// Not for distribution to the United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States //

Copper Quest Exploration Inc. (CSE: CQX,OTC:IMIMF; FRA: 3MX) (‘Copper Quest’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated December 10, 2025, it has issued an aggregate of 579,764 flow-through shares of the Company (the ‘FT Shares’, and each, a ‘FT Share’) at a price of $0.19 per FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $110,155.16 in connection with the closing of the second and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the ‘Private Placement’).

Each FT Share constitutes a ‘flow-through share’ within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the ‘Tax Act‘) and the gross proceeds of the Private Placement will be used by the Company for exploration and related programs, which qualify as ‘Canadian exploration expenses’ and either ‘flow-through mineral mining expenditures’ or ‘flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures’, as applicable, as such terms are defined in the Tax Act, in connection with Copper Quest’s projects in British Columbia.

In connection with the Private Placement, the Company has paid cash finder’s fees totaling $2,770.20 and issued a total of 14,580 finder’s warrants (the ‘Finder’s Warrants‘) entitling the holder thereof to acquire one non-flow-through common share at an exercise price of C$0.19 until December 24, 2027.

All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a statutory four month hold period expiring April 25, 2026.

The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Copper

Copper is an essential industrial metal at the heart of the global energy transition and modern infrastructure. It plays a critical role in electrification, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, data centers, and smart technologies. With global demand rising and new supply challenged by declining grades, complex permitting, and underinvestment, the copper market faces persistent deficits and growing geopolitical scrutiny. Recent U.S. policy announcements, including import tariffs and initiatives to secure domestic and allied supply chains, underscore copper’s strategic importance and the need for resilient, localized resource exploration, development, production and processing capacity.

ABOUT Copper Quest Exploration Inc.

Copper Quest (CSE: CQX,OTC:IMIMF; FRA: 3MX) is committed to building shareholder value through acquisitions, discovery-driven exploration, disciplined execution, and responsible development of its North American Critical Mineral portfolio of assets. Please visit our website at www.copper.quest.

The Company’s land package currently comprises six projects that span over 40,000+ hectares in great mining jurisdictions as well as the Kitimat Cu-Au Project pending acquisition.

Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the Stars Property, a porphyry copper-molybdenum discovery, covering 9,693 hectares in central British Columbia’s Bulkley Porphyry Belt. Contiguous to the Stars Property, Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the 5,389-hectare Stellar Property. CQX also has an earn-in option up to 80% and joint-venture agreement on the 4,700-hectare porphyry copper-molybdenum Rip Project, also in the Bulkley Porphyry Belt.

Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the Nekash Copper-Gold Project, a porphyry exploration opportunity located in Lemhi County, Idaho, along the prolific Idaho-Montana porphyry copper belt that hosts world-class systems such as Butte and CUMO. The project is fully road-accessible via maintained U.S. highways and forest service roads and currently consists of 70 unpatented federal lode claims covering 585 hectares.

Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the Thane Project located in the Quesnel Terrane of Northern BC which spans over 20,658 ha with 10 high-priority targets identified demonstrating significant copper and precious metal mineralization potential.

Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the past-producing Alpine Gold Mine located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the City of Nelson spanning 4,611.49 hectares. Apart from the Alpine Mine the property hosts 4 significant vein systems including the Black Prince and the Cold Blow quartz veins, the Gold Crown vein system, and the past-producing King Solomon vein workings.

Copper Quest’s leadership and advisory teams are senior mining industry executives who have a wealth of technical and capital markets experience and a strong track record of discovering, financing, developing, and operating mining projects on a global scale. Copper Quest is committed to sustainable and responsible business activities in line with industry best practices, supportive of all stakeholders, including the local communities in which it operates. The Company’s common shares are principally listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘CQX’.

On behalf of the Board of Copper Quest Exploration Inc.

Brian Thurston, P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Tel: 778-949-1829

For further information contact:

Investor Relations
info@copper.quest

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including without limitation, the planned use of proceeds of the Private Placement, and future operations and activities of Copper Quest, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘potential’, ‘possible’, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘could’, or ‘should’ occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company’s exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company’s business and prospects. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Rio Silver Inc. (‘Rio Silver’ or the ‘Company’) provides the following year-end update and shareholder letter from President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Verrico, outlining the Company’s strategic positioning amid record silver prices, its clear development pathway at the Maria Norte Project in Peru, and the exploration and long-term growth opportunities across its broader portfolio.

Dear fellow shareholders,

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to speak directly to our shareholders and reflect on where we are, the environment we are operating in, and where Rio Silver is headed next.

It has been an extraordinary year for silver. Prices have reached all-time highs, driven not by speculation, but by fundamentals that continue to strengthen. According to industry data and independent analysis, the silver market has now entered its fifth consecutive year of structural deficit, with industrial demand accelerating faster than supply can respond. Silver is being consumed at record levels by solar energy, electrification, data infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, while at the same time continuing to serve its historical role as a monetary asset during periods of economic uncertainty. Simply put, silver is being pulled from both sides of the equation, and supply has struggled to keep pace.

This backdrop is exactly why we have been so focused on building Rio Silver into a pure-play, high-grade silver company with a realistic and disciplined path to development.

This year culminated in an important milestone with the official approval of the Maria Norte acquisition, which we believe marks a turning point for the Company. Maria Norte is not a conceptual exploration project. It is a high-grade silver asset located in one of the world’s most prolific silver districts, with a skilled local workforce, and operating processing facilities just 11 kilometres away. With exchange approval now secured, our team is already advancing next steps, including social licience, site preparation, infrastructure planning, permitting activities, and underground access sequencing. Our objective is clear: move Maria Norte along a practical path toward production while advancing exploration in parallel under Peru’s established exploration and exploitation framework.

