Rzolv Technologies Inc. (TSXV: RZL) (the ‘Company’ or ‘RZOLV’) today reported the results of a bulk-scale vat leach metallurgical test conducted at an independent, operating gold mine in Arizona, marking a significant milestone in the commercial validation of the Company’s proprietary non-cyanide gold leaching technology.

The program represents RZOLV’s most advanced scale-up validation to date, moving beyond laboratory conditions to evaluate metallurgical performance, solution chemistry, reagent stability, hydrodynamics, and operability under representative operating conditions and at meaningful tonnage.

Bulk-Scale Test Highlights:

• 73.5 tonnes of low-grade oxidized gold mineralization were processed at an operating mine in Arizona.
• The test achieved an overall gold recovery of 67.51% over 40 days under the specific conditions evaluated, with recoveries comparable to laboratory-scale reference tests conducted using 1,000 ppm sodium cyanide.
• The RZOLV leach solution demonstrated predictable scale-up behavior, with metallurgical performance consistent with prior laboratory-scale test work.
• Solution chemistry remained stable throughout the test, maintaining targeted pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) ranges, with no evidence of instability, precipitation, compaction, or channeling.
• Leached residues exhibited low residual gold content and maintained favorable permeability characteristics throughout the test period.
• Effective gold adsorption onto carbon was achieved, confirming compatibility with conventional carbon adsorption and electrowinning circuits.
• Doré production and final weight were consistent with calculated carbon loadings and overall metallurgical accounting.

CEO Commentary

Duane Nelson, President and CEO of Rzolv Technologies Inc., commented: ‘This bulk-scale vat leach test represents an important inflection point for RZOLV. Processing more than 73 tonnes of ore at an operating mine allowed us to validate not only metallurgical recovery, but solution stability, hydrodynamics, reagent behavior, and carbon performance under real-world conditions.’

‘The predictable scale-up behavior observed in this program provides strong technical support for further commercial evaluation and reinforces our confidence that RZOLV can serve as a viable non-cyanide alternative for certain gold processing applications.’

Bulk-Scale Test Confirms Scalable Metallurgical Performance

The bulk test processed 73.55 tonnes of low-grade gold oxide mineralization hosted in gneissic and granitic lithologies. Run-of-mine material was crushed and screened to minus ½ inch (12.5 mm) plus 18 mesh (1 mm) and treated in a lined vat leach configuration with controlled solution circulation, collection, and carbon adsorption.

Under the specific test conditions evaluated, the 40-day bulk-scale vat leach achieved an overall calculated gold recovery of 67.51%. These results are consistent with multiple laboratory-scale leach tests conducted on the same test material, supporting the representativeness of the bulk-scale metallurgical performance.

Gold dissolution and recovery kinetics observed at bulk scale were consistent with prior laboratory-scale RZOLV and cyanide leach studies, indicating predictable scale-up behavior.

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Mass Balance Closure and Operability Confirm Process Integrity

From an operational standpoint, the test confirmed:

• Stable and predictable reagent consumption
• Sustained solution chemistry within targeted pH and ORP ranges
• Effective gold adsorption onto conventional activated carbon
• Compatibility with standard pumps, liners, instrumentation, and control systems

No evidence of solution instability, deleterious precipitation, compaction, or channeling was observed at the tested crush size. Irrigation flux, drainage behavior, and hydrodynamics remained stable throughout the test period.

Comparison to Cyanide and Prior Test Work

Parallel laboratory-scale bottle-roll testing was conducted using RZOLV and sodium cyanide on the representative oxide material (ground to <500 microns) to benchmark leach kinetics, dissolved gold tenors, and overall metallurgical response under controlled conditions. The laboratory results demonstrate that RZOLV exhibits gold dissolution behavior and recovery profiles comparable to cyanide, and in some tests, exceeding cyanide under identical laboratory conditions.

Under the specific laboratory test conditions applied, RZOLV achieved dissolved gold concentrations ranging from 1.48 to 1.55 gpt Au in solution over a 48-hour leach cycle, compared to 0.98 to 1.02 gpt Au achieved using a reference solution containing 1,000 ppm sodium, consistent with typical laboratory benchmarking concentrations’. Early-time leach kinetics for RZOLV were also observed to be equal to or faster than cyanide, with materially higher dissolved gold tenors achieved within the first 5 hours of leaching.

