Primary Hydrogen Corp. has prepared a fully funded and permitted 2026 exploration program at the Wicheeda North rare earth element project in British Columbia, which will culminate in the first drilling campaign in the property's history.

The 2,138-hectare project comprises nine contiguous mineral claims within the northern Cariboo Mining Division. Primary Hydrogen Corp. holds an option to acquire a 75% interest in the property.

The upcoming work program is sequenced to refine two untested, high-priority rare earth anomaly clusters—Grid A-South and Grid D-South—identified during the 2025 field season. Field crews will conduct infill and extensional soil geochemical sampling alongside an airborne radiometric survey to measure potassium, uranium, and thorium channels. Rare earth-bearing carbonatites commonly display elevated thorium responses, providing a vectoring tool to assist geologists in placing drill collars.

Primary targets approximately 1,500 metres of maiden drilling for completion in the fall of 2026. The issued Mines Act permit authorizes 8 kilometres of exploration access. The multi-year permit carries a five-year term expiring in 2031 and covers up to 70 drill sites, allowing subsequent exploration through 2030 without requiring a further Notice of Work application.

The work program requires no additional financing, drawing instead from the company's previous Critical Mineral flow-through financings held in treasury. Trading volume on August 10, 2026, was 228% above the 50-day average of 14,050 shares. Meanwhile, nearby explorer Apex Critical Metals Corp. mobilized a drill rig and commenced its 2026 exploration program at the Cap critical minerals project within the surrounding district on June 30, 2026. 

“Wicheeda North is permitted and funded, so the question this year was one of sequencing,” said David Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Primary Hydrogen. “We are sampling and flying the airborne survey ahead of the rig, so that the holes are placed on the best information available to us. I would rather spend a few weeks refining targets than mobilize early and guess. The permit runs five years and covers seventy drill sites, which allows us to plan well beyond a single season.”

— David Jackson, Chief Executive Officer

Read the full announcement: Primary Hydrogen Announces Fully Funded and Permitted 2026 Exploration and Maiden Drill Program at Wicheeda North