Saga Metals Corp. (‘TSXV: SAGA,OTC:SAGMF’) (‘FSE: 20H’) (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’), a North American exploration company focused on discovering critical minerals, is pleased to announce the results from its follow up field program at the North Wind Iron Ore project in West Central region of Labrador, Canada.

Key Field Program Highlights

• High-Grade Iron Ore Potential: Iron content (Fe₂O₃) in grab samples from the Sokoman Formation range as high as 84.57% Fe₂O₃, with continuous high grade in the Lower, Middle and Upper Iron stratigraphy’s. Highest grab sample of 2025 returned 79.26 % Fe₂O₃, from the Middle Iron Formation.
• Magnetite-Rich Ore: Davis Tube separation techniques confirm the presence of magnetite-rich taconite ore, along with the occurrence of hematite, limonite, and goethite. These results are comparable to historical regional resources at the KéMag, Sheps Lake, and Perrault Lake deposits, which boasted strong resource estimates.
• Extensive Mineralization Zone: Fieldwork identified iron ore mineralization over a 4km NW-SE trend, with indications that the mineralized zone continues southeast. Mapping in the area suggests that the units dip shallowly to the northeast which would make easy drill targets for resource estimation. Surface thickness of the mineralized trend ranges between 600 and 700 meters, underscoring the project’s potential scale.

Figure 1: Regional map of the North Wind Iron Ore Project in Labrador, Canada

SAGA’s North Wind Iron Ore Project: A highly prospective iron ore asset located in the globally recognized, resource-rich Labrador Trough

The North Wind Iron Ore property located 16 kilometers southwest of Schefferville, Quebec, within the prolific Labrador Trough, represents a secondary but high-potential critical mineral asset within Saga Metals’ portfolio. The Labrador Trough, an extensive 1,100-kilometer suite of Proterozoic rocks, is renowned for hosting world-class iron ore deposits and is a major hub for iron ore exploration.

In February of 2025, Cyclone Metals Limited announced that it signed a binding commercial agreement with Vale S.A. regarding the joint development of its Iron Bear iron ore project. (See Figure 1 above for project location). Under the terms of the agreement, Vale has the right to provide up to USD $138 million of funding to the Iron Bear Project in two Phases and earn 75% of the project. If Vale elects to proceed to Decision to Mine (DTM), Vale can elect to acquire the remaining 25% of the Iron Bear project at fair market value or carry Cyclone to production with no dilution.

SAGA’s North Wind property spans 6,375 hectares across 255 claim blocks under a single license. Its geological framework holds significant potential, reinforced by a portion of a historical resource estimate (NI 43-101 compliant) completed in 2013 by New Millennium Iron. This estimate included two key types of iron ore commonly found in the Labrador Trough:

• Soft iron ores: Composed of fine-grained secondary iron oxides, including hematite, goethite, and limonite.
• Taconites: Fine-grained, weakly metamorphosed iron formations with above-average magnetite content.

Historical exploration at North Wind includes data from eight drill holes, drilled by New Millenium in 2013, which averaged 20.74% Total Fe (iron) content over 590 meters drilled. Notably, the Lower Red Green Chert (LRGC), a key stratigraphic unit within the property, returned an average grade of 24.76% Fe across 277 meters drilled and was intercepted in all eight holes. This LRGC unit forms part of the Sokoman Formation’s ‘Lower Iron Formation,’ a high-priority target confirmed by both New Millennium Iron and SAGA’s exploration team.

Figure 2: Saga Metals Mapping the North Wind Property in October of 2025

North Wind Iron Ore Field Program 2025

As part of routine claims maintenance, Saga Metals conducted a short field program at the North Wind Iron Ore property in the Autumn of 2025. In total, 38 rock samples were collected within the target area, all being grab samples, across all units, with the main focus on the Middle and Lower iron formations. Of those 38 Grab samples, 17 of them were above 30% with the highest sampling coming from the Middle Iron Formation with 79.26% Fe₂O₃.

