Mr. Jonathon Deluce reports

ABITIBI METALS APPOINTS PROVEN MINE BUILDER AND OPERATOR DAVID BERNIER AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Abitibi Metals Corp. has appointed David Bernier as chief operating officer, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Former chief operating officer of Foran Mining Corp. ($3-billion market cap), where he led the advancement of the McIlvenna Bay polymetallic deposit from PFS (prefeasibility study) through to project construction;
• Over 30 years of mine development and operational leadership across Canada;
• Proven expertise in mine design, permitting, construction and production across polymetallic and precious metals operations;
• Extensive experience integrating indigenous engagement, regulatory approvals, engineering and execution to advance mining projects;
• Former Canadian country manager for Pan American Silver, overseeing multiple operating assets in the Timmins region;
• Previously general manager at Dumas Contracting, delivering mine development and construction services to major mining companies, including Alamos Gold, Glencore, Vale and Newmont.

Mr. Bernier is a highly respected mining executive with more than 30 years of experience advancing mining projects across Canada from development, through construction and into operations. His appointment marks a key milestone as Abitibi advances toward its next stage of growth and long-term value creation.

Most recently, Mr. Bernier served as chief operating officer of Foran Mining, where he led the advancement of the McIlvenna Bay polymetallic deposit from feasibility through detailed engineering and into construction. In that role, he was responsible for integrating permitting, mine design, processing, tailings management, infrastructure, indigenous engagement and execution planning into a financeable development program, positioning the project for successful buildout and operations.

Prior to Foran, Mr. Bernier served as Canadian country manager for Pan American Silver, where he was he oversaw multiple operating assets in the Timmins region with responsibility for production performance, capital programs, regulatory compliance, and community and indigenous relations. He previously held senior site leadership roles at the Bell Creek complex, including project manager, mine manager and general manager, leading the operation through several successful expansion and optimization phases.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Bernier was general manager of Dumas Contracting, where he provided mine development and contracting services to leading global miners, including Alamos Gold, Glencore, Vale and Newmont. Mr. Bernier has also held senior operational roles at assets owned by KGHM International and Glencore.

Jonathon Deluce, chief executive officer of Abitibi Metals, commented: "This is a pivotal moment for Abitibi Metals. We are operating in a world that is increasingly short of high-quality, high-grade critical mineral assets, particularly in stable jurisdictions like Quebec. Opportunities like B26 are rare and advancing them responsibly requires proven execution.

"Dave Bernier brings the mine-building experience and operational discipline needed to convert a scarce, high-grade critical minerals asset into long-term value. Combined with our aggressive growth strategy and expanding resource base, his leadership materially strengthens our ability to advance B26 and position Abitibi as a meaningful participant in the next phase of the global critical minerals cycle. We are fortunate to have a leader join with Dave's stature and reputation, and I look forward to working with him as we advance B26 on all fronts."

Mr. Bernier, COO, commented: "Abitibi has assembled a rare, high-grade polymetallic asset in one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world, and I see a clear opportunity to move B26 from ongoing exploration success into a structured, executable development pathway. My focus will be on strengthening the technical, operational and project foundations so the company can responsibly advance the asset toward development, financing and long-term value creation."

Stock options

In accordance with the company's omnibus incentive plan, the company has granted a total of 400,000 incentive stock options to certain officers of the company. The options are exercisable at 55 cents per common share for a period of five years and will vest in line with company policy.

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 at 2.13 per cent copper equivalent (1.23 per cent copper, 1.27 per cent zinc, 0.46 gram per tonne gold and 31.9 grams per tonne silver);
• Inferred: 7.2 million tonnes at 2.21 per cent copper equivalent (1.56 per cent copper, 0.17 per cent zinc, 0.87 gram per tonne gold and 7.4 grams per tonne silver).

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, where historical drilling has identified four notable, historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 grams per tonne gold, highlighted by 55.63 grams per tonne gold over 5.57 metres (BE13-038) and 13.07 grams per tonne gold over 8.75 metres (BE12-014), amongst four modelled zones. These promising findings highlight the potential for further gold discoveries within the project area.

We seek Safe Harbor.