West High Yield Resources Ltd. Fully Endorses Draft Minister's Designation Report on the Record Ridge Critical Minerals Project

West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WHY) (FSE: W0H) (the "Company" or "West High Yield") is pleased to acknowledge the receipt of the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) Draft Minister's Designation Report (the "Draft Report") for the Record Ridge industrial minerals mine project (the "Project") near Rossland, British Columbia.

The Draft Report concludes that the Project does not require designation under the Environmental Assessment Act (British Columbia), as its potential environmental effects are being appropriately addressed through existing regulatory processes, including the Mines Act and Environmental Management Act (British Columbia).

The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office has invited feedback from stakeholders by June 4, 2025, before finalizing the Draft Report into a final report and submitting it to the appropriate Minister. West High Yield has submitted its response in support of the draft findings. View the Company's Response Letter.

The Company believes the Draft Report reflects a clear and accurate understanding of the Project's scope, impacts, and the thorough review it has already undergone. The Project has already been subject to a robust evaluation by the British Columbia Mine Development Review Committee led by the British Columbia Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, with input from provincial agencies, Indigenous Nations, and local governments.

A cornerstone of the Project is West High Yield's strong partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band, which has independently assessed the Project and formally expressed its support. The Company has also provided regulators with detailed supporting environmental data, with a particular focus on grassland ecosystems and the extant Mountain Holly Fern, and is currently finalizing a comprehensive Vegetation Management Plan.

West High Yield remains committed to responsible development and continued collaboration with Indigenous partners, regulators, and stakeholders as the Project advances toward final permitting.

About West High Yield

West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration and development company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral resource properties in Canada. Its primary objective is to develop its world-class Record Ridge critical mineral (magnesium, silica, and nickel) deposit using green processing techniques to minimize waste and CO₂ emissions.

The Company's Record Ridge critical mineral deposit located 10 kilometers southwest of Rossland, British Columbia has approximately 10.6 million tonnes of contained magnesium based on an independently produced National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (titled "Revised NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment Record Ridge Project, British Columbia, Canada") prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. on April 18, 2013 in accordance with NI 43-101 and which can be found on the Company's profile at https://www.sedarplus.ca.

Qualified Person

Rick Walker, B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Geo., the Company Geologist is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

Contact Information:

West High Yield (W.H.Y.) RESOURCES LTD.

Frank Marasco Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (403) 660-3488
Email: frank@whyresources.com

Barry Baim, Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (403) 829-2246
Email: barry@whyresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; and other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.

NEITHER THE 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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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253599

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West High Yield Resources Ltd. Announces Proceeds from Exercise of Options

West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WHY) (FSE: W0H) (the "Company" or "West High Yield") announces the receipt of proceeds from the exercise of certain stock options (the "Options") of the Company.

One holder of options (the "Optionholder") exercised an aggregate of 100,000 Options resulting in the issuance of 100,000 common shares of the Company (each, an "Option Share"). The Options were exercisable at a price of CAD$0.15 per Option Share. The Options exercised by the Optionholder were issued to the Optionholder, among others, as part of an option grant of the Company on November 27, 2019.

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The outside date for the final closing and filing acceptance of all final documentation required by the TSXV in respect of the Offering has been extended from October 14, 2024 to November 13, 2024 (the "Extension Date").

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West High Yield Resources Ltd. Announces BC Government Mining Permit Work Plan Timelines

West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WHY) (the "Company" or "West High Yield") is pleased to announce that it has received its most updated written work plan timelines (link to the timelines) from the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (the "EMLI") regarding the Company's mineral extraction project (the "Project") pertaining to the Record Ridge Industrial Minerals Mine (the "RRIMM") permit process. While the EMLI indicated that these dates could be subject to adjustments, the Company is optimistic that the process is on track for a potential permit issuance by early December, 2024.

The Company remains committed to addressing any further requests or comments promptly stemming from the review by the British Columbia Mine Development Review Committee (the "MDRC") of its latest RRIMM amended permit submission. West High Yield continues to work closely with the Project stakeholders and regulatory authorities to ensure that the process proceeds efficiently.