These laboratory-scale results are consistent with, and closely mirror, the pregnant solution gold tenors (~1.12 ppm Au) observed during the bulk-scale vat leach program, providing strong validation that RZOLV performance scales predictably from bottle-roll testing to bulk processing under representative operating conditions. The alignment between laboratory and bulk-scale data reinforces management’s confidence in the technical robustness, scalability, and commercial relevance of RZOLV as a non-cyanide gold leaching technology.

Leach Solution	Recoveries (GPT)
	1 hr	3 hrs	5 hrs	28 hrs	48 hrs
RZOLV Leaching Solution (Test 1)	0.64	1.14	1.27	1.46	1.55
RZOLV Leaching Solution (Test 2)	0.65	0.96	1.05	1.4	1.48
Sodium Cyanide Reference Solution (Test 1)	0.41	0.45	0.57	0.98	1.02
Sodium Cyanide Reference Solution (Test 2)	0.26	0.3	0.43	0.85	0.98

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Key Technical Observations

• Comparable leach kinetics: RZOLV demonstrates dissolution rates comparable to or faster than cyanide during early leach intervals.
• Higher dissolved gold tenors: RZOLV achieved consistently higher solution gold concentrations at 48 hours relative to cyanide.
• Scalability confirmed: Laboratory-scale solution tenors are directionally consistent with bulk-scale vat leach solution grades.
• Predictable performance: Results support the use of standard laboratory bottle-roll testing as a reliable predictor of bulk-scale RZOLV performance.

While laboratory comparisons are provided for reference only, management notes that the consistency between lab-scale and bulk-scale behavior is a critical indicator of scalable process performance.

Design-Relevant Data Generated for Commercial Evaluation

In addition to metallurgical results, the program generated design-ready data relevant to potential commercial deployment, including:

• Solution flow rates and inventories
• Residence-time distribution
• Reagent management and oxidant demand
• Carbon loading and stripping behavior
• Equipment sizing envelopes
• Preliminary operating cost inputs

These data materially advance RZOLV’s ability to evaluate and design future commercial-scale applications.

Environmental Containment and Closed-Loop Operation

The vat leach test was conducted within a fully contained, closed-loop process circuit, with all process solutions captured, recycled, and managed on-site throughout the program. No process solutions were discharged to surface water or groundwater systems during the test period.

The closed-loop configuration enabled controlled solution management, including consistent pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) control, while minimizing environmental exposure pathways. The chemical system employed does not exhibit the acute toxicity characteristics associated with conventional cyanide-based leaching systems, allowing the test program to be executed under standard industrial handling and containment protocols appropriate for controlled metallurgical testing.

All operational practices were implemented to align with site environmental controls and applicable regulatory requirements, demonstrating the practicality of deploying RZOLV in contained leaching applications where solution stewardship, environmental risk management, and permitting considerations are critical.

Conclusions

The bulk-scale vat leach test demonstrates that, under the specific test conditions evaluated, RZOLV’s technology:

• Achieved gold recoveries comparable to cyanide at lab-scale
• Exhibited stable solution chemistry and reagent performance
• Demonstrated compatibility with conventional carbon adsorption and electrowinning circuits
• The RZOLV chemistry showed predictable scale-up behavior relative to prior laboratory testing
• Leached residues exhibited low residual gold content and maintained favorable permeability characteristics throughout the test.
• Doré production and weight were consistent with calculated carbon loadings and overall metallurgical accounting.
• The vat leach test was conducted within a fully contained, closed-loop process circuit, with all process solutions captured, recycled, and managed on-site, resulting in no discharge to surrounding surface water or groundwater systems.

While results are based on a defined bulk sample and operating configuration, the demonstrated stability of RZOLV’s solution chemistry, hydrodynamics, and scale-up behavior indicates that comparable metallurgical performance is reasonably expected across a broad range of oxidized gold materials processed under analogous conditions.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The metallurgical test results reported herein are based on a specific bulk sample and defined test conditions and may not be indicative of performance on other ore types, grades, or operating environments. Comparative cyanidation results were generated at laboratory scale and are provided for reference purposes only. Bulk-scale testing provides indicative data on metallurgical response, solution behavior, and operability; however, additional testing is required to confirm performance consistency and economic applicability at commercial scale. There can be no assurance that results obtained in this test program will be replicated under different conditions or at other sites.

About Rzolv Technologies Inc.

Rzolv Technologies Inc. is a clean-tech company developing innovative, non-toxic solutions that aim to transform gold extraction and mine-site remediation. The Company’s flagship product, RZOLV, is a proprietary water-based hydrometallurgical formula that provides a sustainable, safe alternative to sodium cyanide for the dissolution and recovery of gold.

