Mr. Jonathon Deluce reports

ABITIBI METALS LAUNCHES LARGE-SCALE PHASE 4 DRILL PROGRAM TARGETING UP TO 40,000 METRES AT THE B26 PROJECT

Abitibi Metals Corp. has commenced its phase 4 drill program at the B26 polymetallic deposit, located in Quebec's Abitibi greenstone belt. Phase 4 represents the largest and most comprehensive drill program in the company's history, with up to 40,000 metres of drilling planned over the course of 2026, following the successful completion of the phase 3 program, with assays still pending. The company currently owns 50 per cent of the B26 deposit and retains the option to earn an additional 30 per cent from SOQUEM Inc., a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec (see news release dated Nov. 16, 2023).

The initial winter component of phase 4 is planned to include approximately 15,000 to 20,000 metres of drilling, commencing with one drill rig and expanding to three drill rigs by mid-February, 2026. The program has been designed to systematically advance the B26 project through a balanced exploration strategy focused on resource improvement, resource expansion and regional discovery drilling. This will mark the first regional drill program at the B26 project since the company optioned the asset.

"Phase 4 is a major catalyst for resource growth at B26," said Jonathon Deluce, chief executive officer of Abitibi Metals. "Building on strong phase 3 results, this expanded program targets resource expansion, improved quality and new regional discoveries. With funding secured through 2027, we are positioned to move and quickly scale-up to create significant shareholder value."

Phase 4 drill program objectives

The phase 4 drill program is structured around three complementary objectives intended to enhance the scale, confidence and long-term development potential of the B26 project:

1. Resource improvement drilling: Drilling within the existing resource envelope will be designed to significantly enhance geological confidence and grade continuity, providing a strong foundation for future resource updates and continuing economic evaluations. Building on its geological model, the company has identified several high-priority target areas where drilling is expected to both increase grades and expand the size of existing mineralized blocks and lenses. This includes further expansion of the recently discovered high-grade zone (269W5 -- 17.91 per cent copper equivalent (CuEq) over 6.3 metres (m) -- released Nov. 20, 2025) downdip along the western plunge, which will be a key focus of phase 4 drilling.
2. Resource expansion drilling: Mid-level and deep drilling will test lateral and downdip extensions of known copper-gold and zinc-silver mineralization. This drilling is designed to follow up on high-grade intercepts encountered (373W1 -- 3.93 per cent CuEq over 11.0 m -- released Oct. 30, 2025) along the margins of the deposit during phase 3 and to further evaluate the depth potential of the B26 system.
3. Regional exploration drilling: For the first time, the company is launching regional drill program to unlock district-scale discovery potential beyond the B26 deposit. An initial 3,000 to 4,000 metres are planned, with rapid upside scalability based on results.

Qualified person

Information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Louis Gariepy, PEng (OIQ No. 107538), vice-president of exploration of Abitibi Metals, who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for the technical information provided in this news release.

About Abitibi Metals Corp.

Abitibi Metals is dedicated to acquiring and exploring mineral properties within Quebec, with a particular emphasis on high-quality base and precious metal assets that offer significant potential for growth and expansion.

The company's flagship B26 polymetallic project, which has been optioned from SOQUEM, hosts a substantial and growing resource base:

• Indicated: 11.3 million tonnes (t) at 2.13 per cent CuEq (1.23 per cent copper (Cu), 1.27 per cent zinc (Zn), 0.46 gram per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) and 31.9 g/t silver (Ag));
• Inferred: 7.2 million t at 2.21 per cent CuEq (1.56 per cent Cu, 0.17 per cent Zn, 0.87 g/t Au and 7.4 g/t Ag).

The B26 project is strategically located just five kilometres north of the formerly producing Selbaie mine. This proximity provides the project with ready access to all necessary infrastructure required for mine development.

In addition to the B26 deposit, Abitibi's portfolio includes the Beschefer gold project; historical drilling has identified four notable, historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres (BE13-038) and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres (BE12-014) among four modelled zones. These promising findings highlight the potential for further gold discoveries within the project area.

About SOQUEM Inc.

SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec's mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research and strategic minerals to be well positioned for the future.

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