KO Gold applies for OTCQB Venture listing

Executive Summary

• KO Gold Inc. has submitted an application to OTC Markets Group Inc. for its common shares to be eligible for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market, aiming to enhance visibility with U.S. investors and improve trading accessibility.
• The company announced its Q2 2026 drilling plans for the Otago Gold Belt in New Zealand, specifically targeting the Smylers and Carrick exploration permits to test gold mineralization continuity and expand known zones.
• KO Gold holds a substantial land package in the Otago district, including four 100%-owned exploration permits covering ~400 sq km and NSR interests on additional permits, with over $3 million CAD invested in exploration over the past five years.

Key Details

• OTCQB Listing Application:
  • Application submitted to OTC Markets Group Inc. for OTCQB Venture Market eligibility.
  • Intended to increase visibility with U.S. investors and provide access via U.S. brokerage platforms.
  • Company intends to pursue eligibility with The Depository Trust Company (DTC) for electronic clearing and settlement in the U.S.
  • No new securities will be issued in connection with the listing.
  • Shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under symbol KOG.
  • Subject to OTC Markets' review and approval.
• Drilling Plans (Q2 2026):
  • Smylers Gold EP: Drilling planned to test continuity of previously intersected gold mineralization and expand known zones; located adjacent to OceanaGold's Macraes mine.
  • Carrick EP: Drilling planned to validate significant historical gold intersections via twin holes and stepout drilling; targeting historic Carrick goldfield and high-grade quartz vein systems associated with Carrick and Potters fault zones.
  • Regulatory Status: Company is submitting an access agreement with the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) to drill on DOC lands within the Carrick permit area.
  • Timeline: RC and diamond drilling programs to commence initially on Smylers, followed by Carrick and other permits throughout 2026.
• Land Position & Assets:
  • Owned Permits: Four 100%-owned exploration permits (Smylers, Glenpark, Hyde, Carrick) covering ~400 sq km. One additional EP application pending south of Carrick.
  • NSR Interests: Net smelter return royalty interests on three additional permits (Garibaldi, Raggedy Range, Rough Ridge South) covering ~340 sq km.
  • Investment: Over $3 million CAD invested in exploration programs (RC and diamond drilling) across Otago permits over the past five years.
• Regional Context:
  • Carrick EP is near Santana Minerals' (ASX: SMI) Bendigo-Ophir gold project, which is at the feasibility stage under New Zealand's fast-track permitting regime.
  • New Zealand's regulatory environment has improved, reflected in its standing in the Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies.

Notable Quotes

• "KO Gold has assembled a highly prospective land position in the Otago gold belt and we are now preparing to test several priority targets through drilling," said Greg Isenor, chief executive officer of KO Gold. "With drilling planned at both the Smylers gold and Carrick EPs, we are entering an exciting phase of exploration in a district that is seeing renewed momentum. The progress Santana Minerals is making at the nearby Bendigo-Ophir project further demonstrates the potential of this gold belt. Our OTCQB listing will also broaden our investor reach as we advance exploration across our Otago gold portfolio."