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Rio Silver Inc. (‘Rio Silver’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) today outlined the clear steps required to begin accessing high-grade silver mineralization at surface and advance into underground development at the Maria Norte Project, located in Peru’s prolific Huachocolpa silver district.

Recent NI 43-101 verification sampling confirmed high-grade silver mineralization exposed at surface, reinforcing the Company’s confidence in a development strategy that targets the most accessible and economically attractive portions of the system first. Initial development is expected to commence by accessing surface and near-surface mineralization, with material transported to nearby third-party processing facilities, eliminating the need to construct standalone processing infrastructure.

Maria Norte benefits from established site access, proximity to operating mills, and a regulatory framework that allows development and exploration activities to proceed in parallel. Together, these factors support a low-capital, fast-track pathway from exposed mineralization toward potential cash flow, while preserving meaningful upside as underground access expands.

Five Clear Steps to Development

Rio Silver’s near-term plan prioritizes accessing exposed, high-grade mineralization first, followed by advancing portal access to unlock additional high-grade zones below surface. Several steps are expected to occur concurrently over the coming two quarters:

1. Community Engagement and Site Access Finalization
The Company continues constructive engagement with local leadership. The newly appointed community president is expected to convene a local assembly in the coming weeks to support final site access arrangements, enabling development activities to proceed in alignment with community priorities.

2. Camp Mobilization Using Existing Infrastructure
Rio Silver has identified existing camp facilities in the area that can be leased, allowing rapid mobilization of personnel and equipment. This approach enables camp operations and early development work to begin without delays associated with new construction.

3. Accessing High-Grade Surface Mineralization
Initial development efforts will focus on exposed surface veins and near-surface mineralization, where high-grade silver has already been confirmed. These areas represent the most direct and capital-efficient opportunity to begin extracting mineralized material while portal access is prepared.

4. Portal Preparation and Transition Underground
In parallel with surface access, the Company will advance portal preparation to enable underground entry. Portal access is expected to provide direct access to the vein system at shallow depths, allowing Rio Silver to systematically advance along strike and at depth toward additional high-grade zones.

5. Processing Readiness and Logistics Optimization
Maria Norte is located within trucking distance of multiple operating processing facilities. The Company intends to utilize contract (toll) milling, enabling mined material to be transported and processed without constructing a standalone plant, significantly reducing capital intensity and accelerating the development timeline.

The Company’s initial focus is on accessing high-grade mineralization exposed at surface while advancing portal access in parallel, enabling early tonnes to be mined while underground development progresses along the vein system.

A Proven, Capital-Efficient Development Model

The Company’s strategy at Maria Norte reflects a well-established development model used throughout Peru’s historic silver districts. High-grade mineralization is exposed at surface and continues along known structures, allowing development to begin with the most accessible material while progressing underground.

By focusing first on surface and shallow mineralization, Rio Silver can advance portal access and underground development while minimizing upfront capital expenditures. This approach allows the Company to prioritize high-grade mineralization, manage risk, and preserve flexibility as additional exploration and development opportunities are evaluated.

Strategic Location Within a Mature Milling Corridor

Maria Norte is located approximately 2.5 kilometres from a planned 3,000 tonne-per-day processing facility outlined in a recently published preliminary economic assessment by a nearby operator in the district. Rio Silver controls approximately 400 metres of the Tangana West vein, a structure historically recognized as one of the most prospective trends in the area.

While multiple operators have worked within the broader corridor, Rio Silver’s ownership of this portion of the system provides direct exposure to a mineralized trend that has supported development activity elsewhere in the district, reinforcing the project’s strategic positioning.

‘What makes Maria Norte compelling is the ability to start with high-grade silver already exposed at surface while systematically moving underground to capture additional low-hanging, high-value mineralization,’ said Chris Verrico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Silver. ‘This is not a long-dated mine build. It is a short and staged, practical execution plan designed to move from exposed mineralization to underground development as efficiently as possible, while taking advantage of existing infrastructure in a strong silver price environment. It is increasingly rare to find projects where silver is the predominant value driver, as most global silver supply is produced as a by-product of base metal mining. With both Maria Norte and Santa Rita, we are uniquely positioned with silver-dominant assets and a capital-efficient execution strategy designed to minimize risk and create shareholder value.’

Next Steps

  • Advance Metallurgical Test Work: Metallurgical testing at Maria Norte is underway to confirm processing characteristics consistent with conventional flotation, a key step in validating the Company’s toll milling and near-term development strategy. In parallel, metallurgical testing at Santa Rita is progressing to support longer-term development and scalability assessments. Results from both programs are expected to be reported to the market in the near term.
  • Complete Community Access Milestones: Continue constructive engagement with local leadership, including upcoming community assembly discussions, to finalize site access arrangements in support of near-term development activities.
  • Mobilize Site Operations: Utilize existing camp infrastructure to mobilize personnel and equipment, while advancing planning for permanent camp facilities to support sustained operations.
  • Initiate Portal Access and Blasting Readiness: Advance portal access preparation and underground development planning, alongside progress toward explosives permitting approval.
  • Transition to Underground Development: Begin staged underground access targeting high-grade surface and near-surface mineralization, positioning the Company to advance toward initial production activities over the coming quarters.

Why This Matters to Investors

For investors, the significance of Maria Norte lies in its ability to transition quickly from development planning to physical execution. Surface-accessible high-grade silver, proximity to operating processing facilities, and Peru’s established regulatory framework combine to reduce capital intensity and shorten development timelines relative to traditional mine builds. With silver prices at generational highs, projects capable of advancing efficiently toward near-term cash flow are increasingly scarce. Several development activities are expected to progress concurrently over the coming quarters, positioning the Company to move underground and advance toward initial cash flow thereafter, subject to permitting and operational progress.

Qualified Person

Jeffrey Reeder, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Reeder is a consultant to the Company and is not independent within the meaning of NI 43-101.

