Sama begins 2026 exploration at Samapleu-Grata

Executive Summary

• Sama Resources Inc. and joint venture partner Ivanhoe Electric Inc. have commenced a 2026 regional exploration program at the Samapleu-Grata polymetallic nickel-copper project in Côte d'Ivoire.
• The program aims to demonstrate district-scale potential by targeting over 20 high-priority, untested electromagnetic (EM) anomalies across an 879-square-kilometre land package, building on the 2025 discovery of the Mossikro prospect.
• Key activities include approximately 4,500 metres of diamond drilling, EM plate modelling, and ground gravity surveys, with drilling scheduled to begin in early February 2026.

Key Details

• Joint Venture Structure: The project is a 60/40 joint venture between Ivanhoe Electric (60%) and Sama Resources (40%), with Sama acting as the operator. Ivanhoe Electric also holds a 22.7% equity stake in Sama Resources.
• 2026 Exploration Scope:
  • Drilling: Approximately 4,500 metres of regional exploration diamond drilling.
  • Geophysics: EM plate modelling of high-priority anomalies from 2013-2018 airborne surveys to characterize conductive massive sulphide mineralization.
  • Gravity Surveys: Ground gravity surveys scheduled to start in February 2026 and complete by the end of Q2 2026 to refine potential massive sulphide zones.
  • Targeting: Focus on more than 20 high-priority, untested EM targets with features comparable to the Samapleu and Grata deposits.
• Drilling Schedule and Locations:
  • Commencement: Early February 2026.
  • Initial Focus: High-priority EM targets within the Glanle (PR-839) and Zoupleu (PR-837) permits.
  • Follow-up: Planned drilling for targets showing the strongest combined EM and gravity responses.
• Recent Discovery Context:
  • The 2025 Mossikro prospect discovery (announced Sept. 9, 2025) was made 10 km south-southwest of the 2024 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) area.
  • Mossikro exhibits geophysical signatures, mineralization styles, and host lithologies comparable to Samapleu and Grata, validating the regional exploration model.
• Environmental and Social Baseline Studies:
  • Conducted by SIMPAE (Ivory Coast-based firm) within the 2024 PEA area.
  • Completed activities include wildlife/vegetation inventories, surface/groundwater sampling, and socio-environmental baseline data collection.
  • Purpose: To support advancement toward a mining permit application.
• Technical Reporting (NI 43-101):
  • Reference made to the "NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Samapleu and Grata Deposits Project" (Effective Date: March 21, 2024; Filed: May 3, 2024).
  • Assaying methods: Sodium peroxide fusion ICP for nickel, copper, cobalt, iron, and sulphur; Fire assay ICP-OES for platinum, palladium, and gold.
  • Qualified Persons: Todd McCracken, Bahareh Asi, Kevan Ford, Jason Van Schie (BBA International Inc.), Chris Martin (Independent Consultant), and Wilson Muir (Knight Piesold Ltd.).

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Marc-Antoine Audet, President and CEO of Sama Resources: "The 2026 exploration program is a pivotal step in unlocking the full district-scale potential of the 879-square-kilometre project area and builds on our successful 2025 exploration program. With multiple high-quality targets remaining untested and a proven discovery track record, we are executing a focused regional exploration strategy targeting new high-grade polymetallic discoveries across our vast land package. Importantly, this program also advances the environmental and social baseline work required to position the project for long-term development and permitting."