The program focused on mapping, prospecting, and rock sampling, targeting the northern and central areas of the property for follow up and drill hole verification, and the south first pass evaluation.

The Sokoman Formation, a high-priority target for Saga Metals, forms the core focus of exploration. This formation is subdivided into three stratigraphic members based on iron content (Fe₂O₃) seen below with the 2025 Top 18 samples:

• Upper Iron Member: 37%–70.42% Fe₂O₃
• Middle Iron Member: 36 %–79.26% Fe₂O₃
• Lower Iron Member: 32.97 %–66.75% Fe₂O₃

The highest sample collected during the program (Sample ID: 1800354) returned 79.26 % Fe₂O₃, originating from the middle Iron members of the Sokoman Formation. These middle and lower members of the Sokoman Formation are particularly prospective, offering the most favorable grades based on iron content.

To further evaluate the potential of these units, SAGA employed Davis Tube Magnetic Separation techniques (as seen below in Table 1). This analytical method effectively separates magnetic (magnetite) and non-magnetic fractions (hematite, limonite, goethite and gangue minerals), providing a robust measurement of magnetite content. Results from these tests indicate that the magnetic fraction compares favorably to grades from nearby historical deposits, including the KéMag, Sheps Lake, and Perrault Lake deposits along the same geological trend. These regional deposits have reported 20%–34% Davis Tube Weight Recovery (DTWR) in historical NI 43-101 mineral resource estimates. *Past results or discoveries of resources on adjacent or nearby properties may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of significant mineralization on the Company’s property.

The 2025 work program confirmed the continued definition of the prospective Middle and Lower Iron members of the Sokoman Formation. Detailed structural mapping has shown the shallow dip of these formations to the northeast which the team has recognised is a great opportunity to expand on the New Millennium resource in the future by defining the grade continuity under cover of the Menhek formation and the less mineralised Upper Iron formation. New Millennium’s drilling in 2012 concentrated on the narrow strip in the middle where these formations were exposed on the surface.

Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of Saga Metals Corp. stated: ‘These findings, including the identified shallowly dipping mineralization to the east, reaffirm the North Wind Iron Ore Project’s potential to become a significant iron ore asset. With iron ore playing a critical role in the steelmaking process and increasing demand driven by infrastructure and renewable energy developments, Saga Metals sees considerable growth potential for the projects value and positions it as a promising contributor to SAGA’s portfolio of critical mineral assets.’

Results of the 2025 Field Program:

Figure 3: Interpreted cross-section from West to East Across the Northwind Property. Shows shallowly dipping iron formations to the east.

Figure 4: Sample location map of 2024-2025 Rock Samples showing total iron grade overlying a geological map of the area.

Figure 5: Sample 800354: Strongly magnetic sample of ‘banded magnetite and red chert, predominately massive magnetite (~2cm diameter) with goethite’ 48.05 Fe2O3(T) % (FUS-ICP)

Table 1: Results from all samples over 30% Fe₂O₃ including the Davis Tube Separation Analysis

Corporate Update

The Company further reports that it entered into a digital marketing services agreement dated December 29, 2025 (the ‘Marketing Agreement‘) with Machai Capital Inc. (‘Machai‘). Pursuant to the Marketing Agreement, Machai will, among other things, provide the Company with certain marketing services to expand investor awareness of the Company’s business and to communicate with the investment community (the ‘Machai Services‘).

