Pacific Empire Reports Final Results from DD25-TRI-001, Confirming 240 Metres Grading 0.93% CuEq

On January 21, 2026, Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (PEMC) reported final assay results from drill hole DD25-TRI-001 at its flagship Trident Project in British Columbia. The hole returned a composite interval of 240 metres grading 0.93% Copper Equivalent (CuEq) (0.60% Cu, 0.41 g/t Au, and 2.7 g/t Ag) starting from 9 metres downhole. This composite includes the previously reported high-grade upper intervals (183m of 1.23% CuEq). The release confirms mineralization extends to depth, identifying broad, altered fault zones that suggest a larger structural system.

Simultaneously, the company announced the commencement of a strategic process. Management is seeking a strategic investment, partnership, or collaboration to fund continued exploration at the Trident and Pinnacle projects. This signals an intent to bring in a major partner rather than relying solely on equity financing. Additionally, the company engaged Hillside Consulting for a $50,000 marketing campaign to increase investor awareness.

This news is Material - Positive, though it carries a nuance of "sell the news" risk regarding the strategic review. * Validation of Scale: The primary risk for junior explorers is finding "smoke but no fire." The extension of the mineralized envelope to 240m confirms that the high-grade hits reported in December were not isolated veins but part of a bulk-tonnage porphyry system. The grade of 0.93% CuEq over 240m is economically significant in British Columbia, comparing favorably to operating mines like Mt. Milligan. * Strategic Pivot: The announcement of a "strategic process" is critical. It implies management recognizes that fully defining a system of this apparent size is beyond their current treasury capacity. By seeking a partner now, they aim to avoid highly dilutive financing at these levels. However, this introduces binary execution risk: if they fail to secure a partner, the stock may re-rate lower due to funding uncertainty. * Drill Success: This was the first hole of the program testing a target that had been inaccessible for 50 years. A hit of this magnitude on the first attempt drastically de-risks the geological model.

• Company: Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PEMC) is a copper-gold explorer focused on British Columbia.
• Flagship Project (Trident): Located in the Quesnel Terrane, BC. It is a copper-gold porphyry prospect. The key value proposition is the "Northern Target," an area previously undrilled for 50 years due to access issues (a creek). PEMC secured permits in Aug 2025 to bridge the creek, leading to the current discovery.
• Secondary Project (Pinnacle): Located adjacent to Trident, currently undergoing early-stage exploration and prospecting.