Cyanide has been the industry standard for more than a century, yet its toxicity has resulted in bans or restrictions across multiple jurisdictions, along with significant permitting, handling, and ESG challenges for mining companies. RZOLV delivers comparable performance and cost metrics to cyanide while offering a non-toxic, reusable, and environmentally sustainable profile, enabling gold extraction in regions, ore types, and project settings where cyanide use is impractical, prohibited, or socially unacceptable. For more information: https://www.rzolv.com.

Cautionary Note

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute ‘forward-looking statements.’ Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects,’ ‘plans,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘intends,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘projects,’ ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will,’ ‘would,’ ‘may,’ ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur.

Forward-looking information is based on management’s reasonable assumptions, estimates, and expectations as of the date hereof, including assumptions regarding test conditions, material characteristics, operating parameters, regulatory frameworks, and the availability of capital and third-party services. Such information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including but not limited to variability in ore characteristics, scale-up risks, changes in regulatory requirements, environmental permitting outcomes, market conditions, and operational execution. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release.

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Terra Clean Energy CORP. (‘Terra’ or the ‘Company’) (CSE: TCEC,OTC:TCEFF, OTCQB: TCEFF, FSE: C9O0) welcomes the recent U.S. Department of Energy announcement on uranium and announces the appointment of Jon Li as Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective January 1, 2026.

In late December 2025, the United States Department of Energy (‘DOE’) announced the implementation of a New Domestic Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain & Uranium Agreement. The DOE is establishing a new consortium under the Defense Production Act (‘DPA’) to strengthen the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain, including uranium mining, milling, enrichment and fuel fabrication. This aims to reduce dependence on foreign enriched uranium and critical minerals. The DOE is actively inviting companies with US assets to join the NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE CONSORTIUM via voluntary agreements with industry under DPA Section 708 which will unlock federal incentives, targeted funding, and expedited permitting for U.S. uranium projects.

‘With past producing uranium mines in the U.S., Terra will no doubt benefit from this sweeping new legislation as it develops its portfolio of U.S. uranium assets’ said Greg Cameron CEO.  ‘I strongly believe that 2026 will be the year of uranium and with uranium assets in Utah and additional uranium claims being staked, Terra will have a significant portfolio of U.S. Uranium assets to complement its Fraser Lakes B uranium deposit in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan.’

Mr. Li’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer of the Company follows the resignation of Brian Shin and follows the Company’s strategy of centralizing its operations and management to Toronto. Terra would like to thank Mr. Shin and wish him all the best for his future endeavors.

Jon Li brings more than 20 years of finance experience with speciality in mining, technology and financial service industry.  As the Vice President of WD Numeric, a full-service accounting firm that provides financial and support services for both public and private companies, Jon leads ongoing process improvement efforts, conducts quality control reviews of client files, and provides CFO services to a portfolio of clients. 

Prior to WD Numeric, Jon was the Financial Controller at Strategic Pricing Management Group (SPMG) and was responsible for managing all financial activities of the company including set-up and maintenance of general ledger accounting system, budgeting, forecasting, cash management and financial reporting.  Jon is a CPA (US & Canada) and holds an MBA with concentration in Accounting.

Additionally, the Company reports that all matters up for consideration at the annual general meeting of shareholders held on December 8, 2025 (the ‘Meeting‘) were approved. At that Meeting, shareholders re-elected the current directors of the Company (being Greg Cameron, Alex Klenman and Tony Wonnacott) and elected two additional directors, being Michael Gabbani and Brian Polla. In addition, shareholders ratified the appointment of Crowe MacKay LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditors for the year ended December 31, 2024 and approved their appointment as auditors for the ensuing year.

‘Mike is an accomplished engineer having spent decades in the nuclear industry and has a high level of understanding of where the industry is going and the contacts to allow us to position the Company to benefit.  Brian is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned veteran of the capital markets as well as a significant shareholder of Terra.  We are lucky to have their expertise to help steer the Company forward’ said Greg Cameron CEO.

The Company also announces an award of 2,000,000 restricted share units (each, an ‘RSU’) pursuant to its Omnibus Incentive Plan to directors, officers and consultants of the Company. Each RSU entitles the recipient to receive one common share of the Company on vesting. The RSUs vest on the date that is one year from the date of grant. The grant of RSUs remains subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

About Terra Clean Energy Corp.