The Machai Services will include, among other things: (i) branding, content and data optimization to assist the Company to create in-depth marketing campaigns, and (ii) tracking, organizing and executing the Machai Services through search engine optimization, search engine marketing, lead generation, digital marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and brand marketing. In consideration of the Machai Services, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Marketing Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Machai a fee of C$400,000 (plus applicable taxes) over a 120-day term, which will be paid using the Company’s available working capital. This agreement may be terminated at any time, with mutual consent of both parties

The Machai Services will be rendered primarily online through a variety of news and investment community communications channels. Suneal Sandhu, the President of Machai – located at 101 – 17565 – 58 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3S 4E3 – will be involved in conducting the Machai Services. Machai and Mr. Sandhu do not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

The terms and conditions of the Marketing Agreement remain subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Qualified Person

Peter Webster, P. Geo., of Mercator Geological Services is a professional geologist registered with the Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of Newfoundland and Labrador, is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release.

References:

Balakrishnan, T. (2013). Supplementary assessment report, national instrument 43-101 technical report, resource estimation of Sheps Lake and Perault Lake properties. Prepared for New Millenium Iron Corporation. Newfoundland and Labrador Mineral Lands Division Report, Assessment File 023J/0394.

Géostat, (2007). Technical Report, estimation of the mineral resources of the KeMag iron ore deposit. Énergies et resources naturelles Québecs, GM 64046.

Neal, HE., Watts, Griffis. (2001) Iron deposits of the labrador trough. Explore mining geol. Vol.9, No.2, pp 113-121, 2000.

Cyclone Metals and Vale sign joint development agreement

About Saga Metals Corp.

Saga Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the North American transition to supply security. The Radar Titanium Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km² on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including a 2,200m drill program, has confirmed a large and mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) with strong grades of titanium and vanadium.

The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares and features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U3O8. Uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report).

Additionally, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Metals.

With a portfolio spanning key commodities critical to the clean energy future, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in critical mineral security.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, contact:

Rob Guzman, Investor Relations
Saga Metals Corp.
Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638
Email: rob@sagametals.com
www.sagametals.com

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

Cautionary Disclaimer
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company’s North Wind Project and other corporate initiatives, including market awareness contracts. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations 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, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, inherent risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, particularly given the early-stage nature of the Company’s assets, and the risks detailed in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings with securities regulations from time to time, available under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESS Newswire / December 30, 2025 / Empire Metals Limited (AIM:EEE)(OTCQX:EPMLF), the AIM-quoted and OTCQX-traded exploration and development company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement for its 75% interest in the Eclipse Mining Lease (‘Eclipse ML’ or the ‘Project’), a non-core gold asset located near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

The agreement includes a three-month exclusivity and due diligence period, during which the proposed purchaser will complete technical and commercial due diligence on the Project.

Highlights

• Conditional sale of Empire’s 75% interest in the Eclipse ML, a non-core gold asset

• Purchaser is a reputable Western Australian mining services company operating in the Kalgoorlie region

• Total consideration of A$750,000 cash for Empire’s interest, subject to successful completion of due diligence

• Transaction supports Empire’s strategy to focus capital and resources on the Pitfield Titanium Project

Shaun Bunn, Managing Director, said: ‘This conditional sale represents a further step in our strategy to streamline the portfolio and focus management attention and capital on advancing the Pitfield Project. Eclipse is a non-core asset for Empire, and this transaction provides an opportunity to unlock value while reducing ongoing holding and resourcing costs. We look forward to progressing the due diligence phase with the purchaser.’

The Eclipse ML Project

The Eclipse ML is a small granted mining lease located near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, which has historically been subject to gold exploration. As part of its broader portfolio rationalization strategy, Empire has been actively reviewing options to reduce exposure to non-core assets and is pleased to have entered into an exclusivity arrangement with the purchaser in respect of its interest in the Project.

Sale Terms

Key terms of the conditional sale agreement include:

• The sale relates to Empire’s 75% interest in mining lease M27/153 (Eclipse ML)

• The agreement includes a three-month exclusivity and due diligence period

• During the exclusivity period, the purchaser may conduct a small RC drilling programme as part of its due diligence

• Total consideration of A$750,000 for Empire’s 75% interest, comprising:

  • A$50,000 non-refundable cash deposit, payable within five days of execution of the agreement; and

  • A$700,000 cash payable on completion, following successful due diligence

Next Steps

The anticipated next steps are as follows:

• The due diligence period last three months, to be conducted by the Purchaser.

