Slave Lake assays 7.75% Pb, 6.62% Zn at O'Connor Lake

Mr. Ritch Wigham reports SLAVE LAKE ZINC CONFIRMS HIGH-GRADE DISTRICT POTENTIAL AT O'CONNOR LAKE; ASSAYS RETURN UP TO 7.75% LEAD AND 6.62% ZINC Slave Lake Zinc Corp. has released encouraging geochemical results from its late 2025 geologic review at the O'Connor Lake exploration property in the South Slave area, Northwest Territories. The program has validated the company's regional exploration model, identifying high-grade mineralization in multiple new structures several kilometres distant from the historic Shaft zone. Highlights of the 2025 program: High-grade mineralization confirmed: Assays from recently identified vein systems returned grades of up to 7.75 per cent lead and 6.62 per cent zinc. Widespread mineralization: Results validate the presence of a district-scale hydrothermal system with multiple mineralized structures identified outside of the known Shaft zone deposit. Significant byproduct potential: Sampling revealed widespread copper values ranging from 0.17 per cent to 0.92 per cent Cu, along with elevated silver values (up to 19.5 grams per tonne Ag), suggesting multielement potential including precious metals. Geological validation: Fieldwork confirms that the new vein systems share a similar orientation and appearance to the historic Shaft zone, supporting the hypothesis of a large, deep-seated hydrothermal origin. Strategic advancement: The program was supported by the Northwest Territories government's mineral incentive program. Program overview and geological context During late September and early October 2025, Slave Lake Zinc contracted Aurora Geosciences Ltd. of Yellowknife to conduct a short 10-day geological reconnaissance program of the O'Connor Lake property. Operating from a float-aircraft-supported tent camp, the field crew concentrated on evaluating historic showings along structural corridors located several kilometres from the historic Shaft zone. The results from this program help transform the company's regional strategy into reality. The similarities in orientation and mineralogical character between these new discoveries and the original Shaft zone vein strongly validate the hypothesis that the O'Connor Lake property hosts a regional-scale mineralizing system. The multielement nature of the assays -- highlighted by high-grade lead and zinc paired with significant copper and silver mineralization -- points to a complex and fertile hydrothermal system capable of hosting substantial tonnage. Chief executive officer commentary Ritch Wigham, CEO of Slave Lake Zinc, commented: "The results of this season's field program are a major step forward for the company. We have successfully demonstrated that high-grade mineralization is not confined to the Shaft zone but is part of a much larger, district-scale system. These results allow us to design a targeted exploration program to resolve the complex structural controls that localized this mineralization. By understanding the timing and orientation of these events, we can prioritize our most promising drill targets. Detailed structural mapping and geophysical surveying will now provide the critical data needed to unlock the full value of this property." Next steps The company is currently analyzing the findings of this successful program to define the next steps for the 2026 exploration program. This analysis involves integrating new geochemical data to optimize the locations of coming geological sampling, structural analysis and geophysical surveys and to delineate diamond drilling targets. Qualified person The technical contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Gary Vivian, PGeo, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Slave Lake Zinc Corp. Slave Lake is focused on exploring and developing its O'Connor Lake property in the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories. The property hosts a historic high-grade zinc-lead-copper-silver deposit and multiple regional-scale structures with significant exploration upside. We seek Safe Harbor.