Sterling Metals Summer Field Program Discovers Bornite in Outcrop Across a 6km Corridor and Appoints Dr. Neil O'Brien as Chief Geologist

Executive Summary

• Sterling Metals announced a major surface discovery of extensive bornite and chalcopyrite mineralization at the newly defined Gimlet Target Area within its Soo Copper Project.
• The company appointed Dr. Neil O'Brien, former Lundin Mining SVP, as Chief Geologist to lead further exploration.
• An equity incentive program was disclosed, granting 1,300,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to officers and directors, vesting over three years.

Key Details

• Surface Discovery: Mapping and sampling identified a 2 km‑wide corridor of bornite‑rich outcrop south of existing drill holes; 93 copper‑bearing samples collected, including 38 with bornite.
• Drill Highlight Reference: Prior hole MEPS-25‑02 intersected 262.5 m @ 1.05% CuEq (including 68.3 m @ 3.25% CuEq and 9.3 m @ 19.98% CuEq).
• Soil Sampling Program: 1,323 new soil samples yielded 122 copper‑positive results across a >6 km corridor; assay results pending.
• Geophysical Insight: Reprocessed 2014 ZTEM survey shows a 10 km circular resistivity anomaly encompassing both the 2025 drill intercepts and the Gimlet Target Area, suggesting a potential intrusive centre.
• Drill Program Expansion: Minimum planned drilling increased from 3,000 m to 6,000 m to test the expanded target area.
• Management Appointment: Dr. Neil O'Brien appointed Chief Geologist; previously Technical Advisor since Jan 2023 and former SVP Exploration at Lundin Mining (2004‑2018).
• Equity Incentive Grant: 1,300,000 RSUs granted to officers/directors; vesting in three equal tranches over 36 months starting Oct 8 2026; each RSU converts to one common share upon vesting with a four‑month hold period.
• Quotes:
• Dr. Neil O'Brien: “Our drilling indicates a km‑scale, well‑preserved copper‑bearing potassic zone… the identification of extensive new bornite and chalcopyrite prospects … provides good evidence that there are more high‑grade copper zones at shallow depths yet to be discovered.”
• Jeremy Niemi (SVP Exploration): “Surface discovery of bornite across a wide new target corridor reinforces the view that Soo Copper is a large, multi‑centre copper system.”
• Mathew Wilson (CEO): “We are thrilled to add Dr. O’Brien to our team at this critical juncture… his track record speaks volumes to the potential of the Soo Copper project.”

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Neil O'Brien: “The Soo Copper discovery represents one of the most compelling copper exploration opportunities in Canada, and I look forward to advancing and expanding this high‑grade system.”
• Jeremy Niemi: “With Dr. O’Brien now formally joining the team, we’re adding decades of global porphyry expertise that will accelerate our understanding of the system’s architecture and scale.”

All technical information reviewed and approved by Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo., SVP Exploration & Evaluation.