• A Program of Works has been submitted to the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) to support a small drill campaign, to be funded by the Purchaser

• Subject to a successful due diligence period, settlement is expected to occur in early April.

• Empire continues to review options for other non-core assets, consistent with its strategy to accelerate development activities at the Pitfield Project.

**ENDS**

For further information please visit www.empiremetals.co.uk or contact:

About Empire Metals Limited

Empire Metals Ltd (AIM:EEE)(OTCQX:EPMLF) is an exploration and resource development company focused on the commercialization of the Pitfield Titanium Project, located in Western Australia. The titanium discovery at Pitfield is of unprecedented scale and hosts one of the largest and highest-grade titanium resources reported globally, with a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) totalling 2.2 billion tonnes grading 5.1% TiO₂ for 113 million tonnes of contained TiO₂.

Titanium mineralisation at Pitfield occurs from surface and displays exceptional grade continuity along strike and down dip. The MRE extends across just 20% of the known mineralised footprint, providing substantial potential for further resource expansion.

Conventional processing has already produced a high-purity product grading 99.25% TiO₂, suitable for titanium sponge metal or pigment feedstock. With excellent logistics and established infrastructure, Pitfield is strategically positioned to supply the growing global demand for titanium and other critical minerals.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Empire Metals Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Nine Mile Metals LTD. (CSE: NINE,OTC:VMSXF) (OTC Pink: VMSXF) (FSE: KQ9) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Nine Mile’) is pleased to announce Certified Assay results for volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization collected from the pre-drill area on the Wedge VMS Project, in the world-famous Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC), New Brunswick, Canada.

TABLE 1: ACTLABS CERTIFIED ASSAY RESULTS:

The assays were shipped to ActLabs in Fredericton, New Brunswick for preparation with final analysis of pulps conducted in Ancaster, Ontario. The primary analytical method for the Wedge samples is UT-7, multi-element Peroxide ‘Total’ Fusion (ICP-OES+MS). When overlimit results are returned, ore grade analysis is triggered and conducted utilizing Code 8-AR-ICP-OES. Gold analysis is treated separately by 30g Fire Assay and AA finish, method 1A2. Ag is also treated separately by method 1E Ag. QA /QC controls involve inserting standards in the samples stream at set intervals.

Samples 280461 through 280464 below (Figure 1) are examples of the massive Hi-Grade Copper sulphide mineralization (Chalcopyrite). Covellite is also clearly seen in sample #280461 and #280463, as a dark blue cast in colour. The samples were collected in the area highlighted in Figure 2, immediately to the west of the footings for the old hoist and the remains of the shaft. These are well-known landmarks.

FIGURE 1: HIGHLIGHTED SAMPLES

SAMPLE #280461 (14.49% CU-EQ) 

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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SAMPLE #280462 (15.37% CU-EQ)

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SAMPLE #280463 (14.49% CU-EQ)

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 SAMPLE #280464 (14.60% CU-EQ)

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FIGURE 2: 2025 SAMPLE AREA

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Gary Lohman, Director, P.Geo., VP Exploration, stated, ‘The mineralization is massive in character, fine grained, with basic Fe (Pyrite) and Cu sulphides (Chalcopyrite – Covellite), mineralogy as we have seen in recent drilling. Visible covellite (CuS) was locally present, adding a high grade component to the system. Again, these values explain what we are seeing in our drill core from our first 3 holes. (WD-25-01 & WD-25-02 & WD-25-02B). We are extremely encouraged and look forward to the WD-25-01 Certified Drill Core Assay Results.’

