Abitibi Metals Achieves Early Exercise of B26 Option, Securing 80% Ownership of the High-Grade Copper-Gold Project in Quebec

Executive Summary

• Abitibi Metals exercised the second phase of its option with SOQUEM, increasing its stake in the B26 Polymetallic Deposit to 80% and becoming the project’s majority owner/operator.
• The company reports a 124 % increase in the B26 Mineral Resource Estimate within three years, now totaling 13.0 Mt @ 2.1 % Cu‑eq (indicated) and 12.4 Mt @ 2.2 % Cu‑eq (inferred).
• A fully funded 40,000‑metre drill program for 2026 – the largest in Abitibi’s history – is underway to expand resources, conduct infill drilling, and explore regional targets.

Key Details

• Option Exercise: Completion of Phase 2 of the option agreement with SOQUEM; issuance of 3,793,864 common shares satisfied earn‑in requirements.
• Ownership Structure: Abitibi Metals – 80% (operator); SOQUEM – 20% (participating interest). Governance via a joint management committee.
• Resource Growth: Mineral Resource Estimate up 124 % to:
• Indicated: 13.0 Mt @ 2.1 % Cu‑eq (1.19 % Cu, 1.16 % Zn, 0.44 g/t Au, 30.8 g/t Ag)
• Inferred: 12.4 Mt @ 2.2 % Cu‑eq (1.60 % Cu, 0.16 % Zn, 0.67 g/t Au, 8.14 g/t Ag)
• Drilling Program 2026: 40,000 m total, targeting:
• Resource expansion and infill drilling of known zones
• Regional exploration upside across the B26 system
• Technical & Development Work: Planned studies include metallurgical optimization, geotechnical & hydrogeological assessments, environmental baseline work, and preliminary mine planning.
• Equity Incentives: Grant of 1,050,000 incentive stock options at $0.85 per share (5‑year term) and 1,100,000 RSUs vesting equally over three years to directors/officers.
• Corporate Presentation: Updated presentation posted on the company website outlining 2026 exploration strategy and development timelines for B26.

Notable Quotes

“By achieving the early exercise of our option and securing 80 % ownership of the B26 Project, we have strengthened our position as majority owner and enhanced our ability to accelerate exploration and development.” – Jonathon Deluce, CEO, Abitibi Metals Corp.

Materiality Assessment: Material – Positive (significant change in ownership/control, substantial resource growth, and a large funded drilling program indicating forward‑looking operational expansion).