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 deep experience in Peruvian geology, underground mining, and district-scale exploration. With a clear development 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 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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Andy Schectman, president of Miles Franklin, breaks down recent silver market dynamics, including the massive rise in entities standing for delivery of physical metal, increased CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) margin requirements and China’s silver export controls.

‘We’re beginning to see at the highest level a change of mentality, a change of perception of what these metals truly are,’ he said in the interview.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) (‘Sankamap’ or the ‘Company’) the Company and its auditor continue to work diligently toward the completion and filing of the Company’s annual audited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 (the ‘Required Filings’). The Company has obtained approval from the Alberta Securities Commission to extend the Management Cease Trade Order (‘MCTO’) under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders (‘NP 12-203’) until January 31, 2026. Sankamap confirms that it has received the crucial confirmations from the Solomon Islands government, and that the majority of the audit work has now been completed, with only a limited number of minor confirmations and outstanding items remaining. The Company is actively working to provide the remaining items and is contacting any parties from whom confirmations are still outstanding. Subject to the completion of these remaining items, the audit file is expected to enter the final stages of review and be nearing completion.

The Required Filings were due to be filed by October 28, 2025. In connection with the anticipated delays in making the Required Filings, the Company made an application for a MCTO under NP 12-203 to the Alberta Securities Commission, as principal regulator for the Company, and the MCTO was issued on October 29, 2025. The MCTO restricts all trading by the Company’s CEO and CFO in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect. The MCTO does not affect the ability of persons who are not directors, officers or insiders of the Company to trade their securities. The MCTO will remain in effect until the Required Filings are filed or until it is revoked or varied.

The Company expects to proceed with the filing of its interim first-quarter financial statements shortly after the Required Filings have been completed and submitted.

The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of a news release until it meets the Required Filings requirement. The Company has not taken any steps towards any insolvency proceeding and the Company has no material information relating to its affairs that has not been generally disclosed.

For further information with respect to the MCTO, please refer to the Company’s news releases dated October 21, 2025, November 4, 2025, November 18, 2025, December 3, 2025, December 17, 2025 and December 30, 2025, available for viewing on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Sankamap Metals Inc.

Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company’s fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newcrest’s Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold¹ (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred).

Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap’s Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits.

At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au2; underscoring the area’s significant potential.

At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au3. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au3, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au3, further underscoring the property’s strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap’s profile.

1.Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred)

2. Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012

3. September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012

QP Disclosure

The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

s/ ‘John Florek’
John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol
Chief Executive Officer
Sankamap Metals Inc.

Contact:
John Florek, CEO
T: (807) 228-3531
E: johnf@sankamap.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to Sankamap and there is no assurance that the actual results will meet management’s expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘targets,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘plans,’ ‘expects,’ ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘could’ or ‘would.’

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding management’s expectations about obtaining the MCTO and completing the Required Filings within the anticipated timeline. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sankamap does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca .

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280320

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Iron ore prices have strengthened since bottoming out in September 2024, but the base metal faced headwinds in 2025 as tariff threats and investor uncertainty weighed on the market.

Usage in steel makes iron ore one of the most widely used and essential materials in the world, and as a result its fortune is highly dependent on the strength of the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Iron ore has also seen increased demand from electric vehicle (EV) batteries over the last several years.

Among all countries, China leads the world in steel production, but lacks domestic supply to meet demand; it is also the world’s largest importer of base metals. As one of the biggest manufacturing bases and a significant source of demand for construction and EV production, China exerts considerable influence on iron ore prices.

Additionally, as 2026 begins, the definitive period for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is starting — it will apply levies to high-carbon imports such as steel.

How did iron ore prices perform in 2025?

Iron ore started 2025 at US$99.44 per metric ton (MT) on January 6, then hit US$107.26 on February 12.

The start of March saw a steep decline for prices as they retreated toward the US$100 mark, then climbed back to US$104.25 on April 2; a rout in the base metals market saw prices fall to US$99.05 on April 9.

While other metals recovered, iron ore continued to track lower, reaching US$97.41 on May 5 and ultimately sinking to a yearly low of US$93.41 on July 1. During the third quarter, iron ore prices gained momentum, rising above the US$100 mark in August and reaching a quarterly high of US$106.08 on September 8.

Prices were largely rangebound in Q4, dropping below US$104 only once on November 7, then recovering to post a yearly high of US$107.88 on December 4. Prices had retreated to US$106.13 by December 5.

Key iron ore price drivers in 2025

All in all, prices for iron ore didn’t fare too badly in 2025.

The biggest factor affecting growth was a significant fall-off during the first half of the year as pressures mounted from a continuing slump in the Chinese property sector and the threat of US tariffs.

The Chinese real estate sector has been in steep decline since 2021, when two of the nation’s top developers — Country Garden and Evergrande — declared bankruptcy after incurring hundreds of billions of dollars in debt. Since then, the government has introduced various stimulus measures, but has failed to turn the sector around.

As mentioned, because of the sheer size of the property market in China, it is a significant demand driver for steel products and has an outsized influence on the global iron ore market.

Another noteworthy headwind for iron ore price levels this past year was the threat of US tariffs. In early April, US President Donald Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs, which applied a 10 percent levy across the board, and threatened retaliatory tariffs to close trade deficits with most countries.

The move sparked fears of a global recession and triggered a rout in equities and commodities markets, sending prices plunging. However, most markets rebounded quickly as plans were dialed back after a squeeze in the bond market that sent 10 year treasury yields up by more than half a percentage point.

Further iron ore price pressures came later in the year, when the massive Simandou mine in Guinea shipped its first iron ore, destined for smelters in China, on December 2.

Two consortia of companies own the mine. Blocks three and four have a 45/40/15 ownership split between Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO), Chinalco and the Guinea government, and blocks one and two have a 45/35/20 split between Winning International, China Hongquiao Group (HKEX:1378,OTCPL:CHHQF) and United Mining Supply.

The mine will ramp up production over the next 30 months, and is expected to produce 15 million to 20 million MT in 2026 and 40 million to 50 million MT in 2027.

What trends will move the iron ore market in 2026?

“Construction accounts for about 50 percent of steel consumption in terms of end users. The weakness of the property market has, of course, weighed on steel demand and therefore pig iron production. However, the driver for China’s steel production has been industrialisation and urbanisation during the past two decades,” he said.

Sardain went on to state that despite a shift in focus from fixed assets to manufacturing, services and technology, overall steel demand is set to move lower. Although the decline won’t last forever and the property market will stabilize, the effect of even a mild rebound on steel production will be limited:

“However, steel production and iron ore demand have been supported by strong exports in markets such as Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, mitigating the impact of a lower domestic steel demand. Whether steel exports can increase from their current level is debatable, and we forecast a lower steel production in China over time.’

On the tariff front, US levies aren’t likely to have much impact. Sardain pointed out that while US steel demand exceeds its production capacity, Chinese imports remain a minimal factor.

Meanwhile, the US is primarily producing steel in lower-carbon electric arc furnaces from ferrous scrap.

Although steel tariffs from Canada and Brazil are set at 25 and 50 percent, respectively, both countries have exemptions for iron ore pellets, and Canadian ferrous scrap is covered under CUSMA provisions.

But with the trade pact set to be renegotiated in 2026, it’s uncertain what it means for steel and, by extension, iron products, in the midterm. The best-case scenario is that Canadian steel will receive an exemption.

Still, the risk remains that current CUSMA blanket exemptions will be removed, allowing the US to apply additional tariffs on Canadian goods crossing the border. Likewise, in Europe, the CBAM came into effect on January 1, 2026.

While the impact may take some time to work through the market, it will still have downstream effects for producers that want to avoid tariffs on imported products. This may be one reason Chinese steel producers are switching from higher-carbon blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces in the smelting process.

“Currently, electric arc furnaces account for about 12 percent of China’s steel production, set to increase to 18 percent by the first part of the next decade,” Sardain said, noting that China is looking to cap its emissions by 2030.

The main challenge for iron ore is waning demand, as the primary input for electric arc furnaces is scrap steel, not raw iron. “Countries which will see their steel production increasing (primarily India, but to some extent Russia, Brazil or Iran) are not iron ore importers because they are self-sufficient. Steel production in the EU is flat to lower with more production coming from electric arc furnaces as part of the decarbonisation process,” Sardain said.

Soft demand growth, however, is expected to meet increasing mine supply, further dragging on prices in 2026.

Sardain suggested that all major iron ore miners will increase their production in 2026, with the largest boost coming from Guinea’s Simandou, which could shake up supply chains.

“The blocks one and two are owned by a Chinese-Singaporean consortium. It will provide China with the opportunity to diversify its supply from the major Australian producers (something that the country tried to do for the past 15 years unsuccessfully) and it will shift the supply-demand momentum in favour of China,” he said.

Additionally, the mine is important because of its 65 percent iron content.

Iron ore price forecast for 2026

Sardain expects iron ore prices to remain muted in 2026.

“We believe that price should drop below the US$100 per MT mark, although it could stay above this level in H1 due to seasonality … so, overall, prices staying between US$100 to US$105 per MT in H1, then declining below US$100 per MT in H2, with the ramp-up of the Simandou mine being a determining factor,” he said.

This is largely in line with estimates from other firms. BMI is predicting a 2026 price of US$95, while RBC Capital Markets sees iron ore averaging US$98; the overall consensus stands at US$94.

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSX-V:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) (‘CoTec’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that the Company’s CEO, Julian Treger, will host an investor update on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PST / 11:00 a.m. EST.

The update will highlight recent platform and strategic developments across the CoTec portfolio. Management will provide a high-level update on progress at MagIron, a CoTec investment advancing a U.S.-based iron ore and metallics strategy, as well as HyProMag USA, and discuss other key initiatives currently being advanced by the Company. The presentation will also include management’s outlook for 2026, outlining priorities, upcoming milestones, and areas of focus for the year ahead. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Investors who wish to attend the presentation may do so by clicking here to register.

Should the above link not work, please copy and paste the following link to your web browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0NBXb4IIRXOVP0d2l7j5Vg#/registration

About CoTec

CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSX-V:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) is redefining the future of resource extraction and recycling. Focused on rare earth magnets and strategic materials, CoTec integrates breakthrough technologies with strategic assets to unlock secure, sustainable, and low-cost supply chains for the United States and its allies.

CoTec’s mission is clear: accelerate the energy transition while strengthening U.S. economic and national security. By investing in and deploying disruptive technologies, the Company delivers capital-efficient, scalable solutions that transform marginal assets, tailings, waste streams, and recycled products into high-value critical minerals.

From its HyProMag USA magnet recycling joint venture in Texas, to iron tailings reprocessing in Québec, to next-generation copper and iron solutions backed by global majors, CoTec is building a diversified portfolio with long-term growth, rapid cash flow potential, and high barriers to entry. The result is a differentiated platform at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic materials.

For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca

For further information, please contact:
Eugene Hercun, VP Finance, +1 604 537 2413

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

Statements in this press release regarding the Company and its investments which are not historical facts are ‘forward-looking statements’ that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to management’s expectations with respect to its current and potential future investments and the benefits to the Company which may be implied from such statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. For further details regarding risks and uncertainties facing the Company, please refer to ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s filing statement dated April 6, 2022, a copy of which may be found under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca

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

SOURCE: CoTec Holdings Corp.

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The cobalt market entered 2025 under pressure from a prolonged supply glut, but the balance shifted sharply as the year unfolded, due almost entirely to intervention from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

After starting the year near nine year lows of US$24,343.40 per metric ton, cobalt metal prices had risen to US$53,005 by the end of December, pushed upward by supply concerns stemming from export limits in the DRC.