Patrick J. Cruickshank, MBA, CEO & Director, stated, ‘Our current Wedge Program continues to demonstrate the high-grade quality of the sampling of this deposit. These results are simply outstanding. Our current Drill Program was designed with this quality of mineralization below and I believe our 1^st (3) announced drill holes clearly demonstrates this success. This is definitely a special copper rich deposit. We look forward to sharing our summary of our next drill hole in our program.’

Qualified Person 

The technical content of this news release pertaining to the Wedge Project was reviewed and approved by Gary Lohman, P.Geo., a non-independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Copper Equivalent (Cu-Eq) for these surface grab samples is calculated based on December 16, 2025, pricing: US$ 5.35/lb Cu, US$ 0.88/lb Pb, US$ 1.37/lb Zn, US$ 67.10/oz Ag, and US$ 4337.70/oz Au, with 80% metallurgical recoveries assumed for all metals. Since it is unclear which metals will be the principal products, assuming different recoveries is premature at this stage. Therefore, an 80% recovery rate is justified.

About Nine Mile Metals Ltd.:

Nine Mile Metals Ltd. is a Canadian public mineral exploration company focused on VMS (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag and Au) exploration in the world-famous Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Canada. The Company’s primary business objective is to explore its four VMS Projects: Nine Mile Brook VMS Project; California Lake VMS Project; and the Canoe Landing Lake (East – West) Project and the Wedge VMS Project. The Company is focused on exploration of Minerals for Technology (MFT), positioning for the boom in EV and green technologies requiring Copper, Silver, Lead and Zinc with a hedge with Gold.

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Nine Mile. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Nine Mile. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as ‘will,’ ‘may,’ ‘would,’ ‘expect,’ ‘intend,’ ‘plan,’ ‘seek,’ ‘anticipate,’ ‘believe,’ ‘estimate,’ ‘predict,’ ‘potential,’ ‘continue,’ ‘likely,’ ‘could’ and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include that (a) prior to commencing the 2023 exploration drill program, the ground will be mapped at surface and representative samples analyzed to determine the base and precious metal assay values , (b) the Ag and Au values will be reported upon receipt of the certified assay results from ALS Global, and (c) our current financial raise will enable us to drill the Wedge Project (along with our Canoe Landing VMS Project and follow up exploration work on our California Lake VMS Project) this season as opposed to next year. Although Nine Mile believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Nine Mile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release.

The Canadian Venture Building, 82 Richmond Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1P1 (T) 506-804-6117

www.ninemilemetals.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279109

Apollo Silver Corp. (‘Apollo Silver’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF) is pleased to announce that it has upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement by an additional $2,500,000, to be subscribed for primarily by insiders of the Company, for total aggregate gross proceeds of up to $27,500,000, through the issuance of up to 5,500,000 units (the ‘Units’) at a price of $5.00 per Unit (the ‘Upsized Offering’).

As previously announced, Mr. Eric Sprott and a fund managed by Jupiter Asset Management (the ‘Jupiter Fund‘), Apollo Silver’s two largest shareholders, are participating in the Upsized Offering, and will each subscribe for 2,500,000 Units of the Company, for combined gross proceeds of $25,000,000. Following completion of the Upsized Offering, the Jupiter Fund will own approximately 12% of Apollo Silver’s issued and outstanding common shares, while Eric Sprott will own approximately 9.5%, on an undiluted basis. On a partially diluted basis, each investor’s ownership interest will increase accordingly.

Each Unit issued pursuant to the Upsized Offering will consist of one common share (a ‘Share‘) in the capital of the Company and one common Share purchase warrant (a ‘Warrant‘). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $7.00 for 24 months from the closing date of the Upsized Offering.

All securities issued in connection with the Upsized Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing. Finder’s fees may be payable on some or all of the funds raised, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘TSXV‘). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Upsized Offering to fund exploration and development activities across the Company’s projects, as well as for general working capital and corporate purposes.

Closing of the Upsized Offering is subject to regulatory approval, including that of the TSXV.

The Upsized Offering is expected to include participation by certain insiders of the Company for an aggregate amount of up to $2,500,000. Such participation constitutes a ‘related party transaction’ under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (‘MI 61-101’). The issuance of securities to insiders will be exempt from the valuation requirement pursuant to section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as the Company’s shares are not listed on a specified market, and from the minority shareholder approval requirement pursuant to section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities issued to related parties will not exceed twenty-five percent of the Company’s market capitalization.

The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Apollo Silver Corp.

Apollo Silver is advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the US. The Calico project hosts a large, bulk minable silver deposit with significant barite credits – a critical mineral essential to the US energy and medical sectors. The Company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is host to a major carbonate replacement (CRD) deposit that is both high-grade and large tonnage. Led by an experienced and award-winning management team, Apollo Silver is well positioned to advance the assets and deliver value through exploration and development.

Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ross McElroy
President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Email: info@apollosilver.com

Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding ‘Forward-Looking’ Information

This news release includes ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the expected timing for completion of the Upsized Offering, and the intended use of proceeds from the Upsized Offering. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘budget’ and ‘intend’ and statements that an event or result ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or ‘might’ occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company’s projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and barite; the demand for silver, gold and barite; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s expected financial and operational performance and the Company’s plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC,OTC:ILHMF) (OTCQB: ILHMF) (FSE: IAH) (the ‘Company’ or ‘ILC’) announces that on December 24, 2025, it received the arbitration determination for Lepidico’s dispute with Jiangxi Jinhui Lithium Co., Ltd. (‘Jinhui’) in China. Lepidico Chemicals Namibia (Pty) Ltd (‘Lepidico Namibia’) was the party involved in the arbitration. The dispute dates back to events prior to Lepidico’s acquisition of TSXV-quoted Desert Lion Energy Inc. in 2019.

ILC structured the deal announced on September 9, 2025, to buy Lepidico Mauritius as an option precisely because it wanted to wait and see the outcome of the arbitration decision. Lepidico Mauritius owns 80% of Lepidico Namibia, which, in turn, owns the entire Karibib Lithium, Rubidium and Cesium project (the ‘Karibib Project’).

The arbitration took place at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (‘SIAC’) as provided for in the contract between the parties. It is understood that the case was referred to arbitration at the direction of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (‘SAFE’), a Chinese state body and regulator under the People’s Bank of China. The contract between the parties was under Ontario law. There were no Canadians on the arbitration tribunal. A tribunal of three arbitrators was appointed. The presiding arbitrator and a co-arbitrator were both Professors who are nationals of and resident in China; the second co-arbitrator was a Singapore national. The arbitration determination was issued in Chinese, with an English translation. This differs from the Singapore court system, where all proceedings and judgments are conducted in English.

The outcome was unfavourable to Lepidico Namibia and resulted in a determination in favour of Jinhui.

ILC currently holds an option, is a secured creditor, and believes in the future of the Karibib Project. ILC’s board is considering various courses of action and expects to make further announcements in due course.

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. has exploration activities in Ontario, Canada, with intentions to expand into Southern Africa. It has projects at various stages, ranging from Definitive Feasibility Study at Rubicon in Namibia (note that ILC currently has an option only and is treating this as historic information at this point and not a current resource for ILC) to Preliminary Economic Assessment at Raleigh Lake to Pre-Drilling at Wolf Ridge. The primary target metals in Canada are lithium, rubidium and copper. There are three projects (two in Ontario and one in Ireland) in which ILC has sold its share, but where the Company stands to receive future payments from either a resource milestone being achieved or from a Net Smelter Royalty. In Namibia the Karibib project contains lithium, rubidium and cesium.

