(TheNewswire)

Vancouver, British Columbia January 22nd, 2026 TheNewswire – Juggernaut Exploration Ltd. (JUGR.V) (OTCPK: JUGRF) (FSE: 4JE) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Juggernaut’) is pleased to announce attendance in both the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) and AME Roundup 2026.

AME Roundup 2026

To learn more about Juggernaut’s exciting new Big One discovery, we would like to cordially invite you to visit us at our AME Booth # 1100C, which will be exhibiting all 4 days Monday, January 26, 2026 – Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and Thursday, January 29, 2023 (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM). The event is being held at the Exhibit Hall – Vancouver Convention Centre East Building (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.).

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC)

Juggernaut’s Booth #123. The event is being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West Building (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.) Sunday, January 25 – Monday, January 26, 2026 (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM). Dan Stuart, CEO, will provide a corporate presentation on Sunday, January 25 (11:50 AM) at Workshop #4.

About the AME Roundup Conference

The AME Roundup is a dynamic four-day trade show featuring key players in mineral exploration, development, mining, and reclamation. Among the hundreds of exhibitors under the sails in the Vancouver Convention Centre East, you will find prospectors and entrepreneurs, junior explorers and international mining companies, Indigenous groups, governments, universities, not-for-profits, and an incredible collection of service and supply companies. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://roundup.amebc.ca/

About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) is the World’s Premier Mining Investment Event at a time when Gold & Silver are breaking records. The event will host 120 keynote speakers, 300 mining companies, and over 12,000 attending investors. VRIC brings together the dealmakers, analysts, and operators shaping the future of precious metals — right when capital is surging back into the sector. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference

Link to Big One 2026 Video

The Big One property is situated in a region that is well known for hosting globally recognized precious metal and porphyry deposits, several of which occur near the property including the multiple porphyry systems at Galore Creek, the world’s largest known gold reserve at KSM and the polymetallic copper project at Shaft Creek, as well as the Brucejack high-grade epithermal gold deposit, and the structurally controlled high-grade hydrothermal gold-silver zones at Trophy and Sphal Creek. The property geology is favorable to host these types of deposits, as confirmed by the presence of extensive areas of propylitic alteration, untested geophysical anomalies, strong silt, soil, and rock geochemistry, including pathfinder elements directly related to porphyry systems, key structures and textures, porphyry-style mineralization, and high-grade polymetallic veins, that have been discovered on the Big One property.

The Big One property can be accessed year-round via helicopter from the Glenora/Telegraph Creek Road at the Barrington Mine (33 km to the north-northeast) as well as the Galore Creek Road (15 km to the southeast). The Canadian government committed $25 M to extend/improve the Galore Creek Road to within 15 km of the Big One property. The property is 2 km west of the Scud River airstrip used in the early days of Galore Creek.

The Big One property exploration qualifies for the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (CMETC).

About Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.

Juggernaut Exploration Ltd. is an explorer and generator of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. Its projects are located in globally recognized geological settings and in geopolitically stable jurisdictions, making them amenable to mining in Canada. Juggernaut is a member and active supporter of CASERM, a collaborative venture between the Colorado School of Mines and Virginia Tech. Juggernaut’s key strategic cornerstone shareholder is Crescat Capital.

For more information, please contact:

Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.

Dan Stuart

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Tel: (604)-559-8028

www.juggernautexploration.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: Click Here
Follow us on Facebook: Click Here
Follow us on X / Twitter: Click Here
Follow us on YouTube: Click Here

Qualified Person

Rein Turna, P. Geo, is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Juggernaut Exploration projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release.

Disclaimer

The reader is cautioned that grab samples are spot samples, which are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to be representative of the material sampled.

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.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain disclosures in this release may constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties relating to Juggernaut’s operations that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including its ability to complete the contemplated private placement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES. THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR AN INVITATION TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN IT.

