NIOB Retains Advisory Firm to Help Foster Respectful and Constructive Relationship with Atikamekw Stakeholders

Press Release

Transfert Environment et Société will support community engagement for Blanchette, Bardy, and Sabot properties

Vancouver, British Columbia, April 16, 2026  — North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: NIOB) (OTCQB: NIOMF) (FSE: KS82.F) is building on its engagement with local stakeholders during the permitting process by implementing a structured and proactive approach to stakeholder relations.

It intends to build on the collaborative approach established during meetings with Indigenous and other local stakeholders, as part of the Company’s applications for Authorizations for Impact-Causing Exploration Work (ATI) at its Québec properties. North American Niobium has retained Transfert Environnement et Société to support these efforts in the province, particularly for its Blanchette, Bardy, Sabot, and Miskam properties. All are located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of La Tuque.

“Building respectful and transparent relationships with First Nations communities is fundamental to how we approach exploration in Québec,” said Murray Nye, Chief Executive Officer of North American Niobium. “We recognize the importance of respecting the territory and maintaining open dialogue with communities such as Wemotaci, and we believe responsible exploration can coexist with community priorities when engagement is approached thoughtfully. We also understand that economic opportunities and employment are important considerations for many communities. By working with Transfert, we aim to strengthen timely communications and engagement processes in a way that supports respectful operations and helps our drilling activities proceed smoothly through the year, where possible.”

NIOB has received ATI authorizations for Bardy and Blanchette, as well as Seigneurie. The Company has chosen to go beyond the required minimum for community engagement given the strong discovery potential of the La Tuque area, and believes Transfert’s expertise and experience will be an asset as it develops a more pro-active approach to community relations.

TRANSFERT AND ITS ROLE

Transfert is a Québec-based advisory firm with experience supporting resource and infrastructure projects. It has experience working with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders in Québec, as well as an understanding of social, environmental, and regulatory considerations that can accompany resource development activities. Its past clients include Nemaska Lithium, among others.

Transfert has been retained under a cash consulting agreement, and is expected to:

• Establish and facilitate open-door meetings and dialogue opportunities with community stakeholders

• Support stakeholder communications and engagement planning, including improved outreach pathways to members potentially affected by exploration and other activities

• Provide guidance on community relations best practices in Québec

• Assist with other stakeholder engagement matters as exploration activities progress.

NORTH AMERICAN NIOBIUM’S APPROACH TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Company’s evolving approach:

• recognizes that maintaining constructive and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders in areas where exploration activities may occur is critical.

• understands that communities are often engaged with multiple stakeholders and projects, including activities related to hydroelectric development, wind energy, forestry, and other industrial sectors. As a result, the capacity to maintain timely communications with all stakeholders can be constrained.

• acknowledges that community councils play a central role in communicating information to community members. Due to competing priorities and existing demands on their time, the council may not always be able to ensure timely communications with all members regarding external project activity. Because the Company does not have direct access to community member contact information, it cannot independently ensure comprehensive outreach.

• considers timely communications to be important, including in connection with ATI-related processes, and to support its objective of continuing drilling and exploration activities throughout the year, while maintaining respectful engagement and minimizing disruption.

The Company expects to plan additional meetings with First Nations representatives and other community members will be planned in the coming days and weeks as part of its ongoing engagement efforts.

These meetings are intended to support clear communication and help ensure that planned exploration and drilling activities are conducted responsibly and run smoothly, with attention to community interests and operational considerations.

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN NIOBIUM AND CRITICAL MINERALS CORP.

North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. is a North American mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of precious, base, and critical mineral assets. Its portfolio includes the Silver Lake property in British Columbia’s Omineca Mining Division and a recently acquired land package in Québec’s Grenville Province. The Québec properties add exposure to rare earth elements (REE), niobium (Nb), and nickel-copper (Ni-Cu) occurrences, expanding the Company’s footprint into critical minerals that are strategically important for energy and defense applications.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Murray Nye, Chief Executive Officer
info@northamericanniobium.com
+1 (647) 984-4204

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