U.S. Dollar, Bond Yields Seen as Key Drivers of Gold This Week — Market Talk

Orange Juice increased to 168.50 USd/Lbs, the highest since November 2025.

Over the past 4 weeks, Orange Juice lost 1.54%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 68.19%.

Gold prices rise as investors weigh expectations of looser U.S. monetary policy next year and persistent geopolitical risks. "The metal benefited from expectations of additional interest rate cuts in 2026 following the Federal Reserve's recent rate reduction and a less hawkish tone than expected from Fed Chair Jerome Powell," says Christopher Tahir from Exness. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding peace talks in Eastern Europe, along with tensions in the Middle East and Latin America, have further reinforced gold's appeal as a safe haven. Demand has also been bolstered by steady inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds and continued buying by central banks, as well as concerns about the Fed's future independence, Tahir says. Futures in New York rise 1.2% to $4,378.80 a troy ounce, bringing gains for the year to more than 65%. (giulia.petroni@wsj.com)

Eliminates a risk for the vertically integrated development as the Company advances the NICO critical minerals project closer to a construction decision

LONDON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--December 15, 2025--

Fortune Minerals Limited ("Fortune" or the "Company") (www.fortuneminerals.com) is pleased to announce that it has closed the C$3.8 million loan previously announced with Prosper NWT, a public agency of the Government of the Northwest Territories (see November 10, 2025 news release). Fortune has also completed the acquisition of the Lamont County, Alberta site and facilities that were previously held under a purchase option with JFSL Field Services ULC ("JFSL") (see August 19, 2024 news release). Fortune plans to construct a hydrometallurgical facility at this site ("Alberta Refinery") to process concentrates from the NICO cobalt-gold-bismuth-copper mine and concentrator in the Northwest Territories ("NWT") (collectively the "NICO Project"). 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 countercyclical and highly liquid co-product.

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The Lamont County, Alberta brownfield site and facilities were purchased from JFSL for C$6 million, which included C$3,037,500 paid in previous installments. The remainder was paid from the proceeds of the Prosper NWT loan. Prosper NWT has security over the assets for the duration of the loan. As part of the Alberta Refinery site purchase, JFSL will have a license to continue using the Lamont County site and facilities for up to 18 months, subject to Fortune's right to terminate this license after one year and on 60 days prior notice. JFSL will also have the right to terminate the license earlier on 60 days prior notice to Fortune. During the term of the license, JFSL will be required to maintain the facilities in their current condition and pay the utilities, security, insurance and other operating costs while it occupies the site.

Lamont County is part of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association ("AIHA"), an economic collaboration of municipalities on the north side of Edmonton with the municipal planning approvals in place for heavy industry and tax incentives keyed to capital investment. The Alberta Refinery site consists of 76.78 acres adjacent to the Canadian National Railway with 42,000 square feet of serviced shops and facilities that will be expanded and retrofitted to construct hydrometallurgical facilities. The AIHA is an existing petrochemicals and critical minerals processing hub producing materials for industry, the energy transition, new technologies, and defense. The Alberta Refinery will leverage the existing infrastructure, process knowledge, services and reagents already in place for other AIHA industries.

NICO Project

The NICO Project is comprised of a planned open pit and underground mine and concentrator in the NWT and a dedicated hydrometallurgical facility in Alberta where concentrates from the mine, and other feed sources, will be processed to value-added products. Development of the vertically integrated NICO Project will strengthen North American critical mineral supply chain resilience and security, a priority for western governments that need to reduce their dependence on the current supply sources in foreign entities of concern. The NICO Project will be a reliable producer of critical mineral products in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with supply chain transparency and custody control of the contained metals from ores through to the production of value-added critical mineral products.

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.

