Nickel North samples up to 0.644 g/t Pd at Hawk Ridge

Dr. Tony Guo reports NICKEL NORTH ANNOUNCES SOIL ASSAY RESULTS CONFIRMING CU-NI-PGE-AU ANOMALIES AT HAWK RIDGE PROJECT Nickel North Exploration Corp. has received final laboratory assay results from the 205 soil samples from its 100-per-cent-owned Hawk Ridge copper/nickel/platinum group element/gold project in Northern Quebec. These samples, originally collected during the 2022 field season and previously screened using a hand-held XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer, were submitted to Agat Laboratories in Vancouver for high-precision geochemical analysis. Previous hand-held XRF analyzing results showed very strong polymetallic anomalies at the Hawk Ridge project. The new results in 2025 successfully validate the company's previous XRF findings mentioned above and have identified strong palladium, platinum and gold anomalies that were not previously quantified by XRF analyzer. Highlights of the 2025 soil assaying program: Discovery of precious metals: Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of significant precious metals associated with base metal anomalies: Palladium: Assays returned values up to 0.644 gram per tonne (644 parts per billion). Gold: Assays returned values up to 0.391 g/t (391 ppb). Platinum: Assays returned values up to 0.300 g/t (300 ppb). Confirmation of base metal grade: Copper: High-grade soil anomalies confirmed with values up to 3,460 parts per million (0.35 per cent). Nickel: Anomalous nickel values confirmed up to 725 ppm. Strong mineralization correlation: Statistical analysis reveals a strong positive correlation (r equal to 0.77) between copper and palladium. This indicates that copper serves as an excellent pathfinder element for vectoring toward high-grade sulphide mineralization enriched with PGEs in future drilling. Target expansion: The coincident nickel/copper/PGE anomalies have refined and expanded the exploration potential at the Falco 7, Gamma, Hope Advance, Pio and Lucille zones. The 2025 program focused on verifying historical anomalies across a 50-kilometre strike length of the mafic-ultramafic intrusions. The analytical results demonstrate distinct geochemical signatures consistent with magmatic nickel/copper/PGE sulphide deposits: Falco 7 zone: identified undrilled high-grade areas with strong copper/nickel signatures now confirmed to host associated PGE mineralization; Lucille zone: previously noted for cobalt anomalies, the new data highlight its potential for polymetallic mineralization; Gamma and Hope Advance zones: results show continuity of mineralization trends, supporting the geological model of extensive sulphide saturation. Integration with continuing exploration The new assaying data will be integrated with existing geological mapping, geophysical interpretations and historical data sets to update the company's geological and mineralization models for the Hawk Ridge project. This integrated approach is expected to assist in defining priority areas for future field programs, including potential drilling. Dr. Tony Guo, president and chief executive officer, commented: "We are highly encouraged by these laboratory results. While the 2022 XRF data gave us a preliminary indication of base metals, these certified assays from Agat Laboratories have added a critical layer of value by confirming the presence of high-grade palladium and gold in the soil overlying our key targets. The strong correlation between copper and palladium provides our technical team with a powerful vectoring tool. These results reduce geological uncertainty at the Hawk Ridge project and provide clear, high-priority targets for our upcoming 2026 drilling and exploration season." Quality assurance/quality control and analytical procedures Soil samples were taken on a 100-metre-by-100-metre to 300-metre-by-300-metre grids covering an approximately 25-square-kilometre area over five zones of the Hawk Ridge project. In total, 381 soil samples were collected originally and 205 samples were recovered in 2025. Approximately 200 grams to 400 grams of soil was sampled at a depth of approximately 10 to 20 centimetres from surface depending on the surface conditions. Soil samples were primarily targeting the B horizon when appropriate and sampled into labelled craft paper bags. Approximately 50 packaged samples (10 soils per poly bag) were put into labelled rice bags for transport. Security tags were added to the rice bags to further increase QA/QC protocol. The 205 recovered soil samples were analyzed by Agat Laboratories, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited facility. The analytical package included: Base metals: four-acid digestion with ICP-OES/MS finish (Code 201-070) to ensure near-total dissolution of resistant sulphide and oxide minerals; Precious metals (gold, platinum and palladium): fire Assay with ICP-OES finish (Code 202-051) on a 30-gram charge. The company adhered to a strict QA/QC program, including the insertion of standards and blanks, which were reviewed and found to be within acceptable limits. Qualified person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Tony Guo, PGeo, president and chief executive officer of Nickel North Exploration, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Nickel North Exploration Corp. Nickel North Exploration is a Canada-based exploration company focused on defining a nickel/copper/cobalt/PGE mineral resource at its Hawk Ridge project in Northern Quebec. The board of directors, the advisory committee and the management team are experienced, successful mine finders. The project consists of a 50-kilometre-long belt of strong magmatic copper/nickel/cobalt/PGE occurrences covering 179.67 square kilometres. The project is located near tidewater. Quebec is a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Nickel North Exploration is a conscientious corporate citizen that maintains good relations with local Inuit communities and is committed to sustainable development. We seek Safe Harbor.