Terra Clean Energy Corp. is a Canadian-based uranium exploration and development company. The Company is currently developing the South Falcon East uranium project, which holds a 6.96M pound inferred uranium resource within the Fraser Lakes B Deposit, located in the Athabasca Basin region, Saskatchewan, Canada as well as past producing uranium mines in Utah, United States.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF Terra Clean Energy CORP.

‘Greg Cameron’
Greg Cameron, CEO
Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101, reviewed and approved on behalf of the company by C. Trevor Perkins, P.Geo., the Company’s Vice President, Exploration, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

*The historical resource is described in the Technical Report on the South Falcon East Property, filed on sedarplus.ca on February 9, 2023. The Company is not treating the resource as current and has not completed sufficient work to classify the resource as a current mineral resource. While the Company is not treating the historical resource as current, it does believe the work conducted is reliable and the information may be of assistance to readers.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as ‘plan,’ ‘expect,’ ‘project,’ ‘intend,’ ‘believe,’ ‘anticipate,’ ‘estimate’ and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions ‘may’ or ‘will’ occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including statements regarding the Offering and the potential development of mineral resources and mineral reserves which may or may not occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and general economic and political conditions. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary approvals, including governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable laws. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the Company’s public filings available under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information please contact:

Greg Cameron, CEO
info@tcec.energy
416-277-6174

Terra Clean Energy Corp
Suite 303, 750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T7
www.tcec.energy

Copper Quest Exploration Inc. (CSE: CQX,OTC:IMIMF; OTCQB: IMIMF; FRA: 3MX) (‘Copper Quest’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated October 30th, 2025, it has exercised its option under an agreement with Bernie Kreft dated October 29, 2025, and has acquired an undivided 100% right, title, and interest in the Kitimat Copper-Gold Project (the ‘Project’), located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the deep-water port community of Kitimat, British Columbia.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Kitimat Copper-Gold Project covers approximately 2,954 hectares within the Skeena Mining Division of northwestern British Columbia. The Project is year-round road-accessible via a network of logging and mineral exploration roads extending north from Kitimat. The property benefits from exceptional infrastructure, being within 10 km of tidewater, 1.5 km of rail, and 6 km of high-voltage hydroelectric transmission lines.

Geologically, the Project is situated within the Stikine Terrane, a prolific belt that hosts numerous porphyry copper-gold systems and is underlain by Late Triassic volcanic rocks intruded by Jurassic diorite and granodiorite bodies of the Coast Plutonic Complex. The Project’s principal target areas is the Jeannette Cu-Au Zone displaying alteration and mineralization interpreted to represent low-level intermediate to low-sulfidation epithermal expressions of a larger Cu-Au porphyry system.

HISTORICAL EXPLORATION & HIGHLIGHTS

Exploration on the Kitimat property dates back to the late 1960s, with multiple operators conducting geochemical, geophysical, and drilling campaigns. The most significant historical work was conducted by Decade Resources Ltd. (2010), which completed 16 diamond drill holes totaling 4,437.5 meters in the Jeannette Cu-Au Zone. Notable results include:

• Hole J-7: 117.07 m grading 1.03 g/t Au, 0.54% Cu, from 1.52 m to 118.60 m.
• Hole J-1: 103.65 m grading 1.00 g/t Au, 0.55% Cu, from 9.15 m to 112.80 m.
• Hole J-2: 107.01 m grading 0.80 g/t Au, 0.45% Cu, from 6.10 m to 113.11 m.
• Hole J-8: 112.20 m grading 0.41 g/t Au, 0.33% Cu, from 11.89 m to 124.09 m.

The mineralized intervals encountered in the 2010 drilling demonstrate continuous near-surface copper-gold mineralization extending over significant widths, remain open at depth within the Jeannette Zone, and occur within a broader hydrothermal system that is interpreted to extend laterally beyond the area tested.

ACQUISITION DETAILS

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement and upon completion of its due diligence review, Copper Quest has issued 2,000,000 common shares to the vendor, Bernie Kreft, at a deemed price of $0.165 per share as full consideration for the acquisition. The Project is subject to a 2.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty, of which 40% may be repurchased by the Company for CAD $1,000,000. Copper Quest will also retain a right of first refusal on any transaction involving the sale of the remaining royalty interest. The Company issued 256,800 finder’s shares at a deemed price of $0.125 per finder’s share in connection with the acquisition.

