Critical One Energy Confirms Broad Near-Surface Antimony Mineralization in First Drill Hole at Howells Lake Antimony-Gold Project

Critical One Energy announced that its first Phase I diamond drill hole (HWL‑2026‑001) at the Howells Lake Antimony‑Gold Project intersected ~100 m of near‑surface mineralization. Visual logging shows semi‑massive to disseminated stibnite stringers with associated pyrite‑pyrrhotite‑sphalerite sulphides in three intervals (24‑26.5 m, 35‑37 m, 75‑78 m). Estimated antimony grades range from ~2 % to 3–4 % Sb based on visual assessment; one interval shows up to 6 % Sb. Core has been sampled and sent for assay (results pending). The hole confirms the presence of mineralization where historic high‑grade zones were previously reported, supporting continuation of a planned ~12‑hole Phase I program.

• Scope: The drill intercept is an early‑stage technical validation rather than a resource‑defining result.
• Market reaction expectation: Because the news confirms mineralization but provides no assay data, investors are unlikely to reprice the stock dramatically. The announcement is positive but routine for a company that has been publicly stating it would commence drilling.
• Comparison to prior guidance: Earlier releases (Feb‑Mar 2026) outlined permit issuance, funding grants and the start of drilling. This result aligns with those expectations; no surprise element.
• Overall materiality: The news is Routine – Positive: it removes a key execution risk (first modern drill hole completed) but does not yet deliver quantifiable value.

Critical One Energy focuses on the Howells Lake Antimony‑Gold Project in Ontario’s Thunder Bay Mining District (~25,000 ha, 30 km strike). Historic data indicate a non‑NI 43‑101 resource of ~1.7 Mt @ 1.4 % Sb with associated gold (up to 75 % Sb and >14 g/t Au in isolated assays). The project is positioned as a strategic source of antimony, a critical metal for flame retardants, batteries and other clean‑technology applications.