Founders Metals Hits 12.95 g/t Gold over 6.0 m Confirming High-Grade Gold Potential at Lower Antino

Founders Metals Inc. announced drill results from its Lower Antino target at the Antino Gold Project in Suriname on April 30, 2026. The headline intercept is hole LA060, which returned 6.0 metres grading 12.95 g/t gold, including a higher-grade sub-interval of 3.0 metres at 25.70 g/t gold from 55.0 metres depth. This result confirms the presence of a high-grade component within the previously identified tonalite-hosted system, which had been characterized by broader, lower-grade mineralization (e.g., previous intercepts like 90m @ 1.02 g/t). The news also reports strike extensions to the west (250 metres) and south (200 metre step-out hole LA054 returning 18.0m @ 0.68 g/t), alongside continued growth to the east. Four diamond drill rigs are currently operating across the district.

The news is rated Material - Positive. While Founders Metals has been releasing a consistent stream of positive drilling results throughout late 2025 and early 2026, this specific intercept materially alters the grade profile for the Lower Antino target. Previously defined largely as a bulk-tonnage system (averaging ~1.0 g/t), the confirmation of a 12.95 g/t core suggests higher-grade shoots that could significantly improve project economics and Net Present Value (NPV) if they persist. This validates the strategic investment thesis from Gold Fields, which increased its stake to 12.5% in early April 2026 specifically citing confidence in the exploration strategy. However, it is not a "Game Changer" relative to the initial Antino North discovery or the Gold Fields financing itself, as it represents an incremental but significant upgrade within an already high-performing district-scale campaign rather than a new paradigm shift.

Founders Metals Inc. is a gold exploration company focused on the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname, located within the Guiana Shield. The company holds a 70% interest in the core Antino concession (option agreement with Nana Resources) and has consolidated a contiguous land package of approximately 102,360 hectares, making it one of the largest publicly traded gold explorers in the region by area. The flagship project hosts multiple targets including Upper Antino, Lower Antino, Maria Geralda, Parbo, and the newly discovered Antino North. Historical production in the district exceeds 500,000 ounces of gold from artisanal and small-scale mining.