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Premier David Eby has unveiled an ambitious plan to unlock billions in mining investments in Northwest BC, promising economic growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful partnerships with First Nations.

Speaking to a crowd that included mining executives, First Nations representatives, conservation groups and business leaders, Eby laid out his government’s vision for what he called a “once-in-a-generation” economic opportunity.

“Here in British Columbia, economic development, conservation of precious water and land, and partnership with First Nations go hand-in-hand,” Eby said on Monday (May 26), overlooking the Port of Vancouver. “Our approach makes BC a world-class place to invest, and our province has all it takes to succeed in the face of global challenges.”

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Scientists from Curtin University believe China’s export ban on gallium and recent global trade tensions are highlighting more opportunities for Australia, particularly the Western Australian region.

ABC News quotes Andrew Bell, deputy director of Curtin University’s Trailblazer Program, as saying that mining companies have been looking at the silvery-blue metal more since the ban.

"I definitely don't think that it's the be-all and end-all of critical mineral production in Australia,” he said.

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The initiative aims to foster a more competitive, resilient and self-sufficient economy while placing Indigenous partnerships at the forefront of the province’s resource development strategy.

Announced by Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy on Wednesday (May 21), the investment is centered on unlocking the province’s critical mineral reserves, many of which are located in Northern Ontario.

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Deep-Sea Crisis: Can the ISA Regain Control of the Deep Ocean?

The world’s oceans are increasingly becoming an important new frontier in the geopolitical and economic race for critical minerals, with countries fast-tracking plans for deep-sea mining.

Meanwhile, the global body tasked with regulating such activities is struggling to keep pace.

As sovereign states ramp up efforts to access seabed resources crucial for clean energy and defense technologies, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) finds itself sidelined — raising alarms among environmentalists and nations alike.

Stoking these tensions, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month with the aim of expediting deep-sea mineral extraction in both national and international waters.

The directive, which calls for faster permitting and exploration, bypasses multilateral negotiations at the ISA and uses a 1980 domestic statute — the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act — to justify the unilateral action.

The order “establishes the US as a global leader in seabed mineral exploration and development both within and beyond national jurisdiction," signaling Washington’s intent to secure independence from Chinese mineral supply chains.

But the move has drawn fierce criticism from multiple fronts.

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Australia flag puzzle piece fitting into a white puzzle.

Opportunity or Overreach: Is Australia Making the Right Moves for Critical Minerals?

Australia is currently betting big on critical minerals.

Government support is growing, with the country positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition; however, some are convinced that the nation is rushing into a crowded race.

The Albanese government recently vowed to establish a critical minerals strategic reserve upon re-election, pledging an initial investment of A$1.2 billion. In an April 24 announcement, the government outlines that the reserve would build on the Australian government's extensive investment in critical minerals through two new mechanisms.

Does an Australian critical minerals reserve make sense?

National offtake agreements are one of the planned mechanisms. These would allow the government to acquire agreed-upon volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects via voluntary agreements, or to establish an option to purchase at a given price, holding security over these assets as part of the strategic reserve.

The second mechanism outlined is selective stockpiling, wherein the government promises to establish Australian stockpiles of certain key critical minerals produced under offtake agreements as required.

Following the government's announcement, Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, published a piece on the move, questioning whether a critical minerals strategic reserve is the best approach.

In her view, the initiative is “certainly not without domestic risk,” and “may impact the commercial viability of operations through continued downward pressure on commodity prices.”

She recommends that Australia focus on fundamentals that will give it back an edge over other mining nations.

“That means lower energy prices, a windback of draconian industrial relations laws, and faster environmental approval times," Constable's statement reads.

Australia's current critical minerals strategy

Australia’s current Critical Minerals Strategy is focused on the period from 2023 to 2030, and is centred on developing strategically important projects, attracting and unlocking investment and promoting the country as a world leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

It also includes a commitment to reviewing the country's critical minerals and strategic materials list every three years, updating it in response to global strategic, technological, economic and policy changes.

As of writing, 31 critical minerals were recognised in Australia, plus six strategic materials.

AU$4 billion in total commitments are covered under the strategy, including AU$2 billion from the Critical Minerals Facility via Export Finance Australia, and an extra AU$2 billion in 2024.

In an article in the Australian, Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC,OTC Pink:LYSCF) CEO Amanda Lacaze criticises the government's critical minerals policy, arguing that it is “flawed and uneconomical.”

She notes that even a significant portion of the fund wouldn't match Lynas' annual production costs. Lynas is recognised as the largest separated rare earths producer outside of China.

In a separate article written by the Australia-China Relations Institute, James Laurenceson, director at the University of Technology Sydney, says that the current strategy may be too optimistic.

In his view, the real problem is that Australia’s strategic partners aren’t delivering on their end of the supply chain further downstream. His recommendation is to focus on upstream activities like mining and processing, where Australia has a clear comparative advantage.

Critical minerals deals and funding heat up in Australia

Since the announcement of the Critical Minerals Strategy, Australia's critical minerals industry has seen various developments in mergers and acquisitions, as well as government project funding.

Notable M&A activity includes mining giant Rio Tinto's (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, first announced as an all-cash transaction for US$6.7 billion in October 2024.

Another is the AU$560 million deal between Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS,OTC Pink:PILBF) and Latin Resources, made legally effective last January. The transaction gives Pilbara ownership of Latin’s Salinas lithium project in Brazil.

On top of these acquisitions are government funding to accelerate critical minerals projects.

Under the Critical Minerals Facility, Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU,OTC Pink:ILKAF) received AU$400 million from the Australian government in December, granted for the Enneaba rare earths refinery.

According to Iluka, the refinery will establish Western Australia as a strategic hub for the downstream processing of rare earths. It is expected to produce neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium and more starting in 2027.

Alongside these moves, Australia is strengthening its rare earths strategy.

On February 12, Australia passed the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive, which will provide a refundable tax credit on 10 percent of eligible costs associated with the production of critical minerals and rare earths.

“The incentives are valued at AU$7 billion over the decade,” said Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King.

“The passing of this legislation is a historic moment for the resources industry and a big deal for resource states like Western Australia and Queensland,” she added. “By processing more of these minerals here in Australia we will create jobs and diversify global supply chains.”

Will history repeat itself?

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) states in an article that the critical minerals reserve would be an important step in securing Australia’s economic future, but warns that the nation must learn from “past mistakes.”

It points to the Pinjarra gallium refinery in Western Australia in its May 2 statement, saying that it represented one of the boldest critical minerals initiatives outside China in the late 1980s.

“Designed to produce 50 tonnes of gallium per year, it promised to place Australia at the heart of the global gallium and rare earths value chain, just as the modern world’s appetite for advanced materials was accelerating.”

However, in only a few years, Pinjarra encountered delays due to environmental permits; meanwhile, gallium prices crashed due to oversupply and China’s competitive spirit strengthened.

“Australia’s lack of midstream and downstream refining capacity added crushing costs and complexity,” ASPI explains in its commentary. “In short, Pinjarra had the ambition — but not the resilience — to withstand the inevitable shocks from operating in niche, high-risk commodity markets.”

The question ASPI poses now is: Can Australia guarantee that the same mistake will not be repeated?

According to the institute, Australia has the resources and strategic location.

“It must now summon the strategic patience and coordinated leadership needed to build true critical minerals sovereignty," ASPI concludes.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

West High Yield Resources Ltd. Fully Endorses Draft Minister's Designation Report on the Record Ridge Critical Minerals Project

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Record Ridge Magnesium Mine

Project Highlights:

High Purity MgO Plant

Management Team

Frank Marasco Jr. - Founder, President, CEO and Director

Barry Baim - Director and Corporate Secretary

Patricia L. Nelson - Director

Maria Marasco - Director

Shelina Hirji - Chief Financial Officer

Fouad Kamaleddine - Advisor

James Gregory (Greg) Davison - Senior Geologist, Technical Advisor and Qualified Person

Rick Walker - P. Geologist and P. Engineer

Corey Peck - Junior Geologist

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Critical minerals deals and funding heat up in Australia

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