Mr. David Watkinson reports

AMERIWEST CRITICAL METALS ENGAGES APEX GEOSCIENCE LTD. TO ADVANCE ITS BORNITE PROJECT

Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc. has entered into a professional services contract with Apex Geoscience Ltd. to provide geological consulting services for the company's 100-per-cent-owned Bornite copper-gold-silver project in Oregon.

Engagement of Apex Geoscience

The engagement of Apex represents a key step in executing the company's previously announced 2026 exploration objectives at the Bornite project, which include compiling historic data, constructing a 3-D geological model, advancing drill targeting, and ultimately preparing a National Instrument 43-101-compliant technical report and mineral resource estimate.

"Engaging Apex Geoscience is a key step in advancing the Bornite project toward modern resource evaluation," stated David Watkinson, the chief executive officer of Ameriwest. "Our work will begin with securing and reassaying historical drill core, which is particularly significant as access to this material allows us to validate and upgrade the historic data set using modern QA/QC standards. With Apex leading data compilation and 3-D modelling, we are well positioned to refine drill targets and systematically move the project toward a maiden NI 43-101-compliant resource."

Apex will undertake a phased work program in support of exploration planning, permitting and potential mineral resource evaluation at the Bornite project.

Phase 1 -- data compilation and preliminary geological model

Apex will digitize, compile, and validate available historical drilling and exploration data and develop a preliminary geological model to guide proposed drilling and permitting. As previously disclosed by the company, certain historical data sets are incomplete and relogging of available core (once retrieved and secured) may be recommended.

This phase directly aligns with Ameriwest's stated Q1 to Q2 2026 objectives of building an internal 3-D geological model and modernizing the historic data set to support drill planning.

Phase 2 -- geological/conceptual block model and drill optimization

Subject to completion of phase 1 and the company approval, Apex will prepare a preliminary block model to define a high-level exploration target and optimize drill hole planning for a proposed 2026 drill program. This work is intended for internal planning purposes and will not constitute a formal mineral resource estimate.

This work is expected to support Ameriwest's objective of confirming and extending historic results using modern QA/QC (quality assurance/quality control) protocols and advancing toward a maiden NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource.

Phase 3 -- technical reporting

At the direction of the company, Apex may prepare a technical report on Ameriwest's behalf and conduct a qualified person site visit to the Bornite project. The scope of Apex's responsibility may range from an introductory geological report to a maiden mineral resource technical report.

Engagement of GRA Enterprises Inc. (National Inflation Association)

The company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into a consulting agreement dated March 2, 2026, with GRA Enterprises Inc., operating as the National Inflation Association (GRA), to provide communication and marketing services intended to increase investor awareness of Ameriwest's activities. During the term of the agreement, GRA will provide distribution and exposure of the company's activities through its Inflation.us e-mail distribution lists, website and blog, including the dissemination of e-mail alerts and reports regarding the company and its developments, highlighting the company's share structure and market capitalization, distributing interviews and news, providing technical updates, and building visibility and excitement around the company's catalysts and developments.

The agreement is for a term of 12 months. In consideration for GRA's services, the company will pay GRA an aggregate fee of $100,000 (U.S.), with the first $50,000 (U.S.) payable upon the execution of the agreement and the $50,000 (U.S.) balance payable within six months. The company retains final editorial control over all content and materials prepared or distributed by GRA on the company's behalf. The engagement is subject to applicable securities laws and Canadian Securities Exchange policies, including required advertising disclosures.

The company will not issue any securities or options to purchase securities to GRA as compensation for its services under the agreement. The contact person for GRA is Gerard Adams. Mr. Adams personally holds 240,000 common shares of the company and 240,000 common share purchase warrants. The contact information for GRA is: GRA Enterprises Inc. (dba National Inflation Association), 112 Camp Lane, Mooresville, N.C., 28117; e-mail: ga@gerardadams.com

Qualified person statement

David Watkinson, PEng, a non-independent qualified person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Watkinson is the chief executive officer and a director of Ameriwest.

About Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc.

Ameriwest is an exploration company focused on identifying and acquiring strategic critical mineral projects for exploration and resource development. The company is currently advancing its Bornite copper-gold-silver property in Oregon, its Xeno rare-earth property in British Columbia and its Thompson Valley lithium clay property in Arizona. Ameriwest also owns a lithium clay property in Clayton Valley, Nev., and is in the process of optioning its Railroad Valley lithium brine property in Nevada to Pure Energy Minerals Ltd.

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