Mercado begins drilling at Copalito

Executive Summary

• Mercado Minerals Ltd. has commenced its inaugural 3,000-metre diamond drill program at its flagship Copalito project in Sinaloa, Mexico.
• The program involves approximately 25 drill holes targeting five segments of four known veins (5 Senores, El Agua, La Chiva, and El Pilar) and initial testing of the El Medio and Chente veins.
• The initiative aims to build on 81 historical drill holes, with only 60% of known veins previously drilled to an average depth of 100 metres, to determine structural controls on silver-gold mineralization.

Key Details

• Drill Program Scope: 3,000 metres total length, comprising approximately 25 drill holes.
• Contractor: HR Drilling SAS de CV.
• Target Areas:
  • Primary targets: Segments of known veins at 5 Senores, El Agua, La Chiva, and El Pilar.
  • Initial testing: El Medio and Chente veins.
• Historical Context: The program follows up on 81 diamond drill holes completed by a previous operator.
• Exploration Status: Only 60% of the known veins have been drilled, previously to an average depth of 100 metres.
• Objectives:
  • Determine structural controls on silver-gold-bearing vein mineralization.
  • Target areas of potential thickening of vein mineralization and higher grades.
  • Step out along strike and to depth in several areas.
• Technical Support: Recent lidar and high-resolution airborne magnetic surveys, along with mapping and planning, assisted in organizing drill hole locations.
• Qualified Person: Kelson Willms, PGeo, of Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Ltd., reviewed and approved the technical information in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.

Notable Quotes

• Daniel Rodriguez, CEO: "We are excited to be launching the next phase of exploration at Copalito with this 3,000-metre drill program targeting several segments of known mineralized veins across the project. The program is designed to build on the 81 historical drill holes completed by the previous operator while also testing new areas that remain largely unexplored."
• Daniel Rodriguez, CEO: "This work will help improve our understanding of the structural controls on silver-gold mineralization and guide future drill targeting across both known and newly identified veins, unlocking the broader potential of the project."