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EMP METALS COMMENCES FRONT END ENGINEERING DESIGN STUDY FOR GENERATION II FLOWSHEET - PROJECT AURORA DEMONSTRATION PLANT

MWN-AI** Summary

EMP Metals Corp. has announced the initiation of a Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for its Generation 2 process flow sheet, in collaboration with Saltworks Technologies Inc. This study marks a crucial advancement for the Company’s Viewfield Project as it aims to evaluate the technical scope, mitigate risks, define capital and operational costs, and optimize the project schedule in preparation for future feasibility studies.

The updated FEED study is expected to establish a robust engineering foundation, leveraging real-world performance data from the Project Aurora Demonstration Plant. This integration aims to enhance the understanding of operational efficiency and design optimization, ultimately increasing project confidence. The initiative is designed to provide clearer insights into capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX), which are essential for planning the Company’s first commercial facility.

As EMP Metals focuses on direct lithium extraction (DLE), this FEED study is pivotal in supporting the Company’s exploration efforts within its expansive holdings in Southern Saskatchewan, where it has secured approximately 196,000 acres. The insights gained from the FEED study will help in systematically de-risking the project as the Company progresses towards scalable commercial production.

Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the developments, as EMP Metals cautions that the projections provided in this announcement are subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in the mining and exploration industry. The Company remains committed to transparency and will update its stakeholders as essential data from the FEED study becomes available. For more detailed information, interested parties can visit EMP Metals' official website.

MWN-AI** Analysis

EMP Metals Corp. has initiated an updated Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for its Generation 2 process flow sheet in collaboration with Saltworks Technologies. This development is pivotal for the Company as it transitions its Viewfield Project into a commercially viable endeavor. The FEED study aims to define technical requirements, mitigate project risks, and achieve accurate cost estimates for both capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX).

Investors should view this announcement as a crucial step towards de-risking and refining EMP Metals' operations, particularly in the lithium extraction sector where emerging technologies can significantly affect both the scalability and profitability of production. The incorporation of real-world performance data from the Project Aurora Demonstration Plant is expected to increase confidence in the feasibility of the proposed process and enhance overall project planning.

With lithium demand projected to grow exponentially in the coming years, driven both by electric vehicle production and energy storage solutions, EMP Metals is strategically positioned in the market. The Company currently holds substantial subsurface rights in Southern Saskatchewan, further strengthening their operational footprint.

As the FEED study progresses, stakeholders can anticipate greater clarity around expected costs and timelines, which should impact investor sentiment positively. However, prudence is advised; the outlined risks—including financing, regulatory challenges, and operational uncertainties—remain significant. Therefore, potential investors may consider waiting for concrete outcomes from the FEED study before making substantial commitments.

In the near term, monitor updates from EMP Metals closely. Positive milestones in the FEED study could present attractive entry points, while any setbacks could serve as a warning signal. Overall, EMP Metals remains a compelling play within the burgeoning lithium space, but the inherent risks warrant careful capital allocation.

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

Source: Canada Newswire

Canada NewsWire

VANCOUVER, BC, March 12, 2026 /CNW/ - EMP Metals Corp. (CSE: EMPS) (OTCQB: EMPPF) (FSE: 9ST) ("EMP Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has initiated work on an updated Front End Engineering Design ("FEED") study on the Generation 2 process flow sheet in development with Saltworks Technologies Inc. ("Saltworks").

Key goals of the FEED study include:

  • Define technical scope and requirements of the commercial surface facility
  • Identify and mitigate all project risks
  • Establish accurate and high confidence cost estimates for both Capital (CAPEX) and Operating (OPEX) costs
  • Optimize project schedule
  • Provide foundation for advancing project through further feasibility studies

The updated study represents a significant step in advancing the Company's Viewfield Project toward a more defined feasibility study for scalable commercial production. The work completed through this phase will serve as the technical and engineering foundation for subsequent definitive project and economic studies as the Company continues to systematically de-risk the project.

The FEED study will incorporate and be validated in parallel by operating data generated from the Company's Project Aurora Demonstration Plant. The integration of real-world performance data from the direct wellhead connected demo plant is expected to optimize process design, confirm core engineering criteria, and enhance overall project confidence.

Importantly, the updated FEED study is expected to provide greater clarity and definition around capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX) for the Company's first commercial facility. By refining engineering parameters and incorporating operational learnings, the Company aims to strengthen cost accuracy and improve project planning.

About EMP Metals

EMP Metals is a Canadian-based lithium exploration and development company focused on large-scale resources using direct lithium extraction (DLE).  EMP Metals currently holds 196,000 net (79,300 hectares) acres of Subsurface Dispositions and strategic wellbores in Southern Saskatchewan.  For more information, please go to the Company's website at www.empmetals.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. EMP Metals cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond EMP Metals' control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to EMP Metals' limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration and development objectives on its mineral properties, obtaining the necessary permits to carry out its activities and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, EMP Metals undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE EMP Metals Corp.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2026/12/c7640.html

FAQ**

How will the updated Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for the Generation II flowsheet impact EMP Metals Corp Com EMPPF's capital expenditures and operating costs moving forward?

The updated FEED study for the Generation II flowsheet is expected to significantly refine EMP Metals Corp's capital expenditures and operating costs by optimizing resource allocation, enhancing operational efficiency, and identifying potential cost savings in the project lifecycle.

What specific risks is EMP Metals Corp Com EMPPF aiming to identify and mitigate during the FEED study, and how might this affect project feasibility?

EMP Metals Corp Com EMPPF aims to identify and mitigate risks related to geological uncertainties, technology integration, environmental compliance, and financing during the FEED study, which could significantly influence project feasibility and investment viability.

In what ways will real-world performance data from the Project Aurora Demonstration Plant influence the optimization of the Generation II process flowsheet for EMP Metals Corp Com EMPPF?

Real-world performance data from the Project Aurora Demonstration Plant will provide critical insights into operational efficiencies, material handling, and process bottlenecks, enabling EMP Metals Corp to refine the Generation II process flowsheet for improved productivity and cost-effectiveness.

What are the anticipated timelines for completing the FEED study, and how will this impact EMP Metals Corp Com EMPPF’s progress toward scalable commercial production?

The anticipated timeline for completing the FEED study is expected within the next 12-18 months, which will significantly influence EMP Metals Corp (EMPPF) by providing critical data to streamline operations and move towards scalable commercial production.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about EMP Metals Corp Com (OTC: EMPPF).

EMP Metals Corp Com

NASDAQ: EMPPF

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