Defense Metals Corp. announced that it has completed all infrastructure geotechnical field data collection in support of the preliminary feasibility study ("PFS") for its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element ("REE") Project located near Prince George, B.C., Canada. Highlights of the 2023 Wicheeda REE Project infrastructure geotechnical programs include: 16 helicopter and track sonic overburden geotechnical drill holes totaling 225.5 metres; 20 excavated overburden geotechnically test pits totaling 76.8 metres; 6 diamond drill holes totaling 1,182 metres within the Wicheeda REE deposit pit shell; inclusive of 4 open pit geochemical drill holes totaling 920 metres, and in pit exploration holes totaling 262 metres; Shipment of a 2,700 kg metallurgical sample, collected from drill core, to SGS Lakefield, Ontario for continued flotation and hydrometallurgical optimization test-work; Initiation of humidity cell testwork on 17 samples, and 250 kg sample selection for on-site kinetic leach (barrel) testing of samples representative of anticipated mine waste rock to assess metal leaching and acid rock drainage potential in support of environmental assessment.