Rua Gold files technical reports for Reefton, Glamorgan

Executive Summary

• Rua Gold Inc. filed independent NI 43-101 technical reports for its Reefton and Glamorgan projects in New Zealand, featuring updated Mineral Resource Estimates (MREs) that show increases across all four prospects.
• The company has launched an aggressive 19,000-meter drill program at the Auld Creek target, utilizing four rigs starting March 2, 2026, to expand resources northward and at depth ahead of a prefeasibility study (PFS) in late 2026.
• Rua Gold has engaged specialized consultants (Pitch Black Group and Mining One) to conduct preliminary economic assessment (PEA) and underground mining studies, supporting a fast-track mine permit referral application targeted for Q1 2026.

Key Details

• Updated Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE):
  • Auld Creek Indicated Resource: 300,000 tonnes at 3.18 g/t Au and 12% Sb, containing 31,000 oz Au and 3,000 t Sb (54,000 oz AuEq).
  • Auld Creek Inferred Resource: 1.25 million tonnes at 2.0 g/t Au and 0.8% Sb, containing 79,000 oz Au and 10,000 t Sb (148,000 oz AuEq).
  • The updated profile demonstrates increases in all four MRE prospects.
• Drilling Program:
  • Scope: 19,000 meters of drilling planned over the next seven months.
  • Start Date: March 2, 2026.
  • Equipment: Four drill rigs in operation.
  • Objectives: Expand the MRE northward and at depth; infill and increase confidence in the current inferred resource; extend the resource which remains open 400 meters to the north and unconstrained at depth.
  • Location: 10 drill pads at Auld Creek.
• Project Timeline & Studies:
  • Q1 2026: Fast-track referral application for mine permitting.
  • H1 2026: Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) study.
  • H2 2026: Prefeasibility Study (PFS).
• Consultant Engagements for PEA/PFS:
  • Processing and Tailings: Pitch Black Group engaged for metallurgical testwork optimization, mineral concentrate options, scoping-level flowsheet development, and tailings/waste rock studies (in partnership with Knight Piesold).
  • Underground Mining: Mining One engaged for mine concept design, high-level mine plan, entry, ventilation, and surface haul roads. Terra Firma Mining (local partner) to support with local context, health, safety, and operationalizing the early mine plan.
• Project Context:
  • Reefton Project: Located on the South Island; Rua Gold is the dominant landholder with over 120,000 hectares of tenements in a district historically producing over 2 million oz of gold (9-50 g/t).
  • Glamorgan Project: Located on the North Island in the Hauraki district, adjacent to OceanaGold Corp.'s Wharekirauponga project.

Notable Quotes

• Simon Henderson, Chief Operating Officer: "Since November, 2024, drilling has prioritized the Auld Creek gold-antimony project to advance one project toward a mine development phase. With gold-antimony mineralization outcropping at surface, and continuing unconstrained at depth and along strike northward, Auld Creek presents a compelling opportunity to establish a central processing hub for high-grade gold and gold-antimony projects within a 30-kilometre range."
• Simon Henderson, Chief Operating Officer: "The 19,000 m drill program and additional regional projects at Alexander, Big River, Golden Treasure and Fiery Cross to be tested in the 2026 year provide both resources and excitement in the exploration team to revitalize the Reefton gold district."
• Simon Delander, Vice-President: "Rua Gold is pleased to be able to engage such highly regarded and professional study partners who have strong New Zealand and international experience in designing similar projects. We look forward to advancing Auld Creek to the next stage."