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

NEW Event operating system uses AI-assisted workflows, and contextual automation across event operations Integrating Its platforms; Eventdex, Map D, and Krafty Labs

NEW YORK CITY, NY AND TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2026 / Nextech3D.ai (OTCQB:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR,OTC:NEXCF)(FSE:1SS), an AI-first technology company focused on event solutions, 3D modeling, and spatial computing, today announced the launch of Nextech Event AI, a unified AI-powered event operating system designed to integrate the Company’s Eventdex, Map D, and Krafty Labs platforms into a single operating environment.

Nextech Event AI is intended to support its existing enterprise Fortune 500 customers by connecting event registration, engagement, spatial visualization, blockchain payments, and analytics through a centralized data and intelligence layer referred to internally as the Company’s Semantic Brain. The platform is designed to address operational complexity across virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, particularly in large-scale enterprise environments.

Integrated Platform Strategy: AI Intelligence and Enterprise Execution

Nextech3D.ai is advancing a platform strategy that combines AI-driven software infrastructure with enterprise-level service delivery:

• Enterprise Services Layer:
  The Company maintains a dedicated enterprise success team to support onboarding, configuration, and execution for large customer deployments.

This approach is intended to support scalability while maintaining a software-first, asset-light operating model.

Nextech Event AI Platform Modules

Eventdex – Registration, Ticketing, and Event Intelligence

Eventdex functions as the registration and logistics core of Nextech Event AI. It supports attendee registration, ticketing, badge management, AI-assisted matchmaking, structured networking, and blockchain-enabled credentialing with integrated lead capture.

Map D – Spatial Visualization and Navigation

Map D provides 3D interactive floor plans and digital venue visualization. Integrated within Nextech Event AI, Map D supports attendee navigation, exhibitor discovery, and analytics related to space utilization and attendee movement.

Krafty – Virtual and In-Person Engagement

Krafty supports virtual and in-person engagement programming, including team-based and experiential offerings. Integrated into Nextech Event AI, Krafty enables coordinated engagement across digital environments and physical locations, supported by centralized data insights.

Payments and Settlement Capabilities

This expansion serves as the physical hardware for our evolving AI-driven Operating System. A critical component of this OS is our recent BitPay integration, which allows for seamless, borderless transactions within our ecosystem. By merging AI-driven management with decentralized payment rails, we are building one of the first truly modern infrastructure for the global economy. The market is responding-we are currently celebrating a series of significant client wins as organizations realize that true efficiency requires this specific blend of high-tech financial tools and high-touch local presence

Management Commentary

Evan Gappelberg, CEO of Nextech3D.ai, commented:

‘The launch of Nextech Event AI represents an important step in the continued integration of our event technology platforms. By bringing Eventdex, Map D, and Krafty together, we are simplifying workflows and improving how event data is captured and utilized across digital and physical environments.’ he continues, ‘As our large enterprise customers increasingly seek unified solutions for managing events and engagement, we believe Nextech Event AI provides a flexible foundation that can scale alongside evolving customer requirements.’

Financial and Operating Considerations

Nextech3D.ai continues to evaluate opportunities to improve operating efficiency through automation and platform integration. While the Company is targeting 90% gross margins through the use of AI-enabled workflows and standardized operations, there can be no assurance that specific margin levels or financial outcomes will be achieved.

About Nextech3D.ai

Nextech3D.ai is an AI-first technology company specializing in live event solutions, 3D modeling, and spatial computing. Through its flagship Map D, Eventdex, and KraftyLab platforms, the company provides interactive floor plans, registration, ticketing, and blockchain-enabled credentialing for large Fortune 500 organizations worldwide including Google, Oracle, Microsoft, Netflix and others.

Website: www.Nextech3D.ai
Investor Relations: investors@nextechar.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding platform capabilities, market opportunity, operational efficiency, enterprise adoption, and potential financial performance. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Nextech3D.ai undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Nextech3D.ai Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Rio Silver Inc. (‘Rio Silver’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is pleased to announce that it has submitted an application to trade on the U.S. OTCID market, a strategic step designed to broaden investor access and enhance visibility within the world’s largest capital market.

In parallel, the Company confirms it will be attending the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) 2026, taking place January 25–26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Rio Silver welcomes current and prospective investors to visit the Company at Booth 829.

