Sustainability is at the heart of our business.

USSM is dedicated to ensuring the responsible sourcing and processing of minerals that play a vital role in both the national and global economies of tomorrow. At our flagship facility in Madison County, we are actively engaged in essential environmental remediation efforts. Simultaneously, we are revitalizing a previously dormant site, fostering economic growth, and establishing sustainable, long-term employment opportunities within the green economy.

As a company, USSM has committed to the following Environmental, Social, and Governance Principles:

Environmental

• Responsible Battery Recycling: We divert end-of-life batteries from landfills to sustainable resource recovery.

• Environmental Protection: Our commitment extends to safeguarding land, air, and water resources.

• Supply Chain Collaboration: We collaborate across the supply chain to uphold the highest environmental standards.

• Resource Efficiency: We prioritize efficient resource use, including energy and emissions reduction.

• Compliance Management: We diligently manage legal requirements, permit conditions, and environmental obligations.

• Forward-looking asset closure planning: which includes financial provisions, aims to retain value, minimize liabilities, and contribute to sustainable post-closure land use.

Social

• Health, Safety, and Environmental Excellence: We maintain a healthy and safe workplace for all employees and stakeholders, striving to eliminate all workplace incidents, including injuries and occupational illnesses, while minimizing environmental impacts as far as reasonably practicable. Our comprehensive training programs exceed quality, health, safety, and environmental requirements.

• Employee Well-Being: We encourage employee engagement in health and wellness initiatives.

• Fair Treatment: We support a diverse work environment and ensure fair treatment for all employees.

• Community Engagement: We actively engage with the local community through Town Halls and giving back campaigns.

Governance:

At USSM, our unwavering commitment to respect, integrity, fairness, and trust guides every facet of our operations. We recognize our responsibility to shareholders, employees, communities, and the environment. Here are the key pillars of our governance framework:

• Health, Safety, and Environmental Excellence: We maintain a healthy and safe workplace for all employees and stakeholders, striving to eliminate all workplace incidents, including injuries and occupational illnesses, while minimizing environmental impacts as far as reasonably practicable. Our comprehensive training programs exceed quality, health, safety, and environmental requirements.

• Employee Well-Being: We encourage employee engagement in health and wellness initiatives, fostering a workforce that thrives physically and mentally.

• Fair Treatment: We uphold fairness and equity, ensuring that every team member is treated with dignity and respect. Our commitment extends beyond our walls to the communities where we operate.

• Community Engagement: We actively engage with local communities through Town Halls, educational programs, and giving back campaigns. Our goal is to be a positive force, contributing to sustainable development and well-being.

• Ethical Resource Recovery: We create an ethical, secondary source of critical battery materials through resource recovery. Our practices align with our values, ensuring responsible sourcing and processing.

• Transparent Reporting: We aim to provide reliable and transparent data that guides our mitigation strategies on risks and opportunities. Our commitment to transparency extends to financial reporting, governance practices, and environmental impact assessments.

• Environmental Health and Safety Management System: Our operations adhere to the highest standards of environmental health and safety. We continuously improve our systems, striving for excellence in risk management and sustainability.