Critical One working on data review for Howells Lake

Mr. Duane Parnham reports CRITICAL ONE ENERGY CONFIRMS TARGET DEPTH EXTENSION AT HOWELLS LAKE ANTIMONY-GOLD DEPOSIT Advanced geophysical and geological modelling has confirmed significant expansion potential of the antimony-gold deposit at Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals Inc.)'s Howells Lake antimony-gold project. The results underscore the potential for increased resource estimates, which Critical One will work to confirm with further drilling. The Howells Lake project is located approximately 200 kilometres from the Ring of Fire corridor in the Thunder Bay mining division of Ontario, Canada. The recent Geotech VTEM geophysical survey and proprietary interpretive analysis combined with detailed geological modelling have identified previously unrecognized characteristics of the antimony-gold mineralization at the East (V-3) zone at Howells Lake. The data analysis reveals: Previous drilling at historical target V-3 (Howells Lake East zone) intersected up to 75 per cent antimony within a core interval of 5.37 per cent antimony over 8.35 metres*, alongside gold mineralization. Alteration mapping, data reconstruction and geophysical model interpretation show the East antimony-gold zone to be a northwest-striking, northeast-dipping altered and sulphide mineralized zone (mainly stibnite, pyrite and pyrrhotite). Modelling of the newly defined electromagnetic anomaly associated with the mineralized zone shows an extension to depth of up to 400 metres or more. Antimony-gold mineralization is interpreted to be controlled by a late northwest-striking, northeast-dipping alteration and fault zone. Modelling is being used to help confirm and categorize numerous other antimony-gold targets along the 30-kilometre strike length of favourable geology on the company's 25,000-hectare property. "Our team's rigorous application of cutting-edge geophysical techniques and geological modelling has unlocked significant new potential at Howells Lake," said Duane Parnham, founder, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Critical One. "These results validate our exploration strategy and position Howells Lake as a cornerstone asset with exceptional antimony and gold exploration and development potential." Geological and geophysical data review and analysis are in progress. Critical One is also advancing its exploration program plans for follow-up drilling to delineate and expand the antimony-gold deposits (see the press releases dated Aug. 28, 2025, and Sept. 4, 2025, respectively). The Howells Lake project hosts a historical resource of 1.7 million tons at a grade of 1.4 per cent antimony with associated gold mineralization. The resource is not National Instrument 43-101 compliant, and, therefore, readers should not rely on the information. The resource estimate does not include categories as required under NI 43-101, and the report predates NI 43-101 by decades. Given the work was completed more than 40 years ago, all work will need to be redone as the historic work cannot be used in an NI 43-101-compliant report. Geological mapping as well as significant drilling will be required to establish an NI 43-101 resource estimate for the known antimony mineralization. The resource presented in the report does not provide the limits used in the preparation of the resource estimate (tonnage estimate)*. * All geological and assay information contained in this document is historical in nature, and the qualified person responsible for the technical disclosure in this release is unable to determine if any of those data would meet current NI 43-101 regulations regarding disclosure of scientific and technical information. Additionally, the QP has not done sufficient work to make the resource current. Drill intersections are reported as downhole intervals. No true width could be determined at this time. The information in the data recovered is considered of value and relevant to the company's project. However, the issuer is not treating the estimate as current. Qualified person Bruce Durham, PGeo, a qualified person under NI 43-101, who is independent of the company, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. All technical information in this release is based on historical data that cannot be verified by the QP. About Critical One Energy Inc. Critical One (formerly Madison Metals) is a forward-focused critical mineral and upstream energy company, powering the future of clean energy and advanced technologies. The Howells Lake antimony-gold project focuses the company's exposure on antimony, one of the most in-demand critical minerals, as well as gold, which is known to occur at numerous locations on the Howells Lake project. Backed by seasoned management expertise and prime resource assets, Critical One is strategically positioned to meet the rising global demand for critical minerals and metals. Its mine exploration portfolio is led by antimony-gold exploration potential in Canada and uranium investment interests in Namibia, Africa. By leveraging its technical, managerial and financial expertise, the company upgrades and creates high-value projects, thereby driving growth and delivering value to its shareholders. We seek Safe Harbor.