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Cruz Battery Metals Engages Stantec for Maiden Resource Estimate and Technical Report on the Solar Lithium Project in Nevada, Directly Bordering American Lithium

MWN-AI** Summary

Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: CRUZ) announced its engagement with Stantec Consulting Ltd. to conduct a Maiden Resource Estimate (MRE) and Technical Report for its Solar Lithium Project located in Clayton Valley, Nevada. This report will adhere to the National Instrument 43-101 requirements, providing a comprehensive overview of the project's lithium resources. Stantec's appointed professional, Derek Loveday, brings valuable regional experience, having worked on multiple lithium projects in the area.

Cruz’s project comprises a 4,938-acre territory where lithium has been discovered in all 14 drill holes through various drilling phases since early 2022. The project borders American Lithium Corp.'s TLC lithium project, which recently reported a substantial increase in its contained lithium resources, further elevating interest in domestic lithium supply. Cruz's management, led by President James Nelson, views the current high lithium prices—over 100% increase since June 2025—as an opportune moment to advance their resource estimations amidst a renewed investor interest in the lithium sector, spurred by government involvement in lithium ventures.

Cruz Battery Metals also manages other battery metals projects, including additional lithium brine projects in Nevada and a cobalt project in Idaho, indicating a diversified approach toward resource development. However, the company notes that past results in the proximity of its projects do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Overall, the initiation of an MRE represents a critical step for Cruz as it aims to capitalize on the growing demand for lithium and position itself strategically in the evolving battery metals market. The outlook for 2026 and beyond appears optimistic as the company seeks to become more active in its exploration and development efforts.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: CRUZ) has made strategic moves by engaging Stantec Consulting Ltd. for a Maiden Resource Estimate (MRE) and Technical Report regarding its Solar Lithium Project in Nevada. This decision comes at a pivotal moment in the lithium market, particularly after lithium prices surged over 100% since June 2025 and are currently at two-year highs. The increasing domestic focus on lithium, spurred by significant governmental backing, adds to the favorable landscape for Cruz.

Understanding the competitive dynamics, Cruz's project borders American Lithium Corp.'s TLC project, which has recently reported expanded lithium resources. Given the proximity and the overall positive sentiment surrounding domestic lithium, Cruz stands to benefit from any demonstrations of resource viability within its own projects. The confidence exuded by Cruz management in the growth prospects for 2026 and beyond suggests they are effectively poised to capitalize on market conditions and investor interest.

As lithium remains a critical component in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, the outlook for companies in the sector appears strong, particularly for those with operational advancements. The hiring of a recognized firm like Stantec indicates Cruz’s commitment to a transparent and rigorous exploration process, lending credibility to its prospective resource claims.

For investors, Cruz could represent an attractive opportunity, especially in light of the heightened interest in lithium and the ongoing push for domestic production. However, prospective investors should remain cautious, understanding that resource confirmations still need to be established through the forthcoming MRE, and that market volatility can also pose risks.

In summary, maintaining a position in Cruz Battery Metals may offer substantial upside potential within a bullish lithium market, but thorough due diligence is essential to navigate the inherent risks of exploration and fluctuating resource prices.

**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 9, 2026) - Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: CRUZ) (OTCID: BKTPF) (WKN: A40YSN) ("Cruz" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged Stantec Consulting Ltd. to complete a Maiden Resource Estimate ("MRE") and Technical Report for the Solar Lithium Project in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The Technical Report will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101. The Stantec qualified person (Derek Loveday, PGeo) has direct experience in the Tonopah area, which includes visiting Albemarle Corp.'s Silver Peak mine, visiting ioneer Ltd.'s Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project, and completing a resource estimate and Technical Report for American Lithium Corp. on the TLC lithium project.

Throughout the first 4 phases of drilling (announced on January 17, 2022, May 18, 2022, March 31, 2023, & July 13, 2023), Cruz has discovered lithium in all 14 drill holes on the 100-per-cent owned, 4,938-acre Solar Lithium Project in Nevada, directly bordering American Lithium Corp.'s (LI, AMLIF) TLC lithium project.

