Critical Elements reports high-grade lithium, tantalum, cesium in winter drill program

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC / ACCESS Newswire / May 21, 2026 / Critical Elements Lithium Corporation (TSX-V:CRE)(OTCQX:CRECF)(FSE:F12) ( "Critical Elements" or the "Corporation") is pleased to provide the last assay results and an update on its Phase 1 Winter 2026 drill program, at the 100% owned Rose West Discovery (" Rose West "), located in Eeyou Istchee, Québec. Highlights The Phase 1 Winter 2026 drill program has delivered positive results demonstrating the successful expansion of the Rose West mineralized footprint from 450 m x 370 m to 1,250 m x 800 m, thicknesses that typically range from 10 to 40 m, and excellent lateral grade continuity. Newly discovered Pegmatite 5 is delivering substantial and laterally continuous intersections in the southern portion of the Main Target Area, part of a stacked and generally flat lying system.

The geological model continues to prove to be highly effective and productive. Preparation is underway for an upcoming follow-up Summer 2026 Drilling Program. Assay results were received for the four remaining holes RW-26-38 to 40, and RW-26-43 , and returned some significant lithium and tantalum composite assays, as highlighted below: 1.03% Li 2 O and 233 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 14.65 m (including 1.68% Li 2 O and 224 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 8.25 m ) , through Pegmatite 2 , in hole RW-26-38 1.71% Li 2 O and 210 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 14.75 m (including 2.47% Li 2 O and 165 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 8.05 m ) , through Pegmatite 3, in hole RW-26-39 0.98% Li 2 O and 121 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 11,20 m, through Pegmatite 5 (new), and 1.73% Li 2 O and 94 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 15.60 m (including 2.90% Li 2 O and 106 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 7.35 m ) , through Pegmatite 3 , in hole RW-26-40 0.47% Li 2 O and 832 ppm Ta 2 O 5 over 6.25 m (including 2.28% Li 2 O, 2,796 ppm Ta 2 O 5 and 876 ppm Cs 2 O over 1.20 m ) , through Pegmatite 2 , in hole RW-26-43 * Core length;