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14 holes have been drilled to date across three targets, and two holes are currently in progress; assay results are pending for eight holes submitted to the lab

A new track-mounted RC rig arrived recently to more effectively close out the season

Early-stage planning for the 2027 field season has begun, and two core rigs have already been secured

Vancouver, British Columbia, November 13, 2026 – TheNewswire - Westward Gold Inc. (CSE: WG, OTCQB: WGLIF, FSE: IM50) (“Westward” or the “Company” ) is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities and ongoing drilling at its Toiyabe Hills Property in Lander County, Nevada (“Toiyabe Hills” , or the “Property” ). The 2026 field season has been the most productive in the Company’s history, with a multitude of robust programs completed and in-progress across the 84-square-kilometre Property, including: reverse-circulation (“RC” ) and core drilling, trenching (detailed mapping and geochemistry), Anaconda-style surface mapping (geology, alteration, structure), soil and rock-chip sampling, and expanded geophysical surveys (gravity, airborne magnetics and CSAMT). Drilling and other exploration activities will continue for as long as weather permits, and Westward recently secured a track-mounted RC rig to better handle challenging conditions over the final weeks of the season.

2026 Exploration Highlights:

• Drilling: To date,16holes have been drilled or are in progress across the 3 target zones (including 2 re-drilled holes): SSD – 11 holes completed for a total of 3,935 metres (including six pre-collar holes and 3 lost holes); El Segundo – two holes completed and two in progress for a current total of 889 metres; Campfire – one pre-collar hole completed to 610 metres. Eight holes are currently in the lab with assays pending; expected turnaround time for results is now approximately 3+ months, and the first unreleased hole (T2603) was submitted on August 19, 2026. 

• Trenching (SSD Target): Three trenches were completed early in the season for a total of 468 metres, and an expanded program is currently in progress which will include three additional trenches totaling 1,431 metres. 

• Anaconda-Style Mapping: Westward completed approximately 21 square kilometres of new surface mapping in 2026, bringing the total Property-wide coverage to approximately 44 square kilometres and all of the area of focus west of the Hilltop Structural Corridor where favourable lower-plate carbonate stratigraphy (namely, the Wenban Formation), is exposed at surface. Anaconda-style mapping continues to provide key insights into the hydrothermal and thermal alteration signature, and footprint of the system at Toiyabe Hills. It has also led to the recent identification of new and highly-promising early-stage target areas for follow-up in 2027. 

• Surface Geochemistry: The Company continued to build upon its robust surface geochemistry database in 2026 as a foundational target identification and development tool. Expanded soil grids over recent land additions at the northern and southern ends of the Property have been completed (569 samples collected), and a 308-sample infill grid is in progress to improve upon data inherited from previous operators. All soil assays are pending. To date, 224 rock-chip samples have also been collected across the Property with a focus on areas of interest identified through mapping. 

• Geophysical Surveys: Expanded gravity and airborne magnetic surveys were completed this year over recently-staked ground, in addition to a 10-line-kilometre CSAMT survey over the El Segundo target area. The acquisition of high-quality, district-scale baseline geophysical data remains a cornerstone of Westward’s multi-disciplined approach to early-stage gold exploration, with more focused programs contemplated at individual target zones. Planning is underway for a new MT (magnetotelluric) survey to complement existing datasets and identify major structures at depth with enhanced resolution. 

Robert Edie, VP Exploration, noted: “Securing quality drill rigs and crews in 2026 has been particularly challenging, and in speaking with our peers – the situation was endemic across Nevada this year. Two separate drilling companies cancelled deep-capacity RC contracts with Westward due to lack of available rigs / crews, a first-ever occurrence in our team members’ long careers. We’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish considering these difficulties – we sourced replacement rigs on short notice and are continuing to get holes down. We also made the decision to invest in steel casing and pre-collar the majority of holes at SSD (rather than abandoning them before designed depths), in light of the strong Carlin-type alteration observed in RC chips. We’re setting ourselves up to hit the ground running in 2027, with numerous core tails in queue, other pads already constructed, and contracts for two core rigs signed (RC-rig sourcing well advanced).”

Mr. Edie continued: “New and promising Carlin-type alteration observed at SSD – notably to the north where no legacy drilling exists – has expanded the known alteration footprint considerably, which remains open in all directions and at depth. The recognition of a broad hydrothermal dolomite halo, in addition to zones of honey-coloured sphalerite associated with quartz stringers (both new findings at Toiyabe Hills), are highly encouraging characteristics analagous to many gold deposits in northern Nevada. At El Segundo, the first hole ever drilled over this area of the Property provided strong proof of concept, with several hematite-decalcification-sooty carbon shearing zones associated with blind thrusts. Outside of our three 2026 drill targets, Anaconda-style mapping has identified a new greenfield 2027 target (“Double Take”), which will be detailed in future releases.”

