Defense Metals included in world’s first dedicated ex-China rare earths ETF

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a global leader in process and laboratory measurement technology, offering a broad portfolio of instruments, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. TSX-V-listed Defense Metals Corporation has been included in the newly launched Sprott Rare Earth Ex-China Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), which is the only ETF providing focused exposure to rare earth companies outside of China. Defense Metals CEO and president Mark Tory says inclusion in the ETF validates the company's success in advancing the Wicheeda rare earths project, in British Columbia. He adds that exposure through the ETF will allow the company to attract additional institutional investment and increase liquidity, as the ETF is expected to be an important benchmark for investors focused on this critical materials segment of the market. The Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF has been designed to track the performance of global companies engaged in the mining, separation, refining and production of rare earth elements, while excluding companies domiciled in or primarily operating in China. Defense Metals is currently advancing the Wicheeda project through the feasibility study stage, with a prefeasibility study in 2025 having confirmed the project's status as one of the most advanced undeveloped rare earth deposits in North America.