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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 Hydrometallurgical Facility at the JFSL site, 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. 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/20251215620330/en/

CONTACT: For further information please contact:

Fortune Minerals Limited

Troy Nazarewicz

Investor Relations Manager

info@fortuneminerals.com

Tel: (519) 858-8188

www.fortuneminerals.com

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2025) - Fuerte Metals Corporation (OTCQB: FUEMF) ("Fuerte" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a partnership with G Mining Services ("GMS") to produce a Feasibility Study ("FS"), perform preliminary engineering for critical-path items, and lead the eventual mine construction for its 100%-owned Coffee Gold project in Canada's Yukon Territory. Fuerte has also engaged WSP to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the project. The PEA and FS studies will run in parallel, with the PEA providing a first look at the project design underpinning the value of the project with completion of the study anticipated in Q1 of 2026. The FS, anticipated in Q4 2026, will present a well defined economic and technical analysis that will form the basis for a production decision that could be made as early as Q1 of 2027. Fuerte's project team will coordinate with GMS and WSP to ensure alignment between the two studies.

Tim Warman, President and CEO of Fuerte, commented, "We are extremely pleased to be working with GMS and WSP as we advance the Coffee Gold project towards a construction decision in 2027. We intend to leverage the extensive drilling, test work and engineering that was carried out by previous project owners as we work to complete the PEA in short order. The subsequent FS led by GMS will form the basis for project finance discussions and their scope of work also includes required engineering to support procurement of long-lead and critical path items as well as construction supervision for an extensive program of permitted advanced exploration activities at site, and for the Northern Access Route once permits are in hand. Fuerte and GMS have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for GMS to lead the eventual mine construction, subject to a positive construction decision and the receipt of the remaining permits. GMS has a stellar reputation in the mining industry, and we are confident they are the right partner to help us achieve a successful outcome for the Coffee Gold project, with a strong focus on safety and environmental protection."

Mathieu Gignac, President of G Mining, commented, "Since 2014, GMS has been in continuous construction of successful mining projects. Our team has pioneered and fine-tuned the Integrated Project Management approach to deliver responsible projects that create value for shareholders and stakeholders. We are thrilled to mobilize to the Yukon to join the Fuerte Metals project team that is responsible for delivering the Coffee Gold Project. We remain committed to safety, collaboration, and project execution excellence, ensuring that we contribute to the success of the project and of the communities we work with."

GMS was founded in 2006 and has grown into a renowned mine development firm specializing in both underground and open-pit precious and base metal projects. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services across all mining disciplines, as well as the industrial construction expertise required to develop and support successful mining operations. With extensive project experience in Canada and internationally, GMS has built a strong track record of delivering fit-for-purpose projects safely, on or under budget, and on or ahead of schedule. Notable achievements include the successful construction of Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte Project in Ecuador; delivering Newmont Mining's Merian Mine in Suriname below budget and ahead of schedule; overseeing project construction of the Greenstone Project in Ontario; and partnering with G Mining Ventures to successfully build the Tocantinzinho Mine in Brazil. GMS continues to expand its portfolio with its current involvement in the Oko West Project in Guyana and the McIlvenna Bay Project in northern Saskatchewan.

WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 73,000 professionals. Together they pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors. WSP will be managing the PEA from its Whitehorse office, leveraging its knowledge of the local community, costs, and infrastructure.

About Fuerte Metals Corporation

Fuerte Metals is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on advancing high-potential precious metals and base metals projects across the Americas. Our flagship asset is the 100%-owned Coffee Project in the Yukon, Canada - a high-quality gold project advancing through the final stages of permitting, engineering, and resource expansion drilling in preparation for a construction decision. Coffee hosts 3.0 million ounces of open-pit heap-leach Measured and Indicated Resource and an Inferred Resource of 0.8 million ounces. We respectfully acknowledge that protection of the water and lands around the Coffee Creek and mine project area is of high importance to First Nations. Through cooperation, transparency, and respect, we pledge to continue to build on relationships with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, White River First Nation, Selkirk First Nation, and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, whose Traditional Territories overlap or partially overlap with the project access road, and areas where exploration and mining activities may occur. In addition to Coffee, Fuerte holds a portfolio of copper and gold assets, including the Placeton-Caballo Muerto Project in Chile and the Cristina and Yecora Projects in Mexico, offering additional growth and exploration upside. At Fuerte, we are committed to building value through disciplined project development, responsible stewardship of the land, a safety-focused culture, and creating long-term returns for shareholders.

