Mr. Robert Eckford reports

RUA GOLD SUBMITS SUBSTANTIVE FAST-TRACK APPLICATION FOR AULD CREEK GOLD-ANTIMONY PROJECT IN NEW ZEALAND

Rua Gold Inc. has submitted its substantive application under New Zealand's Fast-track Approvals Act for the Auld Creek gold-antimony project in the Reefton goldfield on the South Island.

The submission follows the project's approval for referral into the fast-track process and marks a key milestone in Rua Gold's transition from explorer to mine developer. The application seeks the approvals required for the proposed underground mine and associated infrastructure through a coordinated consenting pathway.

Highlights:

• Substantive fast-track application submitted for Auld Creek, advancing the project to the next stage of the permitting process;

• Application supported by technical studies and assessments addressing environmental effects, social impacts, and regional economic benefits;

• Permitting and technical studies progressing in parallel, with the preliminary feasibility study (PFS) targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026;

• Rua Gold continues to target receipt of the key project approvals by mid-2027, subject to acceptance of the application, regulatory review and a favorable decision;

• The project is proposed as an underground gold-antimony operation with an initial eight-year mine life, expected to employ over 200 people and contribute an estimated $240-million (U.S.) to the regional economy;

• Auld Creek is intended to form the foundation for a broader gold-antimony development strategy across the Reefton goldfield.

The company's chief executive officer Robert Eckford commented: "Submitting our Substantive Application is a major step toward bringing gold and antimony production back to Reefton. Auld Creek has the potential to anchor a wider operation in the Reefton goldfield, creating skilled employment and opportunities for local businesses while helping address the global antimony supply deficit."

Substantive fast-track application

Rua Gold's Auld Creek project was initially assessed by the New Zealand government through a fast-track referral process. The referral application was accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowing Rua Gold to make a substantive application.

The application brings together the proposed development plans and supporting assessments prepared by the company and its independent advisers. These address water quality, ecology, landscape and visual effects, air quality, traffic, geochemistry, erosion and sediment control, and mine closure, alongside social and economic considerations.

Preparation of the application has been informed by engagement with Ngati Waewae, local communities, councils, regulators and other stakeholders. Rua Gold intends to continue this engagement throughout the assessment process and as the project's design is refined.

The application will now be subject to statutory reviews and assessment under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 for completeness before an expert panel is formed for a full assessment of the project, should the application meet the requirements of the completeness test.

The company's mid-2027 permitting target remains subject to the assessment process, any requests for additional information, potential suspensions and any appeals. Submission of the application does not constitute approval of the project.

About Rua Gold Inc.

Rua Gold is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, its team has successfully turned major discoveries into long-standing producing mines in multiple continents.

We seek Safe Harbor.