Search Minerals Grants 1.8 Million Stock Options to Align Incentives with Growth

Search Minerals Inc. (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) announced on April 30, 2026, the granting of 1.8 million stock options to its directors, officers, and consultants. The options are exercisable at $0.50 per share and expire on April 30, 2031. The majority of the options vest quarterly over two years, with the remainder vesting in staged tranches, subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. This move is designed to align the interests of key personnel with the company's long-term growth and shareholder value.

The granting of stock options is a standard practice in the mining industry to retain talent and incentivize performance. For Search Minerals, this decision underscores its commitment to advancing its portfolio of critical rare earth elements (CREE), zirconium (Zr), and hafnium (Hf) projects in the Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District of South-east Labrador. The company controls a 64-kilometer-long by 2-kilometer-wide belt that is road accessible, on tidewater, and near three local communities, providing logistical advantages.

Search Minerals has completed a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) with resource estimates for its flagship projects, FOXTROT and DEEP FOX. Additionally, the company is exploring four prospects along the belt: FOX MEADOW, SILVER FOX, FOX RUN, and AWESOME FOX. The company has also optimized its patented Direct Extraction Process (DEP) technology with support from the Department of Energy and Mines, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency. Two pilot plant operations have been completed, producing highly purified mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate and mixed REO concentrate for separation and refining.

The news of the option grant is significant because it reflects management's confidence in the company's strategic direction and the potential of its rare earth assets. With the growing global demand for rare earth elements used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies, Search Minerals is positioning itself as a key player in the North American supply chain. The company's focus on environmentally friendly processing technology further enhances its appeal to investors and partners seeking sustainable mineral development.

Investors can stay updated on the latest news and developments from Search Minerals through the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHCMF. The options grant, while a routine corporate action, serves as a signal that the company's leadership is committed to driving value creation in the critical minerals sector.