Tungsten Origin Verification Collaboration

The collaboration signifies a meaningful step toward a more transparent American supply chain, supporting U.S. efforts to secure domestic sourcing of critical materials.

Inaugural origin database, which will include Guardian Metal’s Tempiute and Pilot Mountain Projects, to support the development of provenance verification for tungsten for governments, industry and end consumer.

Guardian Metal Resources plc (NYSE.A: GMTL, LON: GMET, OTCQB: GMTLF), a strategic mineral exploration company focused on tungsten in Nevada, USA, is pleased to announce that it has signed a collaboration agreement (the “Agreement”) with Oritain Global Limited ("Oritain"), a global leader in forensic origin verification, to facilitate development of a database of origin fingerprints for tungsten, intended to support the development of provenance verification for tungsten for governments, industry and end consumers.

The development of this database is particularly timely: effective January 1, 2027, U.S. defense procurement restrictions under Section 854 of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), implemented through DFARS 252.225-7052, are expected to drive tighter traceability requirements across the tungsten supply chain.

These requirements were further reinforced by Executive Order (“EO”) 14415, signed on July 20, 2026, which restricts the availability of sourcing waivers for covered-country materials and directs comprehensive supply chain mapping and traceability requirements across U.S. defense procurement, making verified provenance of U.S.-origin tungsten a legal and commercial necessity.

With two tungsten projects being advanced in the United States, Guardian Metal is uniquely positioned to work with Oritain in establishing this inaugural database, which will also provide the Company with a significant strategic advantage. The database will include tungsten from Guardian Metal's co-flagship Tempiute and Pilot Mountain projects.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Agreement signed with Oritain, a global leader in forensic origin verification, to develop a unique origin fingerprint for Guardian Metal's tungsten projects.

The Agreement will focus on establishing provenance verification capabilities across domestic and international tungsten and other critical metals supply chains.

Supports Guardian Metal's mission to establish a fully verifiable, domestically sourced U.S. tungsten supply chain, directly aligned with national critical mineral priorities.

Particularly timely ahead of January 1, 2027, when U.S. defense procurement restrictions under Section 854 of the FY2024 NDAA are expected to drive tighter traceability across the tungsten supply chain (mine to finished product).

Further reinforced by EO 14415, signed July 20, 2026, which tightens waivers for covered-country materials and mandates full supply chain traceability, directly increasing demand for verified provenance of U.S.-origin tungsten.

Guardian Metal will deliver tungsten material from both Pilot Mountain and Tempiute to Oritain as initial samples to support the development of a U.S. tungsten origin database.

Alyn Franklin, CEO of Oritain, noted:

"Forensic origin verification is fast becoming a necessary ingredient for durable critical minerals supply chains. As U.S. policy increasingly demands verifiable, traceable sourcing, our partnership with Guardian Metal seeks to put scientific evidence behind that assurance. We're committed to being the source of truth in global supply chains, and we're proud to extend that commitment to the tungsten industry."

Oliver Friesen, CEO of Guardian Metal, commented:

“As the U.S. intensifies its focus on developing domestic supply chains for tungsten, a critical defense material, the ability to scientifically verify the origin of tungsten is becoming an increasingly important differentiator for Guardian Metal and our Nevada-based projects.

“This Agreement with Oritain is a meaningful step in building a fully transparent and verifiable tungsten supply chain entirely on U.S. soil and further demonstrates Guardian Metal's commitment to supporting national efforts to reshore critical mineral supply chains.”

About Oritain Global Limited

Oritain is a global leader in forensic origin verification, with a vision to be the source of truth in global supply chains. Using a proprietary methodology that combines science, data and services, as well as a global network of ISO 17025-accredited laboratories, Oritain verifies the origin of products and raw materials with forensic precision.

Trusted by Governments, retailers, brands, manufacturers and suppliers across a number of industries, Oritain helps organisations strengthen compliance, reduce supply chain risk, and provide independent evidence of provenance.