Mr. Kreft is a well-known Canadian prospector, entrepreneur, and former star of the Discovery Channel’s Yukon Gold television series. He has a long track record of successful mineral discoveries and project generation across British Columbia and Yukon.

In addition to resale restrictions imposed by applicable securities laws, all shares issued in connection with the acquisition are subject to an Exchange Hold Period (as such term is defined in the Policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the ‘CSE’)).

MANAGEMENT COMMENTS

Brian Thurston, CEO of Copper Quest, commented:

‘The addition of the Kitimat Copper-Gold Project demonstrates Copper Quest’s continued effort to add shareholder value through the acquisition of critical mineral projects and represents the fifth acquisition by the Company in just over 12 months. This project is ideally located with exceptional infrastructure, in a proven geological belt known for hosting major copper-gold systems. The strong historical drill results from the Jeannette zone speak to the potential of a larger near-surface mineralized system. We are very excited to have this exceptional asset as part of our growing copper-gold portfolio.’

NEXT STEPS

• Upon receiving a work permit, additional geological mapping, sampling, and geophysical surveys may be completed to refine priority drill targets as required. Field work could include ground magnetics, induced polarization (IP), and passive seismic to better define subsurface structure and mineralization trends.
• A follow-up drill program would test key targets within the interpreted geology and surrounding high-grade corridors.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Brian G. Thurston, P.Geo., the Company’s President and CEO and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

ABOUT COPPER

Despite surging demand, global copper supply remains constrained. Ore grades are declining at major mines, permitting timelines for new projects have lengthened, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping supply chains toward stable, transparent jurisdictions. Governments in Canada, the U.S., and allied nations have increasingly identified copper as a strategic and critical metal necessary for economic and national security. Within this context, Copper Quest’s acquisition of the Kitimat Copper-Gold Project in British Columbia positions the Company to advance a discovery-stage asset in one of the world’s safest and most infrastructure-rich mining jurisdictions — precisely when new, scalable copper sources are most needed.

ABOUT Copper Quest Exploration Inc.

Copper Quest is committed to building shareholder value through acquisitions, discovery-driven exploration, disciplined execution and responsible development of its North American critical mineral portfolio of assets. The company’s land package currently comprises 7 projects that span over 45,000-plus hectares in great mining jurisdictions.

The Company’s common shares are principally listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘CQX’. For more information on Copper Quest, please visit the Company’s website at www.copper.quest.

On behalf of the Board of Copper Quest Exploration Inc.

Brian Thurston, P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Tel: 778-949-1829

For further information, contact:

Investor Relations
info@copper.quest

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including without limitation, future operations and activities of Copper Quest, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘potential’, ‘possible’, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘could’, or ‘should’ occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company’s exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company’s business and prospects. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 5, 2026 / Earthwise Minerals Corp. (CSE:WISE,OTC:HWKRF)(FSE:966) (‘Earthwise’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has received a six-month extension of the option agreement on the Iron Range Project, located approximately 16 km northeast of Creston in southeastern British Columbia. In consideration for the option extension, Earthwise will issue 100,000 common shares to the Optionor, Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:EPL) (‘EPL’ or ‘Eagle Plains’). As a result of the extension, the Company’s first-year commitment under the option is now due on August 26^th, 2026.

Terms of the Option Agreement

To exercise the Option, Earthwise must make a series of cash payments and share issuances to Eagle Plains and fund exploration expenditures on the Project. These payments, share issuances and expenditures are separated into two phases, with the First Option entitling the Company to acquire a 70% interest in the Project by paying CA$250,000, issuing an aggregate of 1,500,000 common shares to EPL and funding CA$4,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Project by over a four-year term. Pursuant to the Second Option (if elected by Earthwise), the Company may acquire an additional 10% interest in the Project (for an 80% total interest) by notifying Eagle Plains of its intent to increase its interest to 80%, making an additional one-time payment of CA$ 1,000,000 cash and completing a bankable feasibility study on the Property prior to the eighth anniversary of the Option.

If either the First Option or the Second Option is exercised, a 2% smelter returns royalty will be granted to Eagle Plains over the entire Property, 1% of which may be repurchased for CA$1,500,000.

Eagle Plains will serve as Operator under the terms of the Option and will reserve the right to use TerraLogic Exploration Inc. as geoscience consultant. Following the exercise of either the First Option or the Second Option, Earthwise and Eagle Plains shall then form a 70/30 or 80/20 joint venture (‘JV’) to further explore and develop the Property.