“The cobalt market in 2025 was characterised by a significant price recovery following the DRC banning the export of all cobalt from its borders in February,” said Aubry. “By the end of 2025, sulphate prices increased 266 percent, hydroxide increased by 328 percent and metal prices by 130 percent year-to-date.”

Q1: Cobalt moves from glut to supply shock

As mentioned, cobalt metal prices hit their weakest level since 2016 in January. Global mine output had more than doubled over five years, far outpacing demand growth from electric vehicles and other end uses.

That dynamic changed abruptly in late February, when the DRC — which supplies roughly three-quarters of the world’s cobalt — imposed a four month suspension on cobalt hydroxide exports.

The news lifted cobalt from US$24,495 at the start of the year to above US$34,000 by the end of March, with intra-month highs nearing US$36,300. The move marked the sector’s first meaningful rebound in nearly two years.

As the DRC exhibited control over cobalt supply, the market began to look to the world’s second largest cobalt-producing nation: Indonesia. Indonesia’s cobalt output is largely a by-product of its laterite nickel industry, produced through high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) plants that process nickel-rich ores.

These facilities generate mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), an intermediate containing both nickel and cobalt that can be further refined into battery-grade materials. The model has enabled Indonesia to rapidly scale its cobalt supply, leveraging its dominant nickel position and integrated processing infrastructure.

Indonesia produced about 31,000 metric tons of cobalt in 2024 — roughly 10 percent of global supply — cementing its position as the world’s second largest producer behind the DRC.

Output growth is being driven by HPAL projects targeting up to 500,000 tons per annum (tpa) of mixed hydroxide precipitate, potentially yielding 50,000 tpa of cobalt, though scaling up may prove challenging.

Indonesian MHP, a lower-cost intermediate that is rich in nickel and cobalt, is increasingly viewed by Chinese refiners as a substitute for DRC-sourced cobalt hydroxide.

Q2 and Q3: A fragile equilibrium forms

The DRC’s export ban continued to underpin prices through the second quarter.

Standard-grade cobalt metal was trading near US$15 to US$16 per pound at the time, while cobalt sulfate posted even sharper gains. Despite the rally, sentiment remained cautious. Chinese refiners drew on existing inventories, and trade data showed cobalt units still flowing into China, particularly from Indonesia.

By June, prices had begun to ease as uncertainty mounted over how long the DRC would maintain controls.

Although China imported significant volumes earlier in the year, analysts warned Indonesian supply would be insufficient to fully offset reduced DRC cobalt shipments. Later that month, the DRC extended its export restrictions through September, reinforcing expectations that the market would move toward balance.

By mid-year, Chinese import data confirmed the impact — cobalt hydroxide inflows had fallen sharply, with analysts projecting constrained refinery feed into late 2025 or early 2026.

Prices stabilized in a broad US$33,000 to US$37,000 range through Q3, supported by tightening supply and diminishing inventories. Market participants increasingly viewed the DRC’s actions as a structural shift rather than a temporary correction, signaling the end of the cobalt surplus that had defined the previous two years.

By late 2025, the cobalt market had transformed from one of chronic oversupply to one approaching equilibrium — a reset driven not by demand growth, but by decisive supply-side intervention.

Q4: Cobalt quotas replace DRC ban, prices climb

After months of supply disruption, the DRC lifted its full cobalt export ban in mid-October, replacing it with a rigid quota system that will shape the market through 2026.

Under the new framework, annual DRC exports are capped at about 96,600 metric tons, roughly half of 2024 levels, with just 18,125 metric tons scheduled for shipment in Q4 2025.

This structural tightening helped sustain elevated prices that surged above US$47,000 by late October, levels not seen since early 2023, amid persistent feedstock shortages and constrained exports.

DRC quotas have provided a degree of market clarity, with major producers like CMOC Group (OTCPL:CMCLF) receiving significant allocations that underpin production plans. Despite robust output guidance, inventories outside the DRC remain tight, and market participants see continued upward price pressure as the quota system curtails supply.

“The DRC’s quota system is set to squeeze supply in the next two years — unless the country revises quotas higher,” wrote Fastmarkets’ Oliver Masson in a December market update.

“Prices are already considerably higher than they were at the beginning of the year, and they are likely to remain elevated for as long as current quota levels remain in force,’ he said. ‘Cobalt is mostly used in batteries, and the longer prices remain elevated, the more likely it is that EV manufacturers will seek to move to low-cobalt or cobalt-free chemistries where feasible. This could slow demand in the medium term.”

Cobalt price forecast for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, analysts see the cobalt market shifting into a deficit as export caps bite and global feedstock availability shrinks. Fastmarkets projects a structural shortfall of about 10,700 metric tons against demand near 292,300 metric tons, driven by DRC quota limits and ongoing drawdowns of stocks.

Industry forecasters also anticipate that reduced shipments, combined with a stubbornly tight pipeline, will support stronger average prices next year. Some forecasts suggest cobalt could average near US$55,000 in 2026 as export quotas supplant the 2025 ban. Indonesian supply is emerging as a secondary source, with production climbing, but most analysts agree it will be insufficient to offset DRC constraints in the near term.

After a year of dramatic swings driven by supply policy in the DRC, 2026 is shaping up as the first sustained deficit environment in the cobalt market, with prices expected to remain elevated amid structural tightening.

“Prices have substantially recovered over 2025 and are expected to remain elevated in 2026 as the DRC limits exports,” said Aubry. “There is a significant potential upside risk as dwindling ex-DRC stocks present the risk of demand destruction towards the end of the year.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Aided by rising demand for permanent magnets, the rare earths market entered 2025 on firmer footing, with prices and investor sentiment trending higher.

That early optimism, however, was quickly overtaken by mounting geopolitical risk as US-China trade tensions returned rare earths to the center of global supply chain concerns.

Through the first quarter, uncertainty around tariffs and the prospect of tighter Chinese controls weighed heavily on downstream industries and reinforced the strategic value of rare earths.

That risk crystallized in early April, when China issued Announcement 18, a sweeping export control regime covering a range of medium and heavy rare earths — including terbium, dysprosium, samarium and yttrium — as well as related oxides, alloys, compounds and permanent magnet technologies.

Framed by Beijing as a national security and nonproliferation measure, the policy added a new layer of regulatory friction to supply chains underpinning electric vehicles, defense systems, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The response was swift. In Washington, the Trump administration moved to reassess US critical minerals security, singling out rare earths as a strategic vulnerability.

“An overreliance on foreign critical minerals and their derivative products could jeopardize US defense capabilities, infrastructure development, and technological innovation,” the White House said, underscoring a shift from market-driven concern to national security imperative.

For Jon Hykawy, president and chief executive at Stormcrow Capital, the Trump administration’s rare earths ambitions and its understanding of the minerals markets was the most impactful trend of 2025, commenting, “By far the biggest impact was the implication from re-elected US President Donald Trump that rare earths and other critical materials, to be found in Ukraine or Greenland or Canada or wherever, are the most bigly important things, ever.’

The seasoned market analyst also questions the administration’s broader goals.

“Critical materials are, to me, what is necessary for ensuring that important projects can be completed,’ he said.

‘But President Trump has also decided that climate change is a scam, that electrified vehicles and wind power are terrible and coal and oil are where it’s at,’ Hykawy continued.

‘In that case, whether or not Trump has even the concept of a plan regarding what a rare earth actually is, and he isn’t using ‘rare earth’ as a catch-all phrase for ‘weird metal that I don’t know how to spell,’ then rare earths or lithium are not critical materials, as far as the USA should be concerned: if you don’t need ‘em, they ain’t critical.”

China’s rare earths chokehold exposes supply chain fault lines

By mid-year, the impact of China’s controls was being felt most acutely in the automotive sector. European suppliers warned of production shutdowns as licensing delays rippled through tightly integrated supply chains.

The Asian nation controls roughly 70 percent of global rare earths mine output, as well as 85 percent of refining capacity and about 90 percent of magnet manufacturing.

That concentration left markets highly exposed when Beijing escalated restrictions again in October, expanding export controls to cover a total of 12 rare earths and associated permanent magnets.

Although some measures were later paused through November 2026, earlier dual-use restrictions stayed in place, reinforcing the perception that rare earths are now a tool of geopolitical leverage.

“At its core, China has shown a greater willingness to use its dominance in critical minerals to advance its trade and geopolitical influence, potentially causing significant disruptions to global supply chains for industries like automotive, aerospace, defense, and electronics,” states a S&P Global Energy report.

Against that backdrop, efforts to diversify supply accelerated.

In the US, government support moved from rhetoric to capital. The Department of Defense committed US$400 million to MP Materials (NYSE:MP) to expand processing at Mountain Pass and build a second domestic magnet plant, securing a US-based source of permanent magnets for defense applications.

Days later, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) announced a US$500 million agreement with MP to supply recycled rare earth magnets for hundreds of millions of devices starting in 2027, tying supply chain security to sustainability.

As Hykawy explained, these developments are setting the stage for ex-China supply:

“We are at the beginning of producing, processing and utilizing rare earths in a supply chain entirely outside of China. There is absolutely nothing that prevents us from building that western supply chain except time and money. Rare earth deposits of all types, including ionic clays and their relatively inexpensive production of heavy rare earths, are readily available outside of China.”

He went on to note that there has been a misconception about the impacts of rare earths production, paired with a lack of investment and expertise that has prevented a faster buildout.

“It’s a media cliché that rare earth mining and processing is somehow much more destructive to the environment than other types of mining, but that’s also just plain wrong,” Hykawy added.

“Unfortunately, building that supply chain will take money and, especially, time, because we need the people who know how to do all of this, and there is no substitute for the time required to give them their required experience.”

Rare earths supply security and growing demand

As global demand for rare earths accelerates and supply chain risks heighten, experts believe the sector’s importance on the global stage will keep intensifying.

During a Benchmark Week presentation, Michael Finch of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence explained that rare earths have “become far more strategic in nature” over recent years, with applications spanning electric vehicles, consumer electronics, wind energy, robotics and modern military systems.

While permanent magnets remain a headline driver, non-magnetic uses now account for a larger share of total demand, underscoring the material’s broad industrial importance.

Demand projections for rare earths forecast robust growth, underpinned key segment expansion.

According to Finch’s data an average 100 kW EV traction motor contains roughly five kilograms of neodymium-praseodymium and about one kilogram of dysprosium oxide, illustrating how electrification is fueling consumption.

Additionally, permanent magnet applications are projected to grow at an 8.5 percent compound annual rate through 2030, with magnetic and non-magnetic uses expected to reach parity over the next decade.

Military demand is also a significant driver.

“(There are) 418 kilograms of rare earths going into an F 35 type two fighter (jet), 2.6 metric tons going into a type 51 (naval) destroyer, and 4.6 metric tons going into a Virginia class submarine,” said Finch.

As stated, supply remains heavily concentrated in China which controls 91 percent of the overall supply chain, from mining to permanent magnets. Finch emphasized that this concentration creates a single-country risk, noting, “When a country owns so much of a supply chain, it’s easy to use it as a bargaining chip.”

The global rare earths supply chain is gradually diversifying. North America and Africa are emerging as key growth regions, with projects expected to significantly expand non-Chinese production in the coming decade.

Finch pointed to Africa, which could account for up to 7 percent of global supply after 2030, driven by low capital intensity and favorable mining costs. Despite this progress, he cautioned that complete self-sufficiency outside China remains a distant prospect, emphasizing the need for rapid investment and strategic coordination to secure supply.

Rare earths investment bolstered by government support

In addition to the Department of Defense’s MP Materials investment, the US government has established a price floor for NdPr oxide, the high-value rare earths ingredient inside permanent magnets.

During a fireside chat at Benchmark Week, Ryan Corbett, CFO of MP Materials, explained the impact of the price floor in support of the burgeoning US supply chain. He told the audience that the deal is “absolutely transformational,’ and pointed to China’s ability to control pricing by flooding or starving the market. “What good is it to invest billions of dollars if the second you turn your refinery on, prices go from US$170 to US$45?” said Corbett.

In October, the Trump administration announced another strategic investment aimed at reshoring critical supply chains through a US$1.4 billion public-private partnership with Vulcan Elements and ReElement Technologies.

Under the agreement, the Commerce Department will provide US$50 million in CHIPS Act incentives for neodymium-iron-boron magnet production in exchange for an equity stake, alongside up to US$700 million in conditional Defense Department loans to support facilities targeting up to 10,000 metric tons of annual output.

On the private investment side, Rare earths developer Pensana (LSE:PRE,OTCPL:PNSPF) secured a US$100 million strategic investment to advance its mine-to-magnet ambitions in the US, at the end of 2025.

Although the rare earths sector saw several multimillion-dollar deals in 2025, exploration capital remains scarce.

According to S&P Global’s Senior Principal Analyst, Mining Studies & Mine Economics, Paul Manalo the rare earths account for 1 percent of global exploration budgets, however, that number has improved in recent years.

“For the sixth consecutive year, budgets for rare earths were up reaching US$155 million in 2025; it’s the highest level since 2012,” Manalo said during the S&P Global Market Intelligence 2026 Corporate Exploration Strategies webinar.

Although exploration budgets are growing, the expert said 80 percent of that capital is being deployed in only four countries: Australia, Brazil, USA and Canada. “Just like in other minor metals, the juniors are the primary drivers for exploration of rare earths, with only a few majors dabbling in it,” Manalo told listeners, adding, “There are few rare earth mines outside of China, so most pending exploration is for late stage projects.”

The government funding and strategic stockpile proposal were acknowledged as a good starting point by Stormcrow Capital’s Hykawy, who also cautioned that they may not be as meaningful as markets anticipate.

“I give the efforts so far an ‘A’ for enthusiasm but a ‘C-‘ for effectiveness. From what I have seen, the powers-that-be are beavering away to create a supply chain that can provide what the world is demanding, today,” he said.

“Unfortunately, many of their efforts can’t bear fruit for 5 years or more, and none of these agencies seemed to think it worthwhile to try and evaluate what will be required in 5 or 10 years.”

More long-term foresight is needed.

“Technology giveth, but technology also taketh away, and while no one can be sure what the technology-driven need will be in 5 or 10 years, we should at least try to incorporate that into planning,” he said.

“If the wrong projects are being backed, the economics for that producer or processor in 5 or 10 years are not going to look good and money and time will have been completely wasted.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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The Trump administration is considering a direct equity stake in a Louisiana-based refinery to establish what officials say would become the only large-scale producer of gallium in the US.

The Department of Defense is set to invest US$150 million in preferred equity in Atlantic Alumina, known as ATALCO, as part of a strategic partnership with an affiliate of Pinnacle Asset Management, according to Bloomberg.

The unannounced deal will fund an expansion of ATALCO’s alumina output and the construction of a new circuit to recover gallium, a critical metal used in military systems and advanced semiconductors.

Under the agreement, ATALCO will pair the Pentagon’s investment with an additional US$300 million from Pinnacle. The US government is also expected to provide additional funding within 30 days of the transaction’s closing.

“This strategic partnership is an essential step in reducing reliance on foreign nations for critical minerals,” ATALCO said.

Once fully built out, the facility is expected to produce more than 1 million metric tons of alumina annually and up to 50 metric tons of gallium per year. Gallium is typically recovered as a by-product of alumina refining, and China currently dominates both global alumina processing and gallium supply.

ATALCO has operated continuously since the late 1950s at its refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana, where it processes Jamaican bauxite into alumina, a fine white powder used in aluminum production.

After the closure of a neighboring refinery in 2020, the facility became the last alumina refinery of its kind in the country. The company says it currently supplies roughly 40 percent of domestic alumina demand.

The investment is a continuation of the Trump administration’s shift toward taking direct financial stakes in companies it views as strategically important in its effort to rebuild a domestic supply chain for rare earths and critical minerals.

Last November, the government backed a US$1.4 billion public-private partnership involving Vulcan Elements and ReElement Technologies, a subsidiary of American Resources (NASDAQ:AREC), to expand domestic rare earth magnet production.

In October, officials explored taking an equity stake in Critical Metals (NASDAQ:CRML), a US-listed company developing Greenland’s Tanbreez rare earths deposit.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Doug Casey of InternationalMan.com and the podcast Doug Casey’s Take shares his thoughts on gold, silver and more heading into the new year.

Casey, who is also a best-selling author, sees higher prices for both precious metals ahead.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE,OTC:VLERF)(OTCQX:VLERF) (‘Valeura’ or the ‘Company’) announces: (i) the Company’s Q4 2025 performance was in line with its guidance outlook for 2025 and resulted in a new record cash position; (ii) completion of a successful drilling campaign at Block B5/27 drove strong ongoing oil production and is expected to contribute to reserves replacement; and (iii) a guidance outlook for 2026 supporting its objective to continue generating long-term value for shareholders.

Q4 and Full Year 2025 Highlights

  • Record cash position of US$305.7 million as at 31 December 2025 with no debt;

  • Oil production averaged 24,721 bbls/d in Q4 2025, resulting in full year average oil production of 23,242 bbls/d(1) for 2025;

  • 2.523 million bbls of oil were sold in Q4 2025, with 8.466 million bbls sold for the full year 2025;

  • Price realisations in Q4 2025 averaged US$64.0/bbl, resulting in revenue of US$161.4 million, and US$594.4 million of revenue for the full year 2025;

  • Greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) intensity reduced by 13% for full year 2025, yielding a 30% reduction since Valeura originally acquired its Thailand portfolio in 2023; and

  • Nine production-oriented development wells were completed at the Jasmine and Ban Yen fields in Q4 2025 with 100% success rate, including a new record length for a horizontal well in the Gulf of Thailand.

2026 Guidance Highlights

  • Full year oil production mid-point of 21,000 bbls/d(1);

  • Capex and exploration spending mid-point of US$185 million, including approximately US$70 million associated with the Wassana field redevelopment; and

  • Adjusted Opex mid-point of US$205 million(2).

(1) Working interest share production, before royalties.

(2) Adjusted Opex is a non-IFRS financial measure, more fully described in Valeura’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated 14 November 2025. Includes lease spending of US$25 million.

Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

‘We closed out 2025 with strong production performance and an even stronger financial position. Our Q4 drilling programme at Jasmine and Ban Yen was ambitious and innovative, and delivered a 100% success rate, with all wells being completed as producers. All across the business, our team remains committed to this type of world class performance and I believe this is reflected in the continual strengthening of our balance sheet, which now includes over US$300 million in cash, and no debt.

That commitment to excellence is also apparent in our strong safety performance and positive direction of travel on key environmental, social, and governance metrics. We saw no deviations from our high standards during the year and continue to show progress in our GHG intensity, which has now been reduced by approximately 30% under Valeura’s operatorship.

As we raise our sights to the year ahead, our long-term objective of delivering 20 – 25 mbbls/d(1) from our four producing assets remains intact, with this year’s performance expected around 21 mbbls/d(1), a number we see as a lull in advance of the start-up of our Wassana field redevelopment, which remains on track for first oil production in Q2 2027.

We continue to aggressively pursue other growth ambitions as well. The spirit of collaboration is strong between our team and our operating partners both in the large farm-in blocks in the Gulf of Thailand, and in our deep gas play in Türkiye where testing operations are now underway.

Our aspirations to grow inorganically are continuing as a priority. We believed that our appetite for larger, more transformative deals is well-supported, both by the financial wherewithal we bring to bear, and by the rich opportunity set we see emerging within our core Asia-Pacific region.’

(1) Working interest share oil production, before royalties.

Q4 and Full Year 2025 Overview
Working interest share oil production before royalties averaged 24.7 mbbls/d in Q4 2025. This was an increase of 7.6% over the prior quarter, reflecting the impact of new oil production wells coming on stream at Block B5/27, in addition to ongoing steady operations at the Company’s other producing fields. On a full year basis, working interest share oil production before royalties was higher as well, averaging 23.2 mbbls/d in 2025, an increase of 1.8% over 2024.

Oil sales totalled 2.523 million bbls in Q4 2025, which was higher than the 2.274 million bbls produced in the quarter, as a result of sales from crude oil held in inventory at the beginning of the quarter. The resultant revenue was US$161.4 million, based on an average sales price of US$64.0/bbl. The Company continues to realise a premium to the benchmark Brent crude oil price. For the full year 2025, the effect of quarterly over-lift / under-lift positions is negligible, with oil sales totalling 8.466 million bbls, a figure which is very close to the full year’s production of 8.483 million bbls. Valeura’s average 2025 sales price was US$70.2/bbl.

Valeura’s cash position strengthened to a new high of US$305.7 million at 31 December 2025, with no debt.

Operations Update
Operations progressed safely throughout 2025, and with no deviations from the Company’s high standards for environmental, social, and governance stewardship. Of note, Valeura is continuing to pursue efficiency gains across its portfolio that have a positive impact on the Company’s GHG emissions. Valeura estimates that its GHG intensity has reduced by 13% compared to the Company’s 2024 performance, and overall has achieved a 30% reduction since originally acquiring its Thailand portfolio.

Construction activities of a new-build central processing platform (‘CPP’) for the Wassana field redevelopment are progressing ahead of schedule. The project is now approximately 45% complete, underpinning management’s confidence in achieving first oil production from the redeveloped Wassana field (100% operated interest) on time, as planned, in Q2 2027. Moreover, with the majority of project costs either locked in or subject to fixed-price contracts, the Wassana field redevelopment project also remains on budget.

At the Company’s deep gas play in the Thrace basin of Türkiye, Transatlantic Petroleum LLC (‘Transatlantic’), who are conducting operations on Valeura’s behalf, have re-entered and hydraulically stimulated the Devepinar-1 well. Gas has been continually produced to surface through the well’s casing for over three weeks. With this success, Transatlantic has opted to continue work on the well, and is now installing production tubing to facilitate a longer-term production test. Transatlantic has satisfied its earning requirements and is now entitled to a 50% undivided working interest in the western portion of the Company’s lands, as further described in Valeura’s 15 October 2025 announcement. Once approved by the regulator, Transatlantic will hold a 50.0% working interest in the western portion of the Company’s lands, Valeura will hold 31.5%, and Pinnacle Turkey, Inc. will hold the remaining 18.5%. Valeura’s working interest in the eastern portion of the lands (Banarli licences) remains at 100%, subject to Transatlantic completing the drilling and testing of a new well. The Company intends to release more details on the Devepinar-1 well test and the future plans for the deep gas play later in Q1 2026.

Block B5/27 Drilling
Valeura has just completed the drilling of one deviated and eight horizontal wells on the Jasmine and Ban Yen fields at Block B5/27 in the Gulf of Thailand (100% operated interest). The drilling programme primarily focused on accessing unswept oil accumulations within producing reservoirs. All wells were successful and have been completed as producers. As a result, oil production rates before royalties from Block B5/27 have increased from approximately 7,300 bbls/d over the seven-day period prior to start of the drilling programme, to recent rates of approximately 8,600 bbls/d over the seven-day period immediately following the drilling programme.