While the world’s politicians remain divided on the future of the energy market’s historic dependence on oil and gas and on ‘Net Zero’, there is in any scenario an ever-increasing and significant demand for electricity driven by AI and data centres, and by a likely unstoppable momentum towards electric vehicles and grid-scale electricity storage. All of these contribute to rising demand for lithium, copper, and other metals. Rubidium is also a critical metal, strategic for high-precision clocks, space technology, and improving the performance of certain types of solar panels. ILC has seen the politically driven, increasingly urgent push by the USA, Canada, the EU, and other major economies to safeguard their supplies of critical minerals and to become more self-sufficient. The Company’s Canadian and Southern African projects, which contain lithium, rubidium, cesium and copper, are strategic in this regard.

The Company’s key mission for the next decade is to generate revenue for its shareholders from lithium and other critical minerals while also contributing to the creation of a greener, cleaner planet and less polluted cities.

This includes optimizing the value of ILC’s existing projects in Canada as well as finding, exploring and developing projects that have the potential to become world-class deposits. The Company announced that it regards Southern Africa as a key strategic target market and, in addition to Namibia, it has applied for and hopes to receive EPOs in Zimbabwe. The board hopes to make further announcements on the portfolio developments over the next few weeks and months.

The Company’s interests in various projects now consist of the following, and in addition, the Company continues to seek other opportunities:

The Company’s primary strategic focus at this point is on the Raleigh Lake Project, comprising lithium and rubidium, and the Firesteel copper project in Canada, as well as obtaining EPOs and mineral claims in Zimbabwe. The Karibib projects in Namibia, including further development of the EPL there, will be a high priority if ILC decides to remain involved.

The Raleigh Lake Project now encompasses 32,900 hectares (329 square kilometres) of mineral claims in Ontario and represents ILC’s most significant project in Canada. To date, drilling has occurred on less than 1,000 hectares of the Company’s claims. A Preliminary Economic Assessment was published for ILC’s lithium at Raleigh Lake in December 2023, with a detailed economic analysis of ILC’s separate rubidium resource still pending. Raleigh Lake is 100% owned by ILC, free from any encumbrances and royalties. The Raleigh Lake Project boasts excellent access to roads, rail, and utilities.

A continuing goal has been to remain a well-funded, strategically run company that turns ILC’s aspirations into reality. Following the disposal of the Mariana project in Argentina in 2021, the Mavis Lake project in Canada in 2022, and the Avalonia project in 2025, ILC has continued to generate sufficient cash inflows to advance its exploration projects.

With increasing demand for high-tech rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and portable electronics, lithium has been dubbed ‘the new oil’. It is a key part of a green, sustainable economy. By positioning itself on projects with significant resource potential and solid strategic partners, ILC aims to become a preferred lithium and critical minerals resource developer for investors and to continue building value for its shareholders throughout the 2020s, the decade of battery metals.

For further information concerning this news release, please contact info@internationallithium.ca or ILC@yellowjerseypr.com.

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

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release or other releases contain certain ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this or other news releases may include: the timing of completion of any offering and the amount to be raised, the likelihood or otherwise of the Company exercising its option on Lepidico Mauritius, the outcome of arbitration and resulting actions and negotiations involving Lepidico Namibia and its stakeholders, the effect of results of anticipated production rates, the timing and/or anticipated results of drilling on the Raleigh Lake or Karibib or Firesteel or Wolf Ridge projects, the expectation of resource estimates, preliminary economic assessments, feasibility studies, the ability to renew mining licences or claims, lithium or rubidium or cesium or copper recoveries, modeling of capital and operating costs, results of studies utilizing various technologies at the company’s projects, the Company’s budgeted expenditures, future plans for expansion in Southern Africa and planned exploration work on its projects, increased value of shareholder investments in the Company, the potential from the Company’s third party earn-out or royalty arrangements, the future demand for lithium, rubidium, cesium and copper, and assumptions about ethical behaviour by our joint venture partners or third party operators of projects or royalty partners. Such forward-looking information is based on assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled ‘Risks’ and ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ in the interim and annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. While management believes that the assumptions made are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Forward-looking information herein, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on expectations, estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are subject to significant business, economic, legislative, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change.

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