Qualified Person

Alan J. San Martin, P.Eng. and Charley Murahwi, P.Geo. from Micon International Limited are the Qualified Persons (QPs) who prepared the Coffee Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate, as detailed in the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate Update on the Coffee Gold Project, Yukon, Canada" with an effective date of August 21, 2025. Micon International Limited is "independent" of Fuerte as defined by Section 1.5 of NI 43-101. The Coffee Technical Report is available on the Company's website at www.fuertemetals.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Additional Information

For more information, please contact:

Tim Warman, Chief Executive Officer and Director 

Fuerte Metals Corporation

Email: info@fuertemetals.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to information relating to the business of the Company including exploration and development activities and managements' objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278002

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2025) - Transatlantic Mining Corp.  (the "Company") is pleased to announce the company has engaged a maiden technical trial with Outer Rim Exploration ("ORE") utilising a new Muon enhanced technique to identify voids and new mineralisation association at its Monitor Copper Gold project in Idaho USA.

The campaign marks the first North American deployment of ORE's portable muon hodoscope for the mining industry. The survey will evaluate the continuity and potential size of a chalcopyrite-rich copper ore zone and map unmapped historical mine workings within the area.

The new muon-based tomography system aims to accelerate subsurface mapping and reduce drilling costs in mineral exploration.

Business and Technical Impact

By imaging both mineralized and void zones, ORE's data will provide Transatlantic with valuable insights into orebody geometry and historical mine dimensions. This improved understanding will support drill planning, future mine planning, cost optimization, and risk reduction associated with drilling and mine excavation.

"Our goal is to replace guesswork with captured data," said Jeremy Anderson, CEO and Co-Founder of Outer Rim Exploration.

Bernie Sostak, CEO of Transatlantic Mining , said, "With a portable detector, we can image historical underground cavities, and provide clarity that usually takes months of drilling to achieve. We are also excited to partner with Outer Rim to evaluate the potential extensions of the known and unknown copper-bearing chalcopyrite mineralization. This collaboration represents a new frontier in mineral imaging, bringing particle physics to the service of practical exploration."

Survey Objectives

ORE's muon hodoscope operates as a fully stand-alone, battery-powered, passive, and environmentally friendly imaging platform that requires no active radiation source or drilling. Compact and ruggedized, the system fits within narrow adits and underground passages or can be deployed on the surface, enabling continuous autonomous scanning over weeks of operation—even in remote or constrained environments.

The survey will determine whether the chalcopyrite-bearing copper mineralization, previously observed at widths ranging from 0.3 m width, and looking to extend laterally along strike and/or vertically. ORE's detectors will also image subsurface voids to improve geotechnical understanding and guide future exploration drilling.

Next Steps

Following the campaign, ORE will process the muon data through its proprietary AI-driven density-mapping pipeline to generate 2D and 3D visualizations of subsurface density variations. The findings will inform Transatlantic's exploration strategy and guide future deployments across additional sites in North America.

About Outer Rim Exploration (ORE)

Outer Rim Exploration Inc. is a deep-tech company pioneering portable muon tomography systems for subsurface imaging in mining and infrastructure. ORE's mission is to revolutionize how humanity explores beneath the surface of the Earth. https://www.ore.space/

About Transatlantic Mining Corp.

Transatlantic Mining is an emerging precious and base metal explorer. The Company has a focus on converting projects into mines within stable mining jurisdictions. The Company currently holds property interests including an 80% Joint Venture position on the Monitor Copper-Gold project in Montana-Idaho (USA) and 100% of the Golden Jubilee Gold Project with its associated mining rights. The Company also has an extended lease, right to mine, and purchase arrangement for the Miller Gold Mine in Montana, moving towards 100% ownership by way of a payment royalty. https://www.transatlanticminingcorp.com/

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's future exploration plans, geophysical programs, and the potential for mineralization. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties, the Company's ability to obtain necessary permits, and the availability of financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

For further information, please contact: Bernie Sostak: bsostak@transatlanticminingcorp.com, +61 (0) 439 904 044

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278020

Highlights

• 4,000 metres drilled across 15 diamond holes at Reedy Creek confirming a large, continuous orogenic gold system, with gold intersected in every drillhole to date.