Several of the wells were engineered to intersect additional appraisal targets while drilling toward their primary development targets. As a result, Valeura has identified various additional oil accumulations which will form the basis of future infill drilling campaigns on Block B5/27. This success is expected to add to the ultimate production potential of the block, which has already exceeded its production expectations many times over, and has seen its economic field life extended every year under Valeura’s operatorship.

Since taking over operatorship of its Thai portfolio in 2023, Valeura has been introducing new technologies and drilling approaches which are expected to increase the ultimate recovery of the fields and lower costs. One well in the recent drilling programme, JSB-28ST2H, achieved a new record as the longest horizontal well interval ever drilled in the Gulf of Thailand, at 3,875′. In addition, two of the wells drilled from the Jasmine B platform used a novel new approach whereby the shallower sections of the pre-existing wells were re-used, with the new well bores being drilled as sidetracks through the existing 7′ casing. This approach reduces drilling time and mitigates certain downhole drilling risks. Further, all horizontal wells drilled in this campaign were completed using autonomous inflow control devices which reduces the inflow of non-oil fluids into the wellbore. This technology has now been adopted extensively by Valeura as a value-enhancing innovation, across all its Gulf of Thailand assets.

2026 Work Programme andGuidance Synopsis
Valeura currently has one drill rig on contract, with a charter term spanning January through August 2026. The Company’s planned work programme for 2026 entails drilling an aggregate of 16 development and appraisal wells on the Jasmine, Nong Yao, and Manora fields. The overall objective of the development and appraisal programme is to mitigate natural production declines while also continuing the Company’s multi-year performance of adding reserves. The base plan also includes the planned drilling of two exploration wells across its operated Gulf of Thailand portfolio.

The Company is planning total capex and exploration spending of US$175 – 195 million in 2026. This amount includes approximately US$70 million for the completion of construction and installation of the new CPP at the Wassana field, in preparation for development drilling in Q1 2027. The Company is planning exploration expenditure of approximately US$7 million.

Valeura continues to model that its portfolio of four producing Gulf of Thailand fields will deliver working interest share oil production before royalties within the range of 20,000 – 25,000 bbls/d into the 2030’s. The Company’s 2026 work programme is in line with this expectation, with full year average production guidance of 19,500 – 22,500 bbls/d, or a mid-point of 21,000 bbls/d (working interest share, before royalties).

Adjusted opex in 2026 is forecast as US$190 – 220 million and at the midpoint would be the lowest opex that the Company has achieved since assuming operatorship in Thailand. Of note, adjusted opex guidance includes anticipated spending of approximately US$25 million on leases related to floating production, storage, and offloading vessels employed across the Company’s operations.

The Company’s production and capex forecast is predicated on the Company having one drilling rig on contract for approximately eight months of the year. Should prevailing economic conditions warrant revising the drilling programme to include more drilling, Valeura would update its guidance expectations accordingly.

Valeura is also actively working with PTT Exploration and Production Plc (‘PTTEP’) to pursue both exploration and development planning on Blocks G1/65 and G3/65 in the Gulf of Thailand, where Valeura is farming in to earn a 40% non-operated working interest (the ‘Farm-in Transaction’). High priority work streams are focussed on the Bussabong gas development area, which could result in an investment decision in 2026, and the Nong Yao northeast oil exploration area, to define a suitable timeframe for exploration drilling. Upon completion of the Farm-in Transaction, Valeura intends to more fully articulate a work programme for both blocks and will update the guidance at that time. Completion of the Farm-in Transaction requires government approval, which is expected following Thailand’s general election in Q1 2026.

Upcoming Announcements
Valeura intends to announce the results of a third-party reserves and resources evaluation as of 31 December 2025 in approximately the second half of February 2026. Thereafter, the Company plans to release its full audited financial and operating results for the year ended 31 December 2025 on approximately 18 March 2026.

For further information, please contact:

Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)+65 6373 6940
Sean Guest, President and CEO
Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
Contact@valeuraenergy.com

Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries) +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
IR@valeuraenergy.com

Contact details for the Company’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Beacon Securities Limited, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, Roth Canada Inc., and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

About the Company

Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘expect’, ‘plan’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘propose’, ‘project’, ‘target’ or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, anticipated 2026 full year oil production rates; anticipated capex and exploration spending in 2026, including the proportion included for the Wassana redevelopment project and for exploration expenditure; anticipated 2026 adjusted opex, and the proportion thereof relating to leases; the Company’s reduced GHG intensity representing an ongoing ‘direction of travel’; the Company’s ability to realise its long-term objective of delivering 20 – 25 mbbls/d from its four producing assets; timing for development drilling and for first oil production from the Wassana field redevelopment; the Company’s continued aggressive pursuit of its growth ambitions; the ability for the Company’s financial wherewithal and opportunity set to support inorganic growth; the Company continuing to realise a premium to the benchmark Brent crude oil price; the Company continuing to pursue and achieve efficiency gains across its portfolio; the transfer of working interest in the deep gas play to Transatlantic and resultant working interests of the parties, and the Company obtaining regulatory approval thereof; the Company’s intention to release more details on the Devepinar-1 well test and the future plans for the deep gas play and the timing thereof; additional oil accumulations at the Jasmine and Ban Yen fields forming the basis of future infill drilling campaigns on the block; drilling success adding to the ultimate production potential of the B5/27 Block; new technologies and drilling approaching resulting in an increase in the ultimate recovery of its fields; the duration and composition of Valeura’s 2026 drilling programme; the Company’s anticipated exploration expenditure for 2026; the ability for drilling to mitigate natural production declines while also continuing the Company’s multi-year performance of adding reserves; and government approval and timing for completion of the Farm-in Transaction.

Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; royalty rates and taxes; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

The forward-looking information contained in this new release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this new release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

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

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. 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: Valeura Energy Inc.

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