programs, and other statements relating to the business, financial and technical prospects of the Company. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.com. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.