Salazar Resources Identifies High-Priority Copper-Gold Porphyry Target at Its 100%-Owned Monja Project, Ecuador

• On 8 Apr 2026 Salazar announced the identification of a high‑priority copper‑gold porphyry target within its 100 % owned Monja Project in Loja Province, Ecuador.
• Surface mapping and rock‑chip sampling returned very high grades (e.g., 4.77 % Cu, 1.12 g/t Au) that are indicative of a fertile porphyry system.
• The company will commence an expanded “high‑impact” program: detailed surface mapping, systematic sampling and ground geophysics to define drill targets for the next development phase.
• Qualified Person Kieran Downes (P.Geo.) has signed off on the technical data per NI 43‑101.

• Scope: The Monja discovery adds a new, greenfield copper‑gold system to Salazar’s portfolio, which until now was dominated by the El Domo joint‑venture and the recently consolidated Santiago/Pijilí/Tarqui‑Quimi assets.
• Comparison to prior expectations: Earlier releases (Mar 2026) highlighted a broad Ecuadorian platform but gave no concrete high‑grade porphyry results. The rock‑chip grades far exceed typical early‑stage exploration benchmarks, turning Monja from a “potential” into a “high‑priority” target.
• Financial relevance: No immediate cash flow impact; however, the program will require additional drilling capital (likely funded through existing cash balances and future financing). The discovery improves the company’s valuation narrative and may attract strategic investors or joint‑venture partners.
• Risk offset: While the El Domo construction budget has risen to $284 M with a six‑month delay, the Monja upside provides a non‑contingent exploration catalyst that could mitigate near‑term cash burn concerns.

Conclusion: The news is materially positive – it delivers genuinely new, high‑grade data that materially upgrades Salazar’s resource base and future upside potential.

Salazar Resources Ltd. is a junior mining company focused on copper‑gold exploration in Ecuador. Its flagship development is the El Domo copper‑gold mine, a joint venture with Silvercorp where Salazar holds a 25 % carried interest. The newly highlighted Monja Project (9,088 ha) now appears to host a complete porphyry system and will become the next primary exploration focus.