NioBay Confirms Receipt of an Exploration Permit for its James Bay Niobium Project

Executive Summary

• NioBay Metals received a new three‑year exploration permit from the Ontario government for the James Bay Niobium Project.
• The permit enables resumption and completion of the drilling campaign that was suspended in March 2022 at the request of the Moose Cree First Nation.
• Drilling will be conducted via helicopter with enhanced water and mud management to address community concerns.

Key Details

• Permit validity: 3 years, allowing drilling until approximately October 2028.
• Project location: 42 km south of Moosonee, Ontario (James Bay Niobium Project).
• Existing mining lease remains in force through October 2028.
• Drilling campaign will be modified to avoid South Bluff Creek and incorporate stricter water‑management practices.
• Helicopter‑borne drilling required; the company met these requirements during its last campaign.
• The Company emphasizes continued engagement with the Moose Cree First Nation (MCFN) and Indigenous communities under Treaty 9.
• CEO Jean‑Sébastien David highlighted the strategic importance of Canadian critical minerals and reiterated commitment to community involvement before any further exploration work proceeds.

Notable Quotes

“The geopolitical context has changed significantly over the past two years regarding critical and strategic minerals; we consider that this permit was granted with this in mind… It is a priority for the Company to work with the MCFN to advance this exploration work.” – Jean‑Sébastien David, President & CEO

All boilerplate, forward‑looking statements, and company background have been omitted for brevity.