Mr. Chris Huggins reports

AUTOMATA RARE EARTH APPLIES FOR EXPLORATION PERMITS AND PLANS MAIDEN DRILL PROGRAM AT THE BURNT POND PROJECT, CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND

Automata Rare Earth Corp. has submitted applications for exploration permits with the government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its Burnt Pond project, located in the Tally Pond volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) belt of Central Newfoundland. The applications cover a comprehensive, fully integrated exploration program -- including an initial diamond drill program of 2,500 to 5,000 metres planned to begin in late fall of 2026.

Permit application highlights

• Diamond drilling: Exploration approval application covering 103 drill holes (45 priority 1; 58 priority 2), providing maximum flexibility for an initial 2,500- to 5,000-metre drill program planned to commence in late fall 2026. Trust Drilling Inc. of Springdale, Nfld., has been selected as drill contractor.
• Surface geochemistry: Seven hundred fifty surface samples planned, comprising 250 soil, 250 rock and 250 till samples.
• Ground geophysics: Electromagnetic (EM), VLF, magnetic and gravity surveys.
• Airborne geophysics: Helicopter- or drone-(unmanned aerial vehicle)-supported airborne geophysical surveying.
• Timber cutting and operating permits: Applications submitted to allow preparation of drill pads and access trails and to permit continued field operations through fire season.

Chris Huggins, chief executive officer of Automata, commented: "We are incredibly excited to be advancing toward the first drill program at Burnt Pond. This is shaping up to be one of the most compelling exploration stories in Central Newfoundland. Pirate Gold's recent results at the neighbouring Moby Dick discovery significantly expand the known mineralized footprint of the district -- and in our view, elevate the potential of the entire region. Burnt Pond sits just 10 kilometres from that discovery, in the heart of the Tally Pond VMS belt, and we now have 103 proposed drill targets ready to test. With permits in process, a drill contractor selected and an aggressive fall program planned, we believe Automata is positioned for a breakout season of discovery-focused exploration."

Fully integrated 2026 exploration program

On July 30, 2026, the company submitted three permit applications to the government of Newfoundland and Labrador: (i) a planned exploration work application for prospecting, geochemical sampling and ground-based geophysical surveying; (ii) an application for exploration approval covering diamond drilling and airborne geophysics; and (iii) a temporary commercial cutting permit application, together with an operating permit to allow work to continue during fire season.

The company has applied for approval of all 103 proposed drill holes to provide full flexibility during the program; as the initial program is planned at 2,500 to 5,000 metres, not all approved holes are expected to be drilled. All proposed drill collars are situated at least 40 metres from water bodies, rivers and streams. The program has been designed to minimize environmental disturbance, using the existing forestry road and trail network, sediment-control measures including sumps, settling tanks and sediment fences, and environmentally friendly drilling additives. Any non-merchantable timber will be mulched for drill pads and access trails, while merchantable timber will be avoided or stacked for inspection in accordance with permit conditions.

About the Burnt Pond project

The Burnt Pond project (mineral licence 039973M, under option from Newfoundland Gold Retriever Corp.) is prospective for copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold mineralization within the Tally Pond VMS belt, an established mineral district hosting numerous precious- and base-metal occurrences. The project is located adjacent to Pirate Gold Corp.'s (TSX Venture Exchange: YARR) Crippleback area and approximately 10 kilometres from its Moby Dick copper-gold discovery, and benefits from excellent road access and proximity to active exploration projects. Results from adjacent or nearby properties, including the Moby Dick discovery, are not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be hosted on the Burnt Pond project.

Qualified person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Derrick Strickland, an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Automata Rare Earth Corp.

Automata Rare Earth is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of critical mineral assets with potential applications in defence systems, autonomous technologies, advanced robotics and next-generation infrastructure. The company holds options to acquire a 100-per-cent interest in the Oculus rare-earth project in Labrador and the Burnt Pond project in Central Newfoundland.

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