MARKET WIRE NEWS

CAT Strategic Metals Enters into Binding Memorandum Of Understanding to Acquire a District-Scale Rare Earth Elements Project in Quebec

MWN-AI** Summary

CAT Strategic Metals Corporation has announced a significant strategic move by entering into a Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire an 80% interest in a large, district-scale rare earth elements (REE) exploration project located in Quebec. This MOU was established on January 12, 2025, with private arm's-length parties, and represents a crucial consolidation of claims in a promising geological area. The Project encompasses approximately 4,330 hectares across four main claim blocs and includes the mineral showing "Surivvik," which has yielded promising REE values, showcasing the area's potential.

The terms of the Binding MOU allow CAT to secure the majority stake over a five-year period, contingent on standard regulatory approvals. The key financial components include the issuance of 33 million common shares to vendors, annual payments of CAD $175,000 for three years, and a commitment for exploration expenses totaling CAD $500,000. A one-time CAD $500,000 cash bonus is also included for the completion of a bankable feasibility study, alongside a 3% royalty agreement. Upon meeting the earn-in condition, the remaining 20% interest will be retained until a production decision.

The company's focus on this project indicates a commitment to expanding its operational capacity within the REE sector. Plans for a grassroots exploration program are set for summer 2026, focusing on geological mapping and sampling to better define mineralization and potential targets. With growing global demand for REEs, the consolidation of this project under a single management structure could significantly enhance CAT's ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the resource sector.

Overall, this development positions CAT Strategic Metals as an emerging player in the strategic minerals market.

MWN-AI** Analysis

CAT Strategic Metals Corporation’s recent move to acquire a district-scale rare earth elements (REE) project in Quebec marks a strategic pivot for the company and could serve as a pivotal investment opportunity in a growing market segment. Given the increasing global demand for rare earth elements, driven by technological advancements and the shift toward renewable energy and electric vehicles, this acquisition positions CAT to capitalize on future growth in the REE sector.

This Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allows CAT to earn an 80% interest in the project over five years, contingent upon fulfilling specific financial commitments. The issuance of 33 million shares to vendors may initially dilute existing shares, but could ultimately signal strong future revenue potential if the project yields economically viable resources. Investors should consider CAT's ability to effectively manage its payment commitments, including CAD $175,000 annual payments and a minimum of CAD $500,000 in exploration spending, as key indicators of financial health and operational focus.

The project offers promising geological characteristics, with previous sampling indicating substantial REE concentrations. The strategic consolidation of claims under one management structure allows for a streamlined exploration approach, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Investors should keep a close watch on regulatory developments, as the MOU will transition into a definitive agreement upon obtaining necessary approvals. The planned grassroots exploration program set for summer 2026 is crucial to defining the project's potential and will need to demonstrate solid results to attract more investment and bolster share prices.

In conclusion, while CAT Strategic Metals presents a compelling investment opportunity amidst rising REE demand, potential investors should remain cautious of inherent risks, including exploration uncertainties and eventual market conditions. A balanced approach—monitoring market developments and CAT's operational progress—will be essential for making informed investment decisions in this dynamic sector.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: Newsfile

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - CAT Strategic Metals Corporation (CSE: CAT) (OTC Pink: CATTF) (FSE: 8CHA) ("CAT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Binding Memorandum Of Understanding (the "Binding MOU") on January 12, 2025, with a number of private arm's-length parties pursuant to which CAT has been granted an exclusive right to earn a majority interest in a district-scale rare earth elements ("REE") exploration project located in Québec, Canada (the "Project").

The Binding MOU represents a significant consolidation of a large and contiguous mineral claim package and provides CAT with control over an emerging REE discovery within a highly prospective geological district.

Transaction Overview

Pursuant to the Binding MOU, CAT has been granted the exclusive right to earn an undivided 80% legal and beneficial interest in the Project over a five-year option term, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Key commercial terms of the Binding MOU include:

  • Issuance of 33,000,000 common shares of CAT to the vendors;
  • Anniversary payments totaling CAD $175,000 per year for three years, payable in cash, common shares of CAT, or a combination thereof at the Company's election;
  • A commitment to incur minimum aggregate exploration expenditures of CAD $500,000 over the option term with no minimum per year;
  • Upon satisfaction of the earn-in conditions, CAT will earn an 80% interest, with the remaining 20% interest carried through to a production decision;
  • A one-time cash bonus of CAD $500,000 payable upon completion of a bankable feasibility study; and
  • A total 3.0% net smelter returns royalty, subject to partial buyback rights in favor of CAT.

The Binding MOU will automatically convert into a definitive option agreement upon receipt of all required regulatory approvals. No finder's fee or commission are payable in connection with the transaction.

Strategic Significance

The Project, located approximately 80 km east of Kuujjuaq, represents a district-scale land position composed of 4 incontiguous claim blocs totaling 95 claims and a rounded 4,330 hectares with confirmed rare earth element mineralization. The consolidation of the claims under a single option agreement provides CAT with full operational control and the ability to advance systematic exploration across the broader district rather than on a fragmented, claim-by-claim basis.



