Edge Copper Initial Drilling Confirms Broad Oxide Copper Mineralization and Expansion Potential at Zonia

The May 19, 2026 release reports initial assay results from the ongoing ~54,000-foot diamond drilling program at the 100%-owned Zonia Copper Project in Arizona. The first eleven holes confirm broad, near-surface oxide copper mineralization both within and adjacent to the pit shell used in the March 2026 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). Notable intercepts include: - ZND0014: 621 ft @ 0.23% CuT from 79 ft (including 174 ft @ 0.36% CuT) - ZND0003: 247 ft @ 0.36% CuT from 170 ft (below the currently modelled oxide base) - ZND0002: 306 ft @ 0.25% CuT from 24 ft (including 78 ft @ 0.38% CuT) - ZND0009: 236 ft @ 0.29% CuT from 504 ft (including 90 ft @ 0.43% CuT) - ZND0019: 264 ft @ 0.22% CuT from 266 ft (including 67 ft @ 0.45% CuT)

The company states the program objectives are resource conversion, defining the oxide envelope, metallurgical data collection, and expansion drilling. It discloses an internal objective of evaluating potential resource growth of approximately 50%. An eight-hole metallurgical drill program is underway, and a resource update is expected in Q4 2026. All core is being scanned by GeologicAI’s sensor suite, and an IP survey is planned to extend geophysical coverage.

These are the first tangible drill results since the large program was announced (November 2025) and mobilized (January 2026). The grades and widths are broadly consistent with the existing resource (Indicated: 0.25% Cu; Inferred: 0.20% Cu), and the confirmation of oxide copper within and outside the current pit shell aligns with the pre-drill thesis. There are no intercepts that dramatically exceed expectations, nor any discovery of a new high-grade zone. The mention of a 50% resource-growth objective is a positive internal goal but is not yet supported by any new resource calculation. Because the drill program and its targets were well-telegraphed, and the results are in line with what a rational investor would expect after the PEA, the news does not materially alter the company’s valuation or risk profile. It is an incremental, positive data point that confirms the project’s potential, but it does not constitute a game changer or a material positive surprise. The early‑warrant exercise by the CEO in March, the PEA filing, and the drill mobilization all set the stage; these initial holes deliver on the promised path without exceeding it.

Edge Copper Corporation (TSX.V: EDCU) is a U.S.‑focused copper developer. Its sole asset is the 100%‑owned Zonia Copper Project in Yavapai County, Arizona. Zonia is a past‑producing, near‑surface oxide copper deposit located on private land with existing road, water, and power infrastructure. The company acquired the project for US$15 million in October 2025 and has since advanced it through a PEA (March 2026).

The PEA outlines a conventional open‑pit, heap‑leach, SX/EW operation producing 76 Mlb of copper cathode per year over a 10‑year mine life. Base‑case economics (at $4.60/lb Cu) include: - After‑tax NPV(8%) of $488M, IRR of 23.4% - Net free cash flow of $985M, payback 4.0 years - C1 cash cost $2.15/lb, AISC $2.38/lb, AIC $2.47/lb

Current Mineral Resource Estimate (March 2026, by DKT Geosolutions): - Indicated: 194 Mt @ 0.25% Cu for 964 Mlb contained copper - Inferred: 86 Mt @ 0.20% Cu for 341 Mlb contained copper

The company aims to grow the resource through the ongoing 54,000‑foot drill program and deliver an updated resource in Q4 2026, with a pre‑feasibility study targeted for 2027.