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Company advances refining-focused strategy to deliver domestically sourced, high-value critical minerals amid growing geopolitical supply chain uncertainty
Vancouver, BC TheNewswire - May 26, 2026 Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSX.V: LEAP | OTCQB: ATOXF | FSE: 86A1) ("Quantum" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the initiation of advanced metallurgical test work targeting rubidium recovery from its NMX East Rubidium-Gallium-Cesium Critical Minerals Project located in Québec.
As global supply chains for critical minerals face increasing geopolitical uncertainty, Quantum Critical is positioning itself at the forefront of delivering refined, usable critical materials sourced from stable North American jurisdictions.
The Company has engaged the University of British Columbia ("UBC") to evaluate a hydrometallurgical flowsheet designed to optimize extraction of rubidium ("Rb") while also assessing the recovery of additional high-value critical elements including gallium ("Ga") and lithium ("Li"). The UBC work will be supervised by David Dreisinger, Chair Emeritus of the Hydrometallurgy Research Chair and a recognized expert in critical material recovery.
Mineralogical analysis indicates that rubidium, gallium, cesium, tantalum and lithium are hosted within muscovite mica, a mineral phase that can be effectively separated, supporting a potentially efficient and scalable processing pathway.
Recent analytical work on representative material from the NMX East project has confirmed significant rubidium enrichment in a mica concentrate, including:
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Up to 3,260 g/t Rb in coarse fractions
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Elevated concentrations of:
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Gallium: up to 205 g/t
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Tantalum: up to 51.4 g/t
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Lithium: up to 816 g/t
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The metallurgical program is designed to:
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Maximize rubidium recovery
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Advance the development of a refining flowsheet capable of producing marketable products
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Enable downstream recovery of strategic by-products including rubidium, gallium, tantalum and lithium.
Strategic Importance
Rubidium is a high-value specialty metal with emerging applications in:
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Quantum computing
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Advanced electronics
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Defense and aerospace technologies
With limited global production and increasing strategic demand, the NMX East project positions Quantum Critical as a potential future North American supplier of refined rubidium products, supporting domestic supply chain security and technological independence.
Next Steps
The Company aims to:
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Complete metallurgical testing and flowsheet optimization
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Evaluate rubidium recovery efficiencies
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Assess scalability for potential pilot-scale development
Results from this program are expected to inform the next phase of process development and support Quantum's strategy of transitioning from exploration toward integrated critical minerals processing and refining.
About Quantum
Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSX.V: LEAP) (OTCQB: ATOXF) (FSE: 86A1) is a next generation Canadian mineral exploration company focused on rubidium, gallium, cesium, and silver. Quantum is advancing a high impact exploration portfolio in premier North American jurisdictions. The Company's flagship assets include the NMX East and Discovery Rubidium-Gallium-Cesium Projects in the James Bay region of Québec and the Babine South Silver Project near Burns Lake, British Columbia – two districts with established geological pedigree and growing strategic relevance.
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: marcykiesman@qcritical.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. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. 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.
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