About the Iron Range Project https://earthwiseminerals.com/iron-range-project/

Geological Overview

The Iron Range Project is located on the western flank of the Proterozoic Purcell Anticlinorium and is underlain by Aldridge Formation metasedimentary rocks within a district-scale hydrothermal system. The Property is influenced by major structural corridors associated with iron-oxide brecciation, shear-hosted gold, and polymetallic mineralization. Within this framework, the Talon Zone is interpreted as a multiphase, structurally focused breccia/vein system hosting Ag-Au-Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization within silica-K-feldspar-carbonate altered rocks.

Regional Geological Comparison

Iron Range shares strong geological similarities with the Sullivan Mine, located approximately 70 km northeast. These include the presence of Aldridge Formation stratigraphy, ‘Sullivan-time’ laminated horizons, vent-proximal fragmental rocks, and a Pb-Zn-Ag ± Au ± Cu metal suite. While the Talon Zone represents a structurally focused polymetallic system rather than classic stratiform SEDEX mineralization, the metal association and structural setting are consistent with large-scale hydrothermal systems active within the Purcell Basin.

Infrastructure

The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including:

• Canadian Pacific Railway mainline crossing the Property

• Highway 3 access directly through the claim block

• High-voltage transmission line and high-pressure natural gas pipeline on-site

• Extensive Forest Service Road network

• Approximately 133 km by road from Teck’s Trail smelter

These advantages support efficient field operations, cost-effective drill deployment, and enhanced future development potential.

Historical Work Summary

Exploration at Iron Range began in 1897 with the discovery of iron-oxide showings. Cominco’s mid-20th century work included trenching and shallow drilling, followed by SEDEX-focused mapping, soil geochemistry, and UTEM surveys in the 1980s. Junior explorers in the 1990s recognized SEDEX-style fragmental units and IOCG-style alteration.

Eagle Plains acquired the Property in 1999 and has since completed extensive airborne geophysical surveys (VTEM, ZTEM, and gravity), structural mapping, large soil geochemical programs, and multi-phase drilling that led to the discovery of high-grade gold at O-Ray, the Talon polymetallic system, and Sullivan-style mineralization at Car and IR05-03. Subsequent work (2013-2017) refined priority targets and established Induced Polarization (IP) anomalies at Talon that remain untested at depth.

Earthwise management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject properties.

Granting of Incentive Stock Options

Earthwise announces that its Board of Directors has approved the granting of 1,075,000 incentive stock options (the ‘Options’) to senior executives, directors and consultants of the Company. The Options grant the holder the right to purchase common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a ‘Common Share’) at a deemed price of $0.05 per Common Share. The Options vest immediately and expire on January 6^th, 2031.

Change in Management

Earthwise Minerals announces the resignation of Mr. George Yordanov as VP of Exploration and a director of the Company, effective immediately. Earthwise wishes to thank Mr. Yordanov for his contributions to the Company.

Qualified Person

Charles C. Downie, P.Geo., a ‘qualified person’ for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and an officer and director of Eagle Plains, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

About Earthwise Minerals

Earthwise Minerals Corp. (CSE: WISE,OTC:HWKRF; FSE: 966) is a Canadian junior exploration company focused on advancing the Iron Range Gold Project in southeastern British Columbia near Creston, B.C. The Company holds an option to earn up to an 80% interest in the fully permitted project, which is road-accessible and situated within a prolific mineralized corridor. The property covers a 10 km x 32 km area along the Iron Range Fault System and hosts multiple high-grade gold showings and large-scale geophysical and geochemical anomalies.

For more information, visit www.earthwiseminerals.com.

Earthwise Minerals Corp.,

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

‘Mark Luchinski’

Contact Information:

Mark Luchinski
Chief Executive Officer, Director
Telephone: (604) 506-6201
Email: luch@luchccorp.com

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes statements that constitute ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under Canadian securities laws (‘forward-looking statements’) including, without limitation, statements respecting the Offering and the intended use of proceeds therefrom. Statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views with respect to possible future events and conditions and, by their nature, are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual outcomes may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Additional information regarding the various risks and uncertainties facing the Company are described in greater detail in the ‘Risk Factors’ section of the Company’s annual management’s discussion and analysis and other continuous disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact Mark Luchinski, Chief Executive Officer and Director, at luch@luchccorp.com or (604) 506-6201.

SOURCE: Earthwise Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire