Nio Métaux Stratégiques Begins US OTCQB Trading Under Symbol NIOCF to Boost Investor Access

Broadened US Market Reach with OTCQB Listing

Nio Métaux Stratégiques has expanded its trading presence beyond Canadian exchanges by securing a listing on the OTCQB® Venture Market. Announced on July 23, 2026, the company’s ordinary shares began trading on July 24, 2026, under the ticker "NIOCF." This milestone is a key part of NIO’s strategy to increase investor engagement in the United States while retaining its TSX Venture Exchange listing.

The OTCQB Venture Market caters to early-stage and development companies from the US and internationally, requiring listed firms to maintain up-to-date disclosures and undergo annual management verification and attestation. Investors can access real-time quotes and market data for NIO at www.otcmarkets.com/stock/NIOCF/quote.

Strategic Motives for US Market Entry

Bruno Dumais, President and COO of Nio, highlighted the OTCQB listing’s strategic value, stating it "will improve access to Nio for American investors" and represents "an important step to increase our presence and visibility in the United States, contributing to long-term shareholder value creation." This reflects the company’s intent to expand its institutional and retail investor base across the US border.

The move to OTCQB trading aligns with a growing trend among Canadian exploration companies seeking to diversify shareholders and enhance liquidity. Listing on a US exchange allows NIO to attract American investors who previously faced challenges trading Canadian securities. Post-listing, the company plans to engage in investor meetings with US market participants, signaling a coordinated investor relations effort to leverage the new trading platform.

NIO’s Quebec-Based Strategic Metals Exploration Assets

Nio Métaux Stratégiques is focused on becoming a ferroniobium producer, with exploration and development properties containing niobium and critical metals in Quebec’s Oka and Mont-Laurier regions. These areas are established mining jurisdictions with supportive infrastructure and regulatory frameworks conducive to mineral exploration.

The emphasis on ferroniobium and critical metals aligns with global demand trends driven by advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology sectors. As a junior exploration company, NIO’s investment appeal lies in its geological assets and development potential rather than production or revenue. The OTCQB listing reflects management’s confidence in advancing exploration and expanding its geographically diverse shareholder base.

Dual Listing Structure Enhances Investor Convenience

With the OTCQB listing, NIO continues its dual exchange trading, maintaining its TSX Venture Exchange presence under "NIO." This dual-listing strategy offers flexibility for different investor preferences, allowing Canadian investors to trade locally while providing US investors direct access without currency conversion or cross-border settlement issues.

Dual listings are common among Canadian junior mining firms aiming to maximize investor accessibility. Maintaining both Canadian and US trading venues meets regulatory and practical needs while enhancing liquidity across time zones. Investors should note that share prices may differ between exchanges due to currency fluctuations, trading volumes, and market-specific factors.

OTCQB Listing Requirements and Regulatory Compliance

Companies on the OTCQB Venture Market must keep current disclosure filings and undergo annual management verification and attestation, ensuring regulatory compliance and transparency. These standards set OTCQB-listed firms apart from other over-the-counter securities with less stringent disclosure.

NIO’s successful OTCQB listing demonstrates compliance with US securities information requirements and reporting obligations. Public documents are accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on NIO’s website at https://niostratmet.com/, offering investors comprehensive regulatory filings and corporate disclosures.

Investor Relations and US Market Engagement Plans

NIO plans to conduct investor engagement activities in the US following the OTCQB listing. This proactive approach highlights management’s commitment to building relationships with American institutional and retail investors who were previously less accessible via Canadian exchanges. Investor meetings and presentations are standard for junior exploration companies aiming to increase market awareness and support.

The timing of the OTCQB listing alongside planned investor outreach suggests a coordinated strategy to maximize visibility and investor interaction. Interested parties should monitor the company’s website and disclosure filings for updates on investor meetings and presentations.

Critical Minerals Market Dynamics and Company Positioning

NIO’s role as a critical minerals exploration company reflects growing recognition of the strategic importance of rare earth elements, niobium, and specialty metals in technology and defense sectors. Global supply chain concerns and efforts to reduce reliance on concentrated mineral sources have increased interest in junior mining companies with exploration assets in these commodities. Quebec’s stable regulatory environment and hydroelectric power availability make it an attractive region for critical minerals development.

Focusing on ferroniobium production aligns with industrial demand in steelmaking, aerospace, and automotive industries, where niobium’s strength and corrosion resistance are valued. As global economies shift toward renewable energy and electrification, demand for specialty metals used in wind turbines, electric vehicles, and grid infrastructure is expected to grow. NIO’s exploration-stage status positions it to capitalize on this demand through asset development and potential future production.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Disclosures

The announcement includes standard forward-looking statement disclaimers, noting that statements about objectives, strategy, and value creation are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ materially due to factors detailed in NIO’s management discussion and analysis and other public disclosures on SEDAR+.

Investors should consider these risk factors, including exploration risks, regulatory changes, commodity price volatility, financing availability, and competitive industry dynamics. The company does not commit to updating forward-looking statements except as required by securities laws.

Trading Data and Market Information Access

Real-time quotes, trading volumes, and market data for NIO shares under the NIOCF symbol on OTCQB are available via OTC Markets Group at www.otcmarkets.com/stock/NIOCF/quote. This centralized platform enhances transparency and accessibility for US investors interested in trading NIO shares.

Investors should note that liquidity and spreads on OTC markets may differ from those on the TSX Venture Exchange due to trading volume, market maker activity, and investor awareness. Reviewing current market conditions and consulting financial advisors is recommended before trading on either exchange.