Opening Access to the World’s Largest Capital Market

The Company’s application to trade on the U.S. OTCID market is intended to make Rio Silver’s shares more easily accessible to U.S. investors through a transparent U.S. trading venue, improving trading efficiency and expanding exposure to a broader institutional and retail audience. Upon approval, Rio Silver expects enhanced visibility among U.S.-based investors seeking direct exposure to silver-dominant exploration and development stories.

This initiative aligns with the Company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen market awareness and investor engagement as it advances its silver assets in Peru through permitting, access, and execution-focused milestones, while establishing a U.S. market presence that supports broader participation in the Company’s growth.

Management Commentary

‘Opening access to the U.S. capital markets is a meaningful step in the evolution of Rio Silver,’ said Chris Verrico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Silver. ‘The United States represents the largest and deepest pool of capital globally, and this application is about making it easier for investors to participate in our story as we progress. With visible silver mineralization, a clear regulatory pathway, and a disciplined, capital-efficient strategy, we believe increased accessibility and engagement will be an important catalyst as we move into the next phase of growth. We look forward to welcoming global investors to meet our team and learn more about Rio Silver at VRIC 2026 at Booth 829.’

Investor Engagement at VRIC 2026

VRIC is one of North America’s leading resource investment conferences, bringing together mining companies, institutional investors, retail investors, analysts, and industry leaders. Management will be available throughout the conference to discuss Rio Silver’s project portfolio, execution strategy, and upcoming milestones.

Conference Details:

• Event: Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) 2026
• Dates: January 25–26, 2026
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Vancouver Convention Centre
• Booth: 829

Why This Matters to Investors

For investors, access matters. Expanding into the U.S. OTC market lowers friction for U.S.-based capital, increases liquidity potential, and broadens the audience able to participate in Rio Silver’s growth. Combined with active investor engagement at VRIC, this initiative strengthens market visibility at a time when the Company is advancing tangible, execution-driven milestones. As Rio Silver continues to progress its silver-dominant assets with a capital-efficient strategy, improved accessibility to the world’s largest capital market positions the Company to attract a wider investor base and more accurately reflect project momentum.

About Rio Silver Inc.

Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is a Canadian resource company advancing high-grade, silver-dominant assets in Peru, the world’s second-largest silver producer. The Company is focused on near-term development opportunities within proven mineral belts and is supported by a seasoned technical and operational team with long standing experience in Peruvian geology, development, and district-scale exploration. With a clear strategy and a growing portfolio of highly prospective silver assets, Rio Silver is establishing the foundation to become one of Peru’s next emerging silver producers.

Learn more at www.riosilverinc.com

ON BEHALF OF Rio Silver INC.

Chris Verrico
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

To learn more or engage directly with the Company, please contact:
Christopher Verrico, President and CEO
Tel: (604) 762-4448
Email: chris.verrico@riosilverinc.com
Website: www.riosilverinc.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated development activities, underground access timing, permitting progress, community engagement, processing strategies, and the Company’s ability to advance toward potential production and cash flow. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Rio Silver undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

(TheNewswire)

Muskoka – Ontario Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. (CSE: SCM,OTC:SCMNF) (‘Steadright’ or the ‘Company’), a resource exploration company focused on near-term production announces that the Moroccan company, NSM Capital Sarl, that Steadright is a 75% shareholder of, has formally applied for a Mining License for TitanBeach One.

Following extensive preparatory work and careful planning, NSM Capital Sarl Management has informed its shareholders that an important milestone has been achieved within the TitanBeach project, located in Southern Morocco.

NSM Capital Sarl has officially submitted the application for the TitanBeach One Mining License (License No. 4039307) to the competent authorities. The application is based on comprehensive technical, legal, environmental and organizational preparation and work completed.

It is particularly worth highlighting that the responsible authorities in Morocco have been very cooperative, supportive, and accommodating throughout the process to date. This constructive collaboration provides a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the TitanBeach project.

Furthermore, several meetings and appointments with the relevant authorities are scheduled over the coming days. These discussions will focus on the allocation of the land on which the processing of any material will be carried out. NSM Capital Sarl is already fully engaged in a constructive and goal-oriented dialogue.