• Consistent gold mineralization with well-developed arsenic halos confirms drilling is intersecting the upper levels of a vertically extensive system, with geochemical and structural vectoring now pointing toward stronger mineralization at depth.

• Structural and geochemical signatures display clear parallels with major Victorian gold systems including Fosterville and Costerfield, where high-grade mineralization strengthens below arsenic-dominant upper zones.

• Maiden modern drilling has commenced at the Aurora Prospect, a historically significant, never-before-drilled target located on the fold hinge of the Reedy Creek Anticline, interpreted to have potential for broader and more continuous high-grade gold mineralization.

• Golden Cross is the first exploration company to secure land access to Aurora, a high priority target since the acquisition of Reedy Creek given its structural position and extensive history of artisanal mining.

• Assay results remain pending from Welcome Reef and Empress Reef, expected to refine targeting further and provide upcoming news flow.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2025) - Golden Cross Resources  (OTCQB: ZCRMF) (FSE: ZMLO) ("Golden Cross" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following update on its ongoing exploration at the Reedy Creek Project, Victoria, Australia, where drilling, mapping, and structural analysis have confirmed a large orogenic gold system extending across multiple targets.

Drilling to date has intersected gold mineralization in every drillhole, accompanied by well-developed arsenic halos that are characteristic of the upper levels of major Victorian gold systems. Structural interpretation and geochemical vectoring now indicate increasing prospectivity at depth, consistent with the architecture observed at deposits such as Fosterville and Costerfield. With exclusive land access now secured, Golden Cross has commenced the first modern drill testing at the high-priority Aurora Prospect, marking a key step toward testing for thicker and higher-grade gold zones.

Golden Cross CEO, Matthew Roma, States:

"Every hole drilled to date has intersected gold with well-developed arsenic halos, confirming that we are operating in the upper levels of a larger orogenic gold system. The grades we're seeing near-surface, coupled with our structural data, are now pointing us toward where the system gets stronger at depth, and the never before drill-tested Aurora prospect is emerging as the most compelling location to test for thicker, higher-grade veins. Rock chips returning up to 5.22 g/t Au highlight the strength of the system at surface and reinforce Aurora as a compelling drill target with room to grow at depth. We view this systematic, technical progress as a positive step in the right direction toward making a discovery."

Gold Intersected in Every Drillhole Confirms System-Scale Mineralization

Assay results received to date confirm that all diamond drillholes completed at Reedy Creek have intersected gold mineralization, supported by consistent arsenic pathfinder halos. This widespread mineralization confirms the presence of a large, continuous orogenic gold system rather than isolated vein occurrences. The distribution of gold and arsenic is interpreted to represent the upper portions of the system, providing important vectoring information to guide deeper follow-up drilling.

Reedy Creek Drilling Overview

Golden Cross has now completed 4,000m across 15 diamond drillholes at the Reedy Creek Project. Of these 15 holes, 3 were previously reported (see News Release dated 29th September 2025), 8 are reported in this news release and 4 remain pending assay results. Drilling initially focused on confirming the presence of multiple vein sets, variable silicification and zones of sulphide mineralization consistent with orogenic-style systems. Drilling has now moved to targeting structures at the recently unlocked Aurora prospect.

As reported in the announcement on September 29, 2025, the maiden drilling was designed to prioritize structural information to develop a precise three-dimensional exploration model to effectively target second phase deeper drilling aimed at testing the greatest potential for mineralization ("testing the ladder" method).

Drilling to date has successfully intersected multiple target vein sets and associated zones of alteration, with orientated core providing key structural data such as measured vein orientations and fault relationships for Phase 2 drilling.