2026 Drilling Campaign - Overview

The 2026 campaign at Toiyabe Hills remains ongoing with RC and core drilling currently in progress at the El Segundo Target, which sits at a lower elevation and is less susceptible to inclement weather. Drilling at the SSD Target has now concluded, with nine holes completed for a total of 3,270 metres, excluding two holes that were re-drilled. The RC rig faced challenges drilling to planned final hole depths, and the decision was made to case the last six holes at SSD to prepare them for follow-up drilling with core tail completions in 2027. This downhole method is an established practice in northern Nevada, and the Company’s technical experts are well-versed in its execution. At the Campfire Target, one RC hole was completed to a depth of 610 metres and cased for a 2027 core tail; this was a northern expansion of the 2025 Phase I framework program that identified a gold vector in that direction.

Figure 1: 2026 Target Zones

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Note: See Technical Endnotes 1, 2, 3, and 4 for additional disclosure.

Table 1: 2026 Drill Holes

Note: All coordinates UTM NAD83 Zone 11 Metres. See Westward Gold press releases dated August 18, 2026, and August 25, 2026, for additional details surrounding core holes T2601 and T2602, respectively.

2026 Drilling Campaign – SSD Target

At the SSD Target, five holes were drilled in the footwall of the Roberts Mountains Thrust, primarily testing interpreted structural controls on gold mineralization identified via trenching, mapping, and legacy hole relogging programs. To the north, four holes were completed in an area that has seen no historical drilling – these sites were designed to test the continuity and expansion potential of a deep, structurally-controlled, oxidized gold-bearing horizon. Holes T2604 through T2609A have all been cased for follow-up with core tails in 2027 and will be prioritized based on assay results and detailed logging. Despite not reaching their planned final depths with the RC rig, all four of the holes that collared in upper-plate rocks were able to test a portion of the favourable carbonate stratigraphy, with the Wenban Formation being encountered at shallower depths than anticipated (265 m – 352 m range).

Figure 2: 2026 Drilling & Trenching at the SSD Target

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Select technical highlights observed in 2026 drilling at the SSD Target include the following:

• T2603 : This hole intersected six unique zones of lamprophyre or quartz-ferlspar porphyry (QFP) dikes, in addition to three separate zones of decalcified and oxidized silty limestone of the Wenban Formation (158.5-211.8 m, 243.8-288.0 m, and 318.5-391.7 m depth). Observations were also indicative of a zone of complex compression and structural imbrication – upper-plate siliciclastic rock packages occasionally sitting below lower-plate carbonate stratigrpahy (similar to what is seen in the Pipeline deposit northwest of the Property). 

• T2604: A vertically-extensive dolomite plume occurs from 56.4 to 385.6 m downhole, and is developed in both upper-plate siliciclastic rocks and lower-plate carbonate rocks. Dolomite plumes are well-documented in Carlin-type gold deposits (e.g. Miekle, Leeville, Turf, Deep Star, North Bullion). An interval from 345.9-388.6 m contained intense Carlin-style alteration: moderate/strong decalcification, quartz and dolomite veins/stockworks, and elliptical chips with graphitic shears. Deep oxidation (limonite > hematite) associated with variable decalcification was noted from 501.4-513.6 m, and strengthens downhole in the interval; this zone occurred immediately above a zone of no sample recovery / poor drilling, suggesting structural complexity. 

• T2606: Thishole provided additional compelling evidence of a hydrothermal dolomite halo that appears to be strengthening to the north, with dolomite veining, stockworks and/or flooding logged from 76.2 to 434.3 m. Several zones contained honey-coloured sphalerite associated with quartz stringers – the first such occurance at Toiyabe Hills. This is a recognized feature within and proximal to gold deposits in the Carlin North area.  

• T2607: As with T2606, this hole provided similar evidence of a hydrothermal dolomite halo. Silica-sulfide-dolomite breccia was also observed from 390.1 to 411.5 m, representing strong and highly-encouraging Carlin-style alteration. 

2026 Drilling Campaign – El Segundo Target

Phase I drilling remains ongoing at the El Segundo Target with both core and RC, and productivity has recently improved following the arrival of a new RC rig. Early logging takeaways from the first-ever hole over this area of the Property were positive, and speak to a robust hydrothermal system. In ES2601, blind thrusts associated with decalcification, hematite on fractures, increased carbon, and shearing were observed (see Figure 4 below); these features are reminiscent of the alteration characteristics associated with gold in the nearby Crossroads deposit, south of Pipeline.

Figure 3: 2026 Drilling at the El Segundo Target

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Note: See Technical Endnotes 1 and 3 for additional disclosure.

Figure 4: ES2601 – Select Core Photos

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2026 Drilling Campaign – Campfire Target

At the Campfire Target, one hole was completed to expand 2025’s Phase I framework drilling coverage to the north – with last year’s results suggesting a gold vector in this direction. The hole was drilled with RC to a depth of 610 metres and cased for core drilling in 2027. Based on early-stage chip logging, the hole was terminated in upper-plate siliciclastic rocks near the contact with lower-plate carbonate rocks; neighbouring holes CF25-08 and CF25-04 reached the Wenban Formation at depths of 591 and 444 metres, respectively.