Figure 1: Project location map;
Data source https://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes/I1102_aLaCarte?l=A

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11961/280203_projectlocationmap.jpg

The Project comprises the mineral showing "Surivvik", which is a grab selected sample collected by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife of Quebec in 2011 while conducting regional geological mapping work. The Sample returned exciting anomalous values of 2,349.49 ppm REE, 2.97% P2O5, 392 ppm Zn, 53 ppm Th and 1,442 ppm Sr (GM 58329). The showing typology is interpreted as an ultramafic to mafic intrusion associated with a hyperalkaline complex and the REE host rock is described by the Ministry as an ultramafic unit whose composition ranges from clinopyroxenite to gabbro, enriched in magnetite and apatite, allanite, xenotime, and rare earth rich minerals and crosscut by whitish granite injections. Since and before the showing discovery no exploration work as been conducted on the property and remains at the very early grassroot stage. The Property additionally encompasses 3 majors alkaline intrusion interpreted by the Ministry as a Syenite to Monzodorite intrusion locally comprising clinopyroxene blobs hosting sphene, apatite, allanite, and magnetite (BG 2020-07; RG 2013-04).



Figure 2: Regional Geology map with Project claims;
Data source https://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes/I1102_aLaCarte?l=A

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11961/280203_307cd2def4f86b53_002full.jpg

The Company believes the Project has the potential to host a scalable REE system, and its size and geological setting make it amenable to staged exploration, resource delineation, and longer-term development planning, subject to successful exploration results.

Next Steps

Following receipt of regulatory approvals, CAT intends to finalize the definitive option agreement and commence a phased exploration program designed to expand and better define REE mineralization across the Project area.

CAT intends to commence a grassroot exploration program as early as the summer season 2026. The program will consist of geological mapping and sampling work to cover and sort-out the possible targets for a high-definition geophysical program to further define the geology and highlight the potential of the property and plan a mid to long term logical exploration program.



Figure 3: Quebec High Resolution Mag map with Project claims;
Data source https://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes/I1102_aLaCarte?l=A

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11961/280203_307cd2def4f86b53_003full.jpg

Qualified Person

Mr. Patrick Laforest, P.Geo (Québec), is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this press release. The Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to verify the historic information on the Property, particularly in regard to the neighbouring projects and historical drilling data.

About CAT Strategic Metals Corporation:

CAT Strategic Metals Corporation is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and derisking of overlooked projects situated in well-established geological districts in North America. The Company is specially focused on minerals which are considered highly strategic from a monetary as well as global infrastructure and energy point of view. CAT's shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the trading symbol "CAT", on the OTCMarkets.com under the trading symbol "CATTF", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "8CHA".

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Robert Rosner
Chairman, President & CEO

Further information regarding the Company can be found on SEDAR at www.SEDARPLUS.ca, by visiting the Company's website www.catstrategic.com or by contacting the Company directly at (604) 674-3145.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Particular risks applicable to this press release include risks associated with planned production, including the ability of the company to achieve its targeted exploration outline due to regulatory, technical or economic factors; and the completion of the transactions contemplated herein. In addition, there are risks associated with estimates of resources, and there is no guarantee that a resource will be found or have demonstrated economic viability as necessary to be classified as a reserve. There is no guarantee that additional exploration work will result in significant increases to resource estimates.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
We seek safe harbour.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280203

FAQ**

How does the strategic move by Cat Strategic Metals Corporation (CAT:CC) to consolidate a major REE exploration project in Québec impact investor interest in the broader Vancouver mining sector?
Cat Strategic Metals Corporation's consolidation of a significant REE exploration project in Québec is likely to heighten investor interest in the broader Vancouver mining sector by signaling potential growth opportunities and attracting focus on emerging resource mining ventures.
What are the potential risks and rewards for investors in Cat Strategic Metals Corporation (CAT:CC) given its exclusive right to earn an 80% interest in an emerging REE discovery?
Investors in Cat Strategic Metals Corporation (CAT:CC) may enjoy substantial rewards from lucrative rare earth element (REE) discoveries, but they also face risks including market volatility, exploration uncertainties, and potential regulatory challenges.
In what ways does the geological setting of the REE project in Québec enhance the investment appeal of Cat Strategic Metals Corporation (CAT:CC) compared to other mining companies based in Vancouver?
The geological setting of the REE project in Québec offers Cat Strategic Metals Corporation strategic advantages such as proximity to established infrastructure, a favorable regulatory environment, and access to high-grade rare earth elements, enhancing its investment appeal compared to Vancouver-based competitors.
How will the exploration program planned by Cat Strategic Metals Corporation (CAT:CC) in 2026 affect its stock performance and investor confidence relative to market trends in British Columbia?
The 2026 exploration program by Cat Strategic Metals Corporation is likely to enhance its stock performance and boost investor confidence, provided it aligns with positive market trends in British Columbia, particularly in the mining and resource sectors.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about CAT Strategic Metals (OTC: CATTF).

CAT Strategic Metals

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