DEEP SEA MINERALS CORP. SUBMITS RESPONSE TO U.S. DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE CONSORTIUM SOLICITATION FOR CRITICAL MINERALS

Rhea-AI Summary

Deep Sea Minerals Corp (OTCQB: DSEAF) announced on March 20, 2026 that it submitted a proposal to the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) solicitation to supply critical minerals, with a focus on nickel (Ni) and a complementary commercialization plant.

The submission responds to the DIBC RPP issued in February 2026 seeking strategic critical mineral supply alternatives for defense applications and onshoring of production capacity.

Vancouver, BC, March 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Deep Sea Minerals Corp. (CSE: SEAS) (OTCQB: DSEAF) (FSE: X45) ("Deep Sea Minerals" or the "Company"), a subsea mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing critical mineral opportunities from the deep ocean, is pleased to announce that it has submitted its bid in response to a solicitation from the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium (the “DIBC”) to provide to the United States a reliable supply of critical minerals, focusing on Nickel (Ni), and a complementary commercialization plant.

In February 2026, the DIBC issued a new request for project proposal (“RPP”) focused on strategic critical minerals. The DoW has prioritized identification of supply chain alternatives for defense-critical minerals used in the production of aircraft, missiles, semiconductors, and other defense technologies.

The DIBC is managed by Advanced Technology International (“ATI”) on behalf of the U.S. Department of War (the “DoW”). The DIBC aims to expand and diversify the defense industrial base in the U.S., enable private-sector businesses to work in partnership with the U.S. Government, provide non-dilutive financing for key contractors, and provide the U.S. Government access to commercial solutions for defense requirements.

Critical metals are considered essential for the U.S. defense industrial base, and the U.S. Government is engaged in strategic planning, initiatives, and funding to ensure it can access and onshore domestic production capabilities and supply.

“We are delighted to support DIBC initiatives that focus on strategic critical minerals and to partner with the DoW” said James Deckelman, Chief Executive Officer of Deep Sea Minerals Corp.

Deep Sea Minerals Corp. focuses on exploring and developing deep-sea mineral resources essential for emerging technologies, including materials used in batteries, electronics, and defense. Through technological innovation and strong environmental safeguards, the company aims to contribute to resilient and sustainable critical mineral supply chains.

ABOUT DEEP SEA MINERALS CORP.

Deep Sea Minerals Corp. is a subsea mineral exploration and development company focused on evaluating opportunities to support the future supply of critical minerals through the acquisition, exploration, and development of deep-sea mineral assets.

The Company’s strategy is centered on identifying jurisdictions and geological settings with potential exposure to polymetallic nodule systems, which are recognized for containing combinations of metals that may be relevant to defense, industrial manufacturing, clean energy infrastructure, advanced electronics, and artificial intelligence-related supply chains. These seabed resources represent a largely undeveloped component of the global mineral supply base and are the subject of increasing policy, scientific, and regulatory attention worldwide.

As part of this process, the Company has commenced early-stage engagement with selected governments and regulatory bodies in the Pacific Ocean region to assess potential pathways for future exploration initiatives, subject to applicable international, national, and environmental frameworks.

For further information, please see the Company’s website: https://www.deepseamineralscorp.com

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ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

“James A. Deckelman”
James A. Deckelman, Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

James A. Deckelman
Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 1-281-467-1279
Email: info@deepseamineralscorp.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to Company’s plans, objectives and strategies, expected benefits of subsea mineral exploration and development, and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

FAQ

What did Deep Sea Minerals (DSEAF) submit to the DIBC on March 20, 2026?

Deep Sea Minerals submitted a project proposal to provide a reliable supply of critical minerals, emphasizing nickel. According to the company, the bid includes a complementary commercialization plant aimed at supporting defense supply chains and onshoring initiatives.

Why is the DIBC solicitation important for Deep Sea Minerals Corp (DSEAF)?

The solicitation targets strategic defense-critical minerals and potential non-dilutive support for suppliers. According to the company, participation could position DSEAF to partner with U.S. defense supply initiatives and commercialize deep-sea nickel resources for defense applications.

Which minerals did Deep Sea Minerals (DSEAF) emphasize in its DIBC response?

The company emphasized nickel (Ni) in its response to the DIBC solicitation. According to the company, nickel is prioritized because it is used in aircraft, missiles, semiconductors, batteries, and other defense technologies.

What is the role of the DIBC and ATI in the solicitation Deep Sea Minerals (DSEAF) responded to?

The DIBC, managed by Advanced Technology International, seeks to expand U.S. defense supply resilience and enable private-sector partnerships. According to the company, the program aims to diversify supply chains and provide access to commercial solutions for defense requirements.

Does Deep Sea Minerals (DSEAF) say how its proposal supports environmental safeguards or sustainability?

Deep Sea Minerals states its approach pairs technological innovation with strong environmental safeguards to support sustainable supply chains. According to the company, the bid emphasizes resilient, responsible development of deep-sea mineral resources for emerging technologies.