Figure 4: 2025 & 2026 Framework Drilling at the Campfire Target

Note: See Technical Endnotes 1, 3, and 5 for additional disclosure.

Corporate Update

Westward also announces that its Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee has approved and granted an aggregate of 500,000 stock options (the “Options” ) and 500,000 restricted share units (“RSUs” ) to an incoming director, and 200,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company. The Options, which vest immediately, are exercisable at a price of C$0.20 per common share of the Company for a period of five (5) years from the date of grant. Any common shares issued upon exercise are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of grant, if applicable, pursuant to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The RSUs granted will vest over a period of 24 months, with 50% vesting on the 12-month anniversary of the date of grant, and the remaining 50% vesting on the 24-month anniversary.

The Company also announces that it has engaged Market One Media Group Inc. (“Market One” ) for a 12-month marketing campaign at a cost of one hundred thousand Canadian dollars plus applicable GST. The engagement includes the production and distribution of corporate videos, banner ads, and editorial articles. Market One, which operates out of Vancouver and Toronto, offers multi-platform media solutions for the capital markets, distributing content through broadcast, digital, and social media channels, including BNN Bloomberg. Market One and Westward are not related parties. The Company will not issue any securities to Market One as compensation for its services. To the Company’s knowledge, as of the date hereof, Market One (including its directors and officers) does not own any securities of the Company and is at arm’s length to Westward. Additional information regarding Market One can be found at www.marketone.ca , and they can be reached at +1 (604) 428-2125 or at their Vancouver offices at 320-440 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L1.

Technical Endnotes

1) Refer to Westward Gold press release dated January 18, 2024, for full technical disclosure surrounding its rock chip sampling program and assay results.

2) Refer to Westward Gold press release dated May 7, 2024, for full technical disclosure surrounding its soil sampling program and assay results.

3) Refer to Westward Gold press release dated September 26, 2024, for full technical disclosure surrounding its 2024 geophysical programs and interpreted results.

4) Refer to Westward Gold press release dated March 26, 2026, for full technical disclosure surrounding its 2025 drone magnetic survey and interpreted results including the identification of the “Threemile Stock”.

5) Refer to Westward Gold press release dated December 22, 2025, for additional technical disclosure surrounding its 2025 drilling campaign including assay results at the Campfire Target.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (“QA/QC”)

The Company is implementing a best-practices QA/QC program during its 2026 drilling campaign. 2026 drilling consists of core (of varying diameters depending on downhole conditions and depth), and RC techniques. All sampling is conducted under the supervision of the Company’s Vice President Exploration and/or members of its technical team, and the chain of custody from the Property to the sample preparation facilities is continuously monitored. Core samples are transported directly from the field to Modern Land and Development in Carlin, NV, where the individual sample intervals are cut in half and bagged for delivery to ALS Limited’s (“ALS” ) preparation facility located in Elko, NV. RC samples are picked up by ALS vehicles in the field and transported directly to their preparation facility.

Individual samples are tested for gold using fire assay and composite intervals (5.8-7.8 metres) are submitted for multi-element analysis. Analysis is conducted at ALS laboratories at either 4977 Energy Way, Reno, NV, 89502 or 2103 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC, V7H 0A7. ALS is independent of the Company. Overall QA/QC frequency for 2026 is set at a minimum of 15%, including standards, blanks, and three varieties of duplicates. Standards and blanks are sourced from Rocklabs of Aukland, New Zealand and MEG LLC of Lamoille, NV. Data verification of the analytical results includes a statistical analysis of the standards, blanks and duplicates that must fall within specified ranges for acceptance. All samples are analyzed for gold and 49 additional elements. Assays consist of fire assay (Au-AA23) for gold on each individual sample. For multi-element geochemistry, composited intervals ranging between 5.8 metres to 7.8 metres are analyzed with four-acid analysis (ME-MS61m). Over-limit gold assays are determined using fire assay with a gravimetric finish (Au-GRA21) on a 30-gram split.

Drill-hole deviations are measured by a gyroscopic down-hole survey completed by IDS of Elko, NV. The survey provides accurate down hole inclination and azimuth of the hole. Obtaining an accurate survey of the drill hole leads to a better contextual understanding of the core samples, and a more robust 3D geological model.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Robert Edie, Vice President Exploration of the Company, who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Edie is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) through the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

About Westward Gold

Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the Toiyabe Hills Project located in the Cortez Trend area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities.

For further information contact:

Andrew Nelson
Chief Financial Officer
Westward Gold Inc.
+1 (604) 828-7027

andrew@westwardgold.com

www.westwardgold.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate”, “potential”, “on track”, “forecast", "budget", “target”, “outlook”, “continue”, “plan” or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms.

Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company’s expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express management’s expectations or estimates of future plans and performance.

Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company’s properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company’s material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Company’s ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Company’s latest management discussion and analysis under “Risks and Uncertainties”, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company’s forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management’s assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information.

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