According to American Lithium Corp.'s website, "In February 2025, the American Lithium Corp. announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate that significantly increased the contained lithium resources for the TLC project. This MRE was completed as part of the process of compiling the maiden preliminary economic assessment and was incorporated into the Mine Plan within the maiden PEA, which was released on February 1st, 2023. TLC currently hosts 6.17Mt lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) measured resources, 2.39Mt LCE indicated resources and 1.44Mt LCE inferred resources."(1). Cruz management cannot verify American Lithium Corp.'s results other than the publicly available information.

James Nelson, President of Cruz Battery Metals stated, "Lithium prices are currently at 2-year highs and are now up over 100% since June 2025, according to tradingeconomics.com(2). Attention towards domestic lithium seems to have renewed since President Trump agreed to take a stake in Lithium Americas Thacker Pass Lithium Mine in Nevada, announced by Reuters (3) on October 1, 2025. With the recent resurgence of investor attention back into the lithium sector, management feels this is an opportune time to proceed with producing a Maiden Resource Estimate on the Solar Lithium Project. The Company is very optimistic about the growth prospects for the remainder of 2026 and beyond as we become more active than we've been in years."



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Qualified Person

The technical contents of this release were reviewed and approved by Frank Bain, PGeo, a director of the Company and qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Bain has not independently verified American Lithium Corp.'s Technical Report.

About Cruz Battery Metals Corp.

Cruz currently has several battery metals focused projects located in the USA. Cruz's Nevada lithium projects consist of the 4,938-acre 'Solar Lithium Project', the 240-acre 'Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project', and the 580-acre 'Central Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project'. In Idaho Cruz has the 124-acre 'Idaho Cobalt Belt Project'. Cruz also has the 'Sterling South Gold/Copper Project' in Ontario, Canada. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Cruz may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties.

If you would like to be added to Cruz's news distribution list, please send your email address to info@cruzbatterymetals.com

Cruz Battery Metals Corp.

"James Nelson"

James Nelson
President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director

For more information regarding this news release, please contact:
James Nelson, CEO and Director
T: 604-899-9150
Toll free: 1-855-599-9150
E: info@cruzbatterymetals.com
W: www.cruzbatterymetals.com
Twitter: @CruzBattMetals

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

https://americanlithiumcorp.com/tlc-lithium-project/ (1)

https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/lithium (2)

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-government-take-5-stake-lithium-americas-joint-venture-with-general-motors-2025-09-30/ (3)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279863

FAQ**

How is Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: CRUZ) planning to leverage its Solar Lithium Project in Nevada to capitalize on the current lithium market, especially with prices reportedly at 2-year highs?

Cruz Battery Metals Corp. aims to leverage its Solar Lithium Project by advancing exploration and development efforts to increase lithium production capacity, thereby capitalizing on the current high market prices and growing demand for lithium in electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.

Considering recent engagements with Stantec Consulting for a Maiden Resource Estimate, what alternative strategies could Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CRUZ:CC) pursue if initial drilling results do not meet market expectations?

Cruz Battery Metals Corp. could consider partnering with strategic investors for funding, diversifying exploration targets, enhancing marketing efforts to improve investor sentiment, or exploring joint ventures to leverage shared resources and expertise.

How does Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CRUZ:CC) assess its competitive position in the lithium market given the advancements and resource estimates from neighboring projects like American Lithium Corp.’s TLC lithium project?

Cruz Battery Metals Corp. assesses its competitive position in the lithium market by evaluating advancements and resource estimates from neighboring projects, like American Lithium Corp.’s TLC project, to identify strategic advantages, market trends, and potential collaboration opportunities.

In light of domestic lithium development gaining traction due to government involvement, how does Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: CRUZ) position itself to attract investment and further its lithium projects in 2026 and beyond?

Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: CRUZ) aims to attract investment and advance its lithium projects in 2026 and beyond by leveraging government support, optimizing resource exploration, and positioning itself as a key player in the sustainable energy transition.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (CNQC: CRUZ:CC).

Cruz Battery Metals Corp.

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