Maiden Drilling Underway at the Aurora Prospect

Maiden drilling has commenced at the Aurora Prospect, a high-priority target located at the northwestern end of the Reedy Creek Goldfield, interpreted to represent one of the most prospective structural positions within the project.

Aurora is one of the most historically significant areas within the Reedy Creek goldfield. Artisanal mining was carried out at Aurora in the late 1800s, and the scale of the historical workings is much larger than other areas mapped to date. The presence of well-preserved historic underground mining tunnels provides rare access for mapping and systematic sampling, offering exceptional geological insight.

Golden Cross has recently secured land access to the prospect, the first exploration company to do so since the end of artisanal mining in the 1800s. With access in place, Golden Cross is now conducting the first modern drill testing of the Aurora zone, with drilling recently initiated as part of the ongoing exploration program.

Results from earlier drilling at Shepherd's Hill have further refined the geological model and directed the Company's focus toward Aurora, where establishing continuity between historic gold mineralization and potential mineralization at depth represents a key objective of the current drill program. Aurora is expected to play a key role in the next phase of exploration as drilling continues and results are received.

Figure 1: The Reedy Creek Goldfield, viewed to the northwest looking along the trend of the Reedy Creek anticline. This view shows the relationship between Shepherd's Hill, Prince of Wales, Thompson's Ridge, and Aurora.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5159/278018_b436d5a7d450aa99_002full.jpg

Aurora Geological Mapping Confirms Gold and Pathfinder Signatures

As in the rest of the Reedy Creek Goldfield, mineralization at Aurora has developed within associated shear zones developed within turbiditic siltstones, sandstones, and black-shale sequences.

Structural mapping has shown Aurora is situated along the F1 fold hinge of the Reedy Creek Anticline, compared to Prince of Wales, which is situated on a northern parasitic fold limb (Figure 1).

Rock chip samples collected during the Aurora mapping program confirm the presence of gold associated with arsenic. The best of these samples returned 5.22 g/t Au with 8,350 ppm As (Table 1). Geological analysis describes the alteration as dominated by silica-sericite-carbonate with a well-defined arsenic halo, consistent with an upper-system orogenic position.

Combined, the structural and geochemical data suggest that the Aurora Prospect has the potential to host broader, more laterally extensive targets compared with steeper shoots at nearby prospects (e.g., Prince of Wales).

Figure 2: Underground workings at Aurora from the 1800s showing the black shales and sandstone host units.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5159/278018_b436d5a7d450aa99_003full.jpg

Figure 3: Golden Cross Resources' Reedy Creek Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5159/278018_b436d5a7d450aa99_004full.jpg

Shepherd's Hill: Early Gold Intercepts Provide Key Vectoring Information for Follow-Up Drilling

Further to the Company's news release dated 29th September 2025 announcing results from 393.21 metres of drilling on the first three holes at the Prince of Wales prospect, assays have now been received for the four maiden drillholes at Shepherd's Hill, as well as a further four drillholes completed at Wieneroider Ridge, Thompson's Reef, and Prince of Wales prospects, totalling 2,085 metres.

The most recent drilling reported here was completed at Shepherd's Hill, which is located southeast of, and adjacent to, the highly prospective Aurora Prospect, where drilling is now underway. The first pass drilling at Shepherd's Hill aimed to test the quartz reef system there and provide structural orientation to future drill programs. Highlights from the Shepherd's Hill and Prince of Wales drilling include:

• SHD002: 2.70m @ 1.13 g/t Au from 201.50m
  • Includes 0.60m @ 2.92 g/t Au from 203.10m
• SHD003: 1.00m @ 1.815 g/t Au from 274.00m
• SHD004: 1.00m @ 0.93 g/t Au from 213.00m
• PWD008: 4.00m @ 0.86 g/t Au from 58.00m
  • Includes 1.00m @ 1.88 g/t Au from 61.00m

Importantly, every drillhole to date has shown well defined arsenic halos surrounding the gold-bearing quartz veins, with lower-grade gold halos linking nearby reefs. This correlation between the gold and arsenic is an important pathfinder tool that is enabling the company to vector in on gold mineralization. To view full results, please click here.