With the submission of the license application and the ongoing discussions regarding the project infrastructure, NSM Capital Sarl has reached another significant milestone towards the projects’ success.

Steadright Critical Minerals CEO, Matt Lewis, states, ‘Our team is very pleased to see NSM Capital Sarl applying for a license. This is the culmination of a lot of time, effort and thought on the part of their team. Kudos to this independent group and the very helpful Moroccan professionals who are working towards a successful operation south of Tan-Tan.

ABOUT Steadright Critical Minerals INC.

Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company established in 2019. Steadright has been focused in 2025 on finding exploration and historical mining projects that can be brought into production within the Moroccan critical mineral space. Steadright currently has exposure through a Moroccan entity known as NSM Capital Sarl, with over 192 sq KMs of mineral exploration claims called the TitanBeach Titanium Project, and found in the Southern Provinces of Morocco. Steadright has also recently signed a binding MOU for the historic Goundafa Mine within the Kingdom of Morocco.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

For further information, please contact:

Matt Lewis

CEO & Director

Steadright Critical Minerals Inc.

Email: enquires@steadright.ca

Tel: 1-905-410-0587

www.steadright.ca

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (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.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, ‎uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or ‎achievements of Steadright to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-‎looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: there is no ‎certainty that the ongoing programs will result in significant or successful ‎exploration and ‎development of Steadright’s properties; uncertainty as to ‎the actual results of exploration and ‎development or operational activities; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of ‎future financing on ‎acceptable terms; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; ‎general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; capital market conditions ‎and market prices for securities, junior market securities and mining exploration company securities; ‎commodity prices; the actual results of current exploration and development or operational activities; ‎competition; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents and other risks ‎inherent in the mining industry; lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory ‎approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation or income tax legislation, affecting ‎Steadright; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key ‎individuals.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the ‎securities in the United States. The securities 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 state securities laws and ‎may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons ‎unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an ‎exemption from such registration is available.‎

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

This article has been disseminated on behalf of LaFleur Minerals and may include paid advertising. 
Disclosure: This does not represent material news, partnerships or investment advice.

Via MiningNewsWire — LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) today announces its placement in an editorial published by MiningNewsWire (‘MNW’), one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio@IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork), a specialized communications platform with a focus on financial news and content distribution for private and public companies and the investment community.

To view the full publication, ‘From Permits to Pouring Gold: The Power of Being Production-Ready,’ please visit: https://ibn.fm/wGKLA

The most powerful moment to get involved in a mining company’s story is often not at the earliest discovery stage, or even after production is fully established, but at the precise inflection point when a company transitions from explorer to producer. This is the stage where geological risk has been substantially reduced, infrastructure decisions have been made and capital is finally aligned with execution, creating the conditions for outsized valuation re-ratings. Solid funding is essential at this juncture, as it allows management teams to shift from conceptual planning to tangible value creation.

This scenario is now taking shape at LaFleur Minerals Inc., a Québec-based gold company that recently completed an oversubscribed and upsized $7.8 million financing and is now funded to restart production at its Beacon Gold Mill, positioning the company at exactly the point where upside potential historically accelerates. LaFleur stands out in a crowded junior mining landscape because it controls a rare combination of advanced exploration assets and fully permitted, refurbished production infrastructure in one of the world’s most prolific gold regions.

About LaFleur Minerals Inc.

LaFleur Minerals is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d’Or, Québec. The Company’s mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is approximately 18,304 hectares (183 km(2)) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. LaFleur Minerals’ fully permitted and refurbished Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material from Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.

