Mr. Benoit La Salle reports

AYA GOLD & SILVER TO ACQUIRE COPPER-SILVER PORTFOLIO

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire a 139-square-kilometre portfolio of exploration permits in Morocco (the Cu-Ag portfolio), including a 19 square km mining licence, approximately 35 km West of Aya's Zgounder silver mine.

The acquisition is expected to further consolidate Aya's land position in the Zgounder district and provide exposure to a large, underexplored copper-silver (Cu-Ag) system with multiple styles of mineralization and significant exploration potential.

Project highlights

• The Cu-Ag portfolio acquisition adds 139 square km land package near Zgounder (Tizi area);
• Strong historical trenching: returned 15 metres (m) grading 0.65 per cent Cu and 33 grams per tonne (g/t) Ag;
• High-grade silver surface samples: up to 837 g/t Ag from historical grab, consistent with Aya's sample returning 500 g/t Ag;
• High-grade copper surface samples: up to 4.6 per cent Cu from historical grab, consistent with Aya's sample returning 4.0 per cent Cu;
• Principal Cu-Ag horizon over two kilometres: confirmed by Aya field visit;
• Multiple mineralization styles identified: sediment-hosted/stratiform copper, structurally controlled vein- and shear-hosted Cu-Ag mineralization, and associated alteration zones;
• Broader district-scale potential: historical workings and copper occurrences indicative of a potentially larger mineralized system;
• Existing exploration access: approximately 20 km of road access associated with historical manganese workings;
• Significant untested upside: historical work has been limited to the manganese horizon with the exception of recent reconnaissance and surface exploration for Cu.

"This acquisition is consistent with our vision of building a dominant land position around Zgounder and strategically consolidating prospective opportunities in Morocco," said Benoit La Salle, president and chief executive officer. "Adding 139 square km of compelling copper-silver showings only 35 km from Zgounder is in line with this strategy. We see significant potential to apply Aya's exploration expertise and establish a new copper-silver platform within our growing Moroccan portfolio," said Benoit La Salle, president and chief executive officer.

Strategic rationale

The acquisition represents a low-cost opportunity for Aya to consolidate a land position, adjacent to its existing Moroccan operating footprint. Located approximately 35 km west of Zgounder the property lies in a similar geological setting to the company's operating mine, with Neoproterozoic volcano-sediment in proximity to the Askouen granite.

The combination of at-surface, high-grade, Cu-Ag mineralization, multiple mineralization styles shown by both historical results and sampling completed during our site visits, existing site access and significant untested strike potential presents Aya with an attractive exploration platform.

The Cu-Ag portfolio complements Aya's existing properties and reinforces its strategy of leveraging its operating presence, technical expertise and infrastructure in Morocco to advance new opportunities.

Transaction

Aya, through its wholly owned subsidiary, will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of the seller.

Total consideration for the acquisition is $4.0-million, payable in Aya common share.

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including satisfactory confirmatory due diligence, applicable Moroccan and Canadian regulatory approvals, and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) approval. The Aya common shares issued in connection with the transaction will be subject to applicable statutory sale restrictions.

Closing is expected to occur following satisfaction of the applicable conditions precedent.

Next steps

Over the next 12 to 18 months, Aya plans to initiate exploration of the Cu-Ag portfolio to assess the potential for discoveries. The company plans to carry out stream sediments geochemistry, high-resolution hyperspectral study, airborne geophysics, as well as mapping and prospecting. Results from this phase will inform the next stage of exploration.

Qualified person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed, verified and approved by David Lalonde, BSc, PGeo, executive vice-president, exploration, qualified person, for accuracy and compliance with National Instrument 43-101.

About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.

Aya Gold & Silver is a Canadian precious metals mining company anchored in Morocco and active across the full mining value chain. The company has established an exploration record through a systematic, technology-led, data-driven approach, and is focused on expanding its resource base and land package along the Anti-Atlas fault -- one of Africa's most geologically rich, underexplored and mining-friendly regions.

Aya operates Zgounder, a rare, silver-only mine, producing silver dore from its new processing facility. Aya's growth pipeline includes the Boumadine polymetallic project, where feasibility study work is under way, and which hosts a sizable mineralized footprint, and potential for further discovery.

Led by a proven team of mining professionals, Aya is guided by a vision of responsible mining and is committed to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees and host communities.

We seek Safe Harbor.