Figure 4 - Long Section through the Reedy Creek Goldfield showing all drilling to date over the current geological model of the system.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5159/278018_b436d5a7d450aa99_005full.jpg

Geological Model Strengthening, Clear Parallels to Victorian Gold Systems

Golden Cross is executing a model-driven exploration program, with oriented diamond drilling guided by detailed structural mapping and interpretations of LiDAR and historical data. Structural and geochemical results from the initial phase have been integrated into a robust geological model, which continues to evolve as new drilling data is incorporated.

The Company believes it has unlocked key insights critical to understanding Reedy Creek mineralization and importantly, has identified clear commonalities with other on-trend Victorian gold systems, including Fosterville and Costerfield.

One potential parallel with Fosterville is the presence of depth-related sulphide zonation at Reedy Creek: at Fosterville, gold and sulphide assemblages change systematically with depth, defining the architecture of the system, this pattern is now emerging at Reedy Creek (Figure 5).

Applying a Fosterville-style zonation pattern to our own long section of Reedy Creek suggested the presence of antimony to the southeast of the goldfield. A review of historic soil sampling confirmed elevated antimony in this area. Further confirmation followed with stibnite noted in drill core from Empress Reef, our southeasternmost drilling to date.

The appearance of this type of sulphide zonation pattern is not wholly surprising as the Reedy Creek goldfield shares many other characteristics with Fosterville. Both projects feature turbidite-hosted gold focused in shear zones and fold hinges, with carbonaceous shales aiding fluid trapping. Structural mapping of Reedy Creek also shows steep vein dips, reverse/oblique kinematics, northwest-trending structures, and anticlines with lensoid potential, consistent with known Fosterville-style controls and analogous to the saddle-reefs of Bendigo.

Most importantly, these analogues are now enabling us to test predictions within our own model, improving targeting confidence.

Figure 5: Reedy Creek long Section showing the Fosterville-style arsenic-gold zonation horizon. Insert shows an illustration of the Fosterville zonation at the same scale.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5159/278018_b436d5a7d450aa99_006full.jpg

Results Pending for Empress & Welcome Reefs

Assay results remain pending for drilling completed at Empress Reef, and Welcome Reef (4 holes for 1406 metres of drilling).

Welcome Reef, part of the historic Ti Tree Creek Goldfield first discovered in 1859, is more than just another historic Victorian goldfield - it is a cornerstone of Australia's gold rush heritage and financial history. Mining records indicate that at least 9,000 ounces of gold4 were extracted from the Ah Mouy mine at Welcome Reef between June 1874 and September 1891, from approximately 10,500 tonnes of ore grading an average of 25 g/t Au5.

The historical production figures cited above are sourced from period records and have not been verified by the Company's Qualified Person. They are not reported in accordance with NI 43-101, should not be relied upon, and are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's property or of future exploration results. Please refer to the "Cautionary Statement" at the end of this news release for further information regarding reliance on historic resources.

Historical reports note that the width and length of the vein increased with depth, and grades remained remarkably consistent throughout the ore body6 - an encouraging sign that the system may be far from exhausted. Golden Cross plans to drill beneath the historic workings at Welcome Reef testing for gold mineralization. The drill design will be based on detailed structural mapping of the historic workings currently underway at the Welcome Reef area.

At Empress Reef, the southeasternmost drilling to date along the Reedy Creek goldfield, drill core shows the presence of quartz carbonate veins containing multiple sulphide species such as sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and arsenopyrite as well as stibnite (Figure 6). These sulphide species are important pathfinders to potential gold mineralization.

Figure 6: Stibnite seen in Welcome Reef core at 320m in WMD002. Sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and stibnite seen in core from Empress Reef at 262m in ERD002. Assay results pending.

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Table 1: Rock chip sample results from the Aurora Prospect.

Sources:

(1.) https://portergeo.com.au/database/mineinfo.php?mineid=mn230.

