Vancouver, British Columbia — January 15, 2026 — Leads & Copy — US Critical Metals Corp. is focusing on its McDermitt East Lithium Project in Nevada as part of its 2026 operational plans, following a year of corporate milestones in 2025.
The company (CSE: USCM) (OTCQB: USCMF) (FSE: 0IU) said its strategy emphasizes U.S.-based critical mineral assets that can support supply chain resilience, especially as North American lithium projects advance and western governments strengthen supply independence.
According to the company, over the last year, USCM secured an amendment to the McDermitt East Option Arrangement, giving USCM a clear path to acquire 100% interest in McDermitt East. This includes a current operating ownership of 50% and an option to acquire the remaining 50% interest for CAD $500,000 in cash or shares of the Company.
USCM also completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Clayton Ridge Lithium Project and reported uranium-vanadium grades in black shale sampling at Long Canyon Uranium and Vanadium Project, and additionally reported carbonate-replacement (CRD-style) mineralization. It closed a $510,000 private placement to support corporate development and advancement of its U.S. critical minerals portfolio.
USCM said it plans to undertake geological mapping and surface sampling at McDermitt East in early 2026 to refine and prioritize drill targets across the highest priority areas. The company said this work will build on previous exploration programs, including trench-dump sampling conducted in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, which generated lithium values up to 2,129 ppm, confirming the presence of elevated lithium within the system.
The company said the field program is designed to expand upon those results by improving geological understanding of the project area, integrating regional datasets, and guiding efficient drill target definition, with the plan to complete a maiden drill program in 2026.
“2025 was a highly transitional and foundational year for USCM,” said Mr. Darren Collins, CEO and Director of the Company. “We deliberately focused on strengthening our asset base, simplifying ownership structures, and positioning the Company within premier lithium districts. By securing a clear path to 100% ownership at McDermitt East, completing the Clayton Ridge acquisition, advancing Long Canyon with encouraging multi-commodity results, and strengthening our balance sheet, we believe we have materially aligned the Company with its stated strategic objectives.”
Collins added that as the company commences 2026, USCM is well positioned to capitalize on a constructive lithium market backdrop. He said that with U.S. government support accelerating for domestic lithium supply, large-scale projects such as Thacker Pass advancing toward production, and growing recognition of emerging supply constraints, the company sees increasing strategic value in high-quality, U.S.-based lithium assets.
USCM also announced it has extended its contact with Think Ink Marketing Data and Email Services Inc. to provide investor relations and marketing services. The extension provides for an additional up to USD $250,000.
The contact information for Think Ink is: Think Ink Marketing Data and Email Services Inc., 3308 W. Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704, Telephone: 310-760-2616, Email: claire@thinkinkmarketing.com.
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 NI 43-101. Mr. Johansing is a consultant of the Company.
Darren Collins
Chief Executive Officer & Director
Phone: +1 (786) 503 0715
Email: dcollins@uscmcorp.com
Source: US Critical Metals Corp.