Looking ahead to 2026, shareholders can expect a steady cadence of updates as we progress through development milestones, engineering work, and exploration initiatives. Our focus remains on executing efficiently, prioritizing accessible high-grade mineralization first, and positioning the Company for near-term cash flow potential while preserving long-term upside.

Beyond Maria Norte, we are excited about the exploration potential at Santa Rita. While still early, Santa Rita is situated within a highly prospective geological setting known for hosting large-scale polymetallic systems. Historical work has outlined multiple styles of mineralization and a broad surface footprint that we believe warrants systematic follow-up. As we advance Maria Norte, Santa Rita represents an important component of our longer-term growth strategy and district-scale potential.

We also continue to recognize the significant opportunity represented by our Ring of Fire critical metals project in Northern Ontario. This asset is supported by encouraging historical work and is located in a region that has increasingly become a strategic priority at both the provincial and federal levels. We have been encouraged by ongoing dialogue with local First Nations communities and by recent policy developments aimed at responsibly advancing Canada’s critical minerals sector. This project provides meaningful optionality and long-term value, and we look forward to sharing key developments as we advance the Ring of Fire project in the near future.

In addition to advancing our core development assets, we enter 2026 with the benefit of several retained royalty interests and an equity position in Magma Silver Corp., which provide added flexibility and optionality as we move forward. These interests give us exposure to external project progress without requiring additional capital, helping support our balance sheet while allowing us to remain focused on advancing high-grade silver development in Peru. We believe this complementary exposure strengthens our overall position as we continue to execute on Maria Norte and build long-term value through the next phase of the silver cycle.

As we look forward, I am confident that 2026 will be a defining year for Rio Silver. With silver prices at record levels, a clear development path at Maria Norte, meaningful exploration upside across our portfolio, and a strong team on the ground, we believe we are well positioned to create value for our shareholders, partners, and stakeholders.

On behalf of the entire Rio Silver team, I would like to sincerely thank you for your continued support and belief in our vision. I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and I look forward to what I believe will be an exceptional year ahead as we work toward delivering our strongest year yet for all stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Chris Verrico
President & Chief Executive Officer

About Rio Silver Inc.

Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is a Canadian resource company advancing high-grade, silver-dominant assets in Peru, the world’s second-largest silver producer. The Company is focused on near-term development opportunities within proven mineral belts and is supported by a seasoned technical and operational team with deep experience in Peruvian geology, underground mining, and district-scale exploration. With a clear development strategy, and a growing portfolio of highly prospective silver assets, Rio Silver is establishing the foundation to become one of Peru’s next emerging silver producers.
Learn more at www.riosilverinc.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Rio Silver INC.

Chris Verrico
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

To learn more or engage directly with the Company, please contact:

Christopher Verrico, President and CEO
Tel: (604) 762-4448
Email: chris.verrico@riosilverinc.com
Website: www.riosilverinc.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s planned exploration and development activities at the Maria Norte Project, expected timelines for regulatory approvals, future work programs, engagement with local stakeholders, geological interpretations, and the Company’s ability to advance its assets toward potential development.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, but are not limited to, operational risks, regulatory risks, geological uncertainties, availability of financing, community and social risks, commodity-price fluctuations, and general economic conditions. Additional risks are described in the Company’s filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Rio Silver does not undertake to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC,OTC:BKRRF) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) (‘Blackrock’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the ‘Offering’) of up to 13,636,363 units (the ‘Units’) at a price of C$1.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$15,000,000. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a ‘Common Share’) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a ‘Warrant’). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$1.50 per Common Share for a period of two years from the closing date of the Offering. The Company expects that two cornerstone investors will purchase all or substantially all of the Units to be issued under the Offering.

The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘TSX-V‘). All securities to be issued in connection with the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day from the closing of the Offering.

The net proceeds of the Offering are intended to be used by the Company to fund exploration, permitting and pre-development activities on the Company’s Tonopah West project and for general working capital.

Andrew Pollard, Blackrock’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: ‘The $15 million investment from two strategic buyers, including one of our largest shareholders and a new cornerstone investor, demonstrates strong alignment around our vision for Tonopah West. As an emerging American silver developer, the funding strengthens our balance sheet and enables us to advance aggressively on exploration, pre-development, and permitting initiatives.’

The Company may pay finder’s fees in connection with the Offering of up to 6% in cash and, for those applicable, finder’s warrants (‘Finder’s Warrants‘) equal to up to 6% of such Units placed by the finder, each Finder’s Warrant exercisable for one Common Share for a 2 year term at a price of $1.50 per Common Share. The finder’s fees shall be paid in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX-V.

It is anticipated that a certain insider of the Company may acquire Units under the Offering. Such participation will be considered to be a ‘related party transaction’ within the meaning of TSX-V Policy 5.9 (the ‘Policy‘) and Multilateral Instrument 61- 101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (‘MI 61-101‘) adopted in the Policy. The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the Offering as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, is expected to exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Blackrock Silver Corp.

Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada.

Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘) within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the expected subscriptions from the Offering, including the participation of several cornerstone investors therein; net proceeds from the Offering and the intended use of proceeds therefrom.

These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company’s operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company’s ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market, political, economic and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption ‘Risks Factors’ in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form.

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For Further Information, Contact:

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279004