Qualified Person Statement – All scientific and technical information contained in the LaFleur Minerals Market Awareness Profile (MAP) has been reviewed and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the company and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LFLR are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/LFLRF

About MiningNewsWire

MiningNewsWire (‘MNW’) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on developments and opportunities in the Global Mining and Resources sectors. It is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, MNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, MNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.
MNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from MiningNewsWire, text ‘BigHole’ to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.MiningNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the MiningNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by MNW, wherever published or republished: https://www.MiningNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

MiningNewsWire
Los Angeles, CA
www.MiningNewsWire.com
310.299.1717 Office
Editor@MiningNewsWire.com

MiningNewsWire is powered by IBN

Results demonstrate higher metal recoveries from a simplified metallurgical flow sheet

Fortune Minerals Limited (TSX: FT,OTC:FTMDF) (OTCQB: FTMDF) (‘ Fortune ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) ( www.fortuneminerals.com ) is pleased to announce that it has successfully concluded the validation test work for an optimized hydrometallurgical flowsheet to produce battery grade cobalt sulphate heptahydrate for the NICO cobalt-gold-bismuth-copper project (‘ NICO Project ‘) in Canada. The results verified that a high-quality cobalt sulphate heptahydrate product can be generated with very good metal recoveries from a simplified process flow sheet to help mitigate capital and operating costs escalation for the NICO Project. The test work was supported by contribution funding from Natural Resources Canada (‘ NRCan ‘)’s Global Partnerships Initiative (‘ GPI ‘) program, a U.S. Defense Production Act Title III award and contributions from Alberta Innovates’ Clean Resource Intake program.

The NICO Project is an advanced development asset comprised of a planned open pit and underground mine and concentrator in the Northwest Territories (‘ NWT ‘) and a dedicated hydrometallurgical facility in Alberta (‘ Alberta Refinery ‘) where concentrates from the mine, and other feed sources, will be processed to value-added critical mineral products. The NICO Project will provide a reliable North American supply of battery grade cobalt sulphate, bismuth ingots (12% of global reserves), and copper cement – with more than one million ounces of in-situ gold as a highly liquid and countercyclical co-product.

�Our new government is working with Canada’s world-class minerals industry to build resilient, secure, sustainable and most importantly, made-in-Canada critical mineral supply chains. This milestone from Fortune Minerals is not only an important step forward, but a perfect example of how Canada can deliver the world-class products, from batteries to magnets and beyond, that our domestic and international manufacturers and partners need. As demand grows, we are stepping up to meet that demand in a way that promotes Canada, attracts investment, and creates local jobs,’ said The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Like our news? Click-to-post on X.

The objective of the recent test work was to validate improvements to the hydrometallurgical process Fortune will use to produce a high-purity cobalt sulphate heptahydrate product for the lithium-ion rechargeable battery industry. The work was carried out at SGS Canada Inc. (‘ SGS ‘) at its world class Lakefield, Ontario metallurgical facilities. Fortune previously announced partial results for this work confirming the pressure oxidation conditions for autoclave processing NICO Project cobalt concentrate that had previously been determined in a 2008 pilot plant. The current work verified process optimizations at two different concentrate grades and achieved extractions of 97% for cobalt and 74% for copper at the design feed grade versus 95% for cobalt and 70% for copper in the 2008 pilot plant. Extractions using an off-specification low-grade cobalt feed were 95% for cobalt and 79% for copper, confirming the earlier pilot plant metal recoveries (see July 7, 2025, news release). The recent tests also confirmed these recoveries after blending the cobalt concentrate with residues from the bismuth leach circuit prior to autoclave processing in order to capture all of the recoverable gold in one process stream, while also recovering additional cobalt and copper that had deported to the bismuth circuit. Gold recoveries in the recent tests were between 97% and 98% compared to 95% in the earlier 2008 pilot plant work.

The recent test work also indicates that a direct pre-neutralization sequence of the autoclave discharge would be beneficial at bench scale, removing about 99% of the contained arsenic without oxygenation or heating, and without incurring any cobalt losses. This improvement to the process flowsheet indicates the equipment sizes can likely be reduced to lower the capital and operating costs for the Alberta Refinery. The recently completed test work also focused on verification of the downstream solution purification – consisting of manganese removal, solvent extraction purification, and evaporation and crystallization of a battery grade cobalt sulphate heptahydrate product. The purity of the cobalt sulphate met the 99.99% (20.959% cobalt in sulphate) specification received from lithium-ion battery manufacturers and the heavy metal impurities also met the specified limits.

