Lithium Ionic Advances Bandeira Project with First Equipment Order and Community Engagement Update

• Lithium Ionic Corp. placed its first long-lead equipment order for the Bandeira Lithium Project, securing the main substation power transformer from Brazilian manufacturer Blutrafos
• Overall project engineering has advanced to approximately 65% completion since the feasibility study results announced in September 2025
• Geotechnical drilling totalling 1,352 metres has been completed to support detailed engineering and design work
• The capital cost estimate for Bandeira is being updated as part of the ongoing detailed engineering process
• More than 4,500 personnel hours have been dedicated to community engagement near Bandeira since late 2025, reaching over 700 attendees to date

Lithium Ionic Corp. (TSXV: LTH; OTCQX: LTHCF; FSE: H3N) is a Canada-based lithium development company advancing its wholly owned Bandeira Lithium Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, an area known for hard-rock lithium deposits. The Company's work focuses on advancing the project's engineering, permitting, and commercial planning as it prepares for a future construction decision, with the goal of supplying spodumene concentrate to battery markets.

First Long-Lead Equipment Order Placed for Bandeira Substation Transformer

Lithium Ionic has placed the first long-lead equipment order for the Bandeira Project, covering the main power transformer for the site's internal substation. The unit, rated 138/13.8 kV, will be supplied by Blutrafos, a Brazil-based manufacturer. Transformers of this type typically require long manufacturing lead times, which is why they are ordered ahead of other project components.

This order follows the release of the project's feasibility study results in September 2025 and forms part of the procurement activity now underway alongside detailed engineering. Long-lead equipment orders are typically placed for components that take significant time to manufacture and deliver, so that they are available when needed during construction.

Blake Hylands, P.Geo., Chief Executive Officer of Lithium Ionic, said:

"Placing our first long-lead order is a tangible signal that Bandeira is moving from the drawing board into execution. With overall engineering now approximately 65% complete and geotechnical work and procurement advancing in parallel, we are steadily de-risking the Project and building momentum toward a construction decision."

Engineering Advancement to 65% Completion Supporting Construction Readiness

Engineering work at Bandeira has reached approximately 65% completion, measured from the point of the feasibility study results released in September 2025. This stage of work involves converting the feasibility study into detailed designs, equipment specifications, and site layouts needed for construction.

Supporting this work, the Company has completed 1,352 metres of geotechnical drilling across the project area. Geotechnical drilling examines the physical properties of soil and rock, information used by engineers to design foundations for buildings, processing facilities, and other site infrastructure.

As detailed engineering continues, the Company is also updating its capital cost estimate for Bandeira. This update is being carried out using the more detailed design and procurement information generated during the current engineering phase.

Expanded Community Engagement Program Building Local Support Near Bandeira

Lithium Ionic has continued its community engagement program near the Bandeira Project. Since late 2025, the Company has logged more than 4,500 personnel hours on this program, with over 700 attendees participating in various sessions to date.

Part of this effort included impact assessment workshops facilitated by independent consultancy H&P, using a structured, collective listening process to gather how community members view the project's potential effects. On April 26, 2026, Company representatives held an in-person presentation for the community, a session of approximately three hours attended by 145 people, where the project's operational aspects were explained alongside planned measures to prevent and manage socio-environmental impacts.

As part of this program, Lithium Ionic has contracted community members to provide catering, transportation, photographic documentation, first aid, and children's activities at these gatherings.

CEO Blake Hylands added:

"We're also proud of the collaborative progress we've made with the community to-date and will continue to facilitate a productive dialogue. We are grateful for the community enthusiasm in response to our engagement efforts."

Outlook

Lithium Ionic has placed its first long-lead equipment order and advanced project engineering to approximately 65% completion. The Company expects to provide further updates as additional long-lead equipment packages proceed through tendering and award, while detailed engineering and the updated capital cost estimate continue in parallel. Community engagement near Bandeira is also expected to continue as the project progresses toward a future construction decision.

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