(2., 3.) Kirkland Lake Gold. Kirkland Lake Gold Extends High-Grade Mineralization at Depth on the Lower Phoenix Gold System and Reports a Record High-Grade Drill Result From the Fosterville Gold Mine, Jan 17, 2017.

(4., 5., 6.) Corlett, S., Annual Report on EL 3746 - Flowerdale, 1996.

QA/QC and Analytical Procedures

All samples reported from the current drilling program, as well as the rock chip samples collected during the structural mapping campaign were processed under the Company's QA/QC protocol. Samples were prepared and assayed at ALS Laboratories using industry-standard methods. The Company's QA/QC program includes insertion of certified reference materials, blanks and field duplicates at regular intervals. Assay data is validated and reviewed for quality as part of routine data verification.

In addition to the Company's QAQC practices, when assessing gold assays, the company re-submits any sample interval that reports over 2g/t Au for analysis via Screen Fire Assay. Screen Fire Assays separate and measure both coarse and fine gold fractions, improving accuracy and reproducibility of nuggety samples and providing a clearer estimate of total gold content.

The QAQC regime for the sample batches of the Re-assay Program was modified as essentially every sample in the program was a duplicate of a known result. Regular insertion of standards was replaced with strategic insertion centred around confirmation of higher-grade samples. While sampling of previously untested intervals from historic drilling was subject to the Company's regular QAQC protocols.

The original assays from GPAC's drill programs, as reported by GPAC, were all subject to quality control measures appropriate for percussion drilling with duplicates, blanks and commercially available standards with the expected results from the samples submitted. All assays were conducted by Onsite Laboratory Services Ltd (ISO: 9001), located in Bendigo, Victoria, using fire assay techniques with a 25g or 50g charge and ICP or AAS finish. The quality control results are consistent.

Qualified Person

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared or reviewed and approved by Alan Till, the Company's Vice President Exploration, a "qualified person" as defined by NI 43-101.

About Golden Cross Resources

Golden Cross Resources (OTCQB: ZCRMF) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing the Reedy Creek gold project in Victoria, Australia. Located just 10 km from Southern Cross Gold's Sunday Creek discovery, the project covers two contiguous tenements in one of Australia's most active epizonal gold corridors.

For more information:

Matt Roma, Director & CEO

+1-778-736-3356

info@goldencrossresources.com

Additional information about Golden Cross can be found on its website: www.goldencrossresources.com and at www.sedarplus.ca.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation relating plans for future exploration and drilling and the timing of same, the merits of the Company's mineral projects and other plans of the Company. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "encouraging", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "interpret", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "suggests", "often", "target", "future", "likely", "pending", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", "possibly", "preliminary" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur, or other statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and that such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements include risks associated with exploration and drilling; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; possible accidents; the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental approvals necessary to carry out the Company's plans; the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans; the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; increases in costs; environmental compliance and changes in environmental and other local legislation and regulation; interest rate other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors and exchange rate fluctuations; changes in economic and political conditions; and other risks involved in the mineral exploration industry. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of risk factors and their potential effects.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions, including management's assumptions about the following: the availability of financing for the Company's exploration activities; operating and exploration costs; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled staff; timing of the receipt of necessary regulatory and governmental approvals; market competition; and general business and economic conditions. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The historical mineral resources discussed in this press release were calculated using mining industry standard practices for estimating Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves prior to the implementation of the current CIM standards for mineral resource estimation (as defined by the CIM Definition Standard on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves dated May 10, 2014). The reader is cautioned not to treat them, or any part of them, as current mineral resources or reserves. An independent Qualified Person ('QP'), has not done sufficient work to classify the estimate discussed as current mineral resources or reserves and therefore the estimate should be treated as historical in nature and not current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The historical resources have been included simply to demonstrate the mineral potential of the Reedy Creek Project. A thorough review of all historical data performed by a QP, along with additional exploration work to confirm results, would be required in order to produce a current mineral resource estimate for each of the key prospects. For greater certainty, the Company confirms that it does not have a current mineral resource on any part of its Reedy Creek Project.

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

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