NICO Project Cobalt Specifications

Fortune is now conducting tests at SGS to validate the production of a cobalt mixed hydroxide product (CoMHP) as a lower capital and operating cost start-up option for the Alberta Refinery. Preliminary tests were successful in producing CoMHP with attractive cobalt, nickel and copper contents and additional tests are being carried out at SGS to support an economic sensitivity analysis for the NICO Project Feasibility Study currently in progress by Worley Canada Services Ltd. Currently, cobalt hydroxide prices compare favourably to cobalt sulphate and metal products due to the shortage of hydroxide from export restrictions by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Making a CoMHP product would be a lower cost alternative that might support a compelling economic alternative at start-up.

For more detailed information about the NICO Mineral Reserves and certain technical information in this news release, please refer to the Technical Report on the NICO Project, entitled ‘Technical Report on the Feasibility Study for the NICO-Gold-Cobalt-Bismuth-Copper Project, Northwest Territories, Canada’, dated April 2, 2014 and prepared by Micon International Limited which has been filed on SEDAR and is available under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

The disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this news release have been approved by Robin Goad, M.Sc., P.Geo., President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortune and Alex Mezei, M.Sc., P.Eng. Fortune’s Chief Metallurgist, who are ‘Qualified Persons’ under National Instrument 43-101.

About Fortune Minerals

Fortune is a Canadian mining company focused on developing the NICO cobalt-gold-bismuth-copper project in the Northwest Territories and Alberta. Fortune also owns the satellite Sue-Dianne copper-silver-gold deposit located 25 km north of the NICO deposit and is a potential future source of incremental feed to extend the life of the NICO concentrator.

Follow Fortune Minerals:

Click here to subscribe to Fortune’s email list.

Click here to follow Fortune on LinkedIn.

@FortuneMineral on X.

This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information includes statements with respect to, among other things, the construction of the proposed mine and concentrator in the Northwest Territories and the hydrometallurgical facility in Alberta, and the Company’s plans to develop the NICO Project. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management as well as certain assumptions at the date the information is given (including, in respect of the forward-looking information contained in this press release, assumptions regarding: the Company’s ability to complete construction of a NICO Project hydrometallurgical facility; the Company’s ability to arrange the necessary financing to continue operations and develop the NICO Project; the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals for the construction and operation of the NICO Project and the related hydrometallurgical facility and the timing thereof; the time required to construct the NICO Project; and the economic environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of gold, cobalt, bismuth and other by-product metals, anticipated costs and the volumes of metals to be produced at the NICO Project). However, such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. These factors include the risks related to the new Mineral Reserves, Mine Plan and production schedule for the NICO Project, the Company may not be able to finance and develop NICO on favourable terms or at all, uncertainties with respect to the receipt or timing of required permits, approvals and agreements for the development of the NICO Project, including the related hydrometallurgical facility, the construction of the NICO Project may take longer than anticipated, the Company may not be able to secure offtake agreements for the metals to be produced at the NICO Project, the Sue-Dianne Property may not be developed to the point where it can provide mill feed to the NICO Project, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties and in the mining industry in general, the market for products that use cobalt or bismuth may not grow to the extent anticipated, the future supply of cobalt and bismuth may not be as limited as anticipated, the risk of decreases in the market prices of cobalt, bismuth and other metals to be produced by the NICO Project, discrepancies between actual and estimated Mineral Resources or between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries, uncertainties associated with estimating Mineral Resources and Reserves and the risk that even if such Mineral Resources prove accurate the risk that such Mineral Resources may not be converted into Mineral Reserves once economic conditions are applied, the Company’s production of cobalt, bismuth and other metals may be less than anticipated and other operational and development risks, market risks and regulatory risks, cobalt sulphate specifications may not be achieved, the simplified flow sheet may not mitigate capital and operating costs . Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because it is possible that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forms of forward-looking information will not be achieved by the Company. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise it to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260121192459/en/

For further information please contact:
Fortune Minerals Limited
Troy Nazarewicz
Investor Relations Manager
info@fortuneminerals.com
Tel: (519) 858-8188
www.fortuneminerals.com