Apollo Silver Expands Calico Project Land Package by over 285%

Rhea-AI Summary

Apollo Silver Corp (APGOF) has significantly expanded its Calico Silver Project by acquiring the Mule claims, increasing the project area by over 285% from 1,194 ha to 3,409 ha. The acquisition from LAC Exploration LLC cost US$250,000 in cash, with LAC retaining a 2.0% net smelter return royalty. Apollo maintains the right to buy back 1.0% of the royalty for US$1,000,000.

Additionally, recent exploration at the Burcham gold prospect area revealed promising results, with assays showing peaks of 14.10 g/t Au, 20.70 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 22.80% Zn and 5.74% Pb. The program confirmed the importance of the Calico fault system for silver and gold mineralization, while also identifying potential for copper, zinc, and lead mineralization in stratabound and mantos lenses.

Positive

• Significant land expansion of 285% through Mule claims acquisition, increasing total area to 3,409 ha
• High-grade mineral findings with peaks of 14.10 g/t Au and 20.70 g/t Ag from surface samples
• Strategic location along the mineralized Calico Fault System with potential for further discoveries
• Option to buy back 1% of royalty rights for US$1M

Negative

• US$250,000 cash payment required for acquisition
• 2.0% net smelter return royalty retained by LAC

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Silver Corp. (“Apollo” or the “Company”) (TSX.V: APGO, OTCQB: APGOF, Frankfurt: 6ZF0) is pleased to announce it has acquired 2,215 hectares (“ha”) of highly prospective claims contiguous to its Waterloo property at its Calico Silver Project (“Calico” or “Calico Project”). The newly acquired claims herein referred to as the Mule claims comprise 415 lode mining claims, and have been acquired from LAC Exploration LLC (“LAC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC; NYSE: LAC), who were the previous operators of the property. Preliminary mapping and sampling conducted by the prior operator of the Mule claims identified several high-grade silver targets, which will be evaluated as part of Apollo’s future exploration planning.

In addition, a mapping and sampling program was recently completed at the Burcham gold prospect area in the southwest region of the Waterloo property (see news release dated February 12, 2025). This program confirmed the importance of the Calico fault system with respect to controls on the silver (“Ag)” and gold (“Au”) mineralization in the area and has identified the potential for copper (“Cu”), zinc (“Zn”) and lead (“Pb”) mineralization associated with stratabound and mantos lenses.

Highlights:

• Mule claims expand the Calico Project land package by over 285%, from 1,194 ha to 3,409 ha of contiguous claims.
  • Mule claims trend along the mineralized Calico Fault System responsible for mineralization seen at Calico.
  • Reports from the prior operator indicate that there are several strongly anomalous silver values on the property, which Apollo will attempt to ground-truth in the coming exploration programs.
  • Sampling done across the Mule claims by previous operator has identified a large Ag anomaly associated with the same suite of host rocks at the Waterloo property.
• Exploration at the Burcham prospect at Waterloo included assays from 27 surface samples:  
  • Assay peaks up to 14.10 g/t Au, 20.70 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 22.80% Zn and 5.74 % Pb from various samples (see Table 1).
  • Identification of strata-bound lenses and mantos that show strong potential for Cu, Zn and Pb mineralization.
    

Ross McElroy, President and CEO of Apollo, commented, “The addition of the Mule claims substantially enhances the Calico Project. Calico already hosts 3 discrete drill delineated zones with resource estimates along a 4km long trend, along the Calico fault zone. The Mule claims increase the overall land area of the Calico project by more than 2.5x. The new claims are strategically located to the east along the very prolific Calico mineralized corridor and represent a great opportunity for further discoveries. Apollo is committed to continuing to unlock value in California for our shareholders.”

Mule Claims Acquisition

The Mule claims are composed of 415 lode mining claims administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Mapping and sampling conducted by the previous operators across the Mule claims has identified a continuation of the mineralized Calico Fault System. The sedimentary rocks of the Barstow formation which hosts the Waterloo silver deposit, as well as the volcanic Pickhandle formation are pronounced all over the acquired claims. The contact between the Barstow and Pickhandle formation has demonstrated potential for gold mineralization as is seen at Waterloo. Sampling across the Mule claims has identified several strong Ag and Au anomalies. Apollo plans to conduct its own follow up exploration program on the Mule claims to better develop its own exploration targets and delineate where this highly prospective contact is exposed.

Details of the Transaction

The Mule claims were acquired by Apollo’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Stronghold Silver USA Corp. (“Stronghold”), from LAC. As consideration for the acquisition, Apollo paid US$250,000 in cash, and LAC retains a 2.0% net smelter return royalty (the “Royalty”) on the Mule claims.

Apollo, through Stronghold, retains the right to buy back 1.0% of the Royalty at any time on or before the date that is thirty (30) days from the date of commencement of commercial production, for a payment of US$1,000,000.

Figure 1: Map of Calico Project in San Bernardino, California

2025 Burcham Exploration Program

The Company has completed its previously announced surface exploration work at its Burcham prospect (see news release dated February 12, 2025). The work completed consisted of detailed mapping, sample collection and target generation, with the aim to follow up with future drilling.

The exploration team has completed some of the most detailed mapping to date at the Calico Project, including previous programs at Langtry and Waterloo. Structures dominating at Burcham are similar to those at Waterloo with the system being dominated by the Calico Fault, a sinuous moderately plunging reverse fault that dips steeply to the north. Potential for Au mineralization is strong along the contact of the Burcham and Pickhandle formations. Previously unrecognised, stratiform mantos and lenses occupying fold flexures show strong potential for Cu mineralization. This type of mantos have been historically mined on the north side of the Waterloo deposit, and occur near the contact between the Pickhandle Formation and the overlying Barstow Formation. Historic mining on the North side of Waterloo Deposit targeted a manto about 1.5 m thick. Copper mineralization is associated with strong hydrothermal alteration which is seen to diminish as you move eastward along the property. Assays of the sample results are presented in Table 1.

Figure 2: Summary Map of Burcham Exploration Program

Table 1: Location and Assay Results of Samples Collected

Site ID	Sample ID	Easting	Northing	Elevation (m)	Au (g/t)	Ag (g/t)	Cu (%)	Zn (%)	Pb (%)
A	F278051	511181	3867493	707	0.13	2.73	0.01	0.55	0.12
B	F278052	511185	3867503	712	0.53	9.17	0.04	0.25	0.61
C	F278053	511181	3867516	714	0.01	3.56	0.00	0.30	0.09
D	F278054	511182	3867536	719	0.05	2.95	0.00	0.40	0.06
E	F278055	511209	3867614	736	0.08	3.18	0.00	0.18	0.02
F	F278056	511229	3867640	743	0.12	2.79	0.00	0.27	0.03
G	F278057	511270	3867668	775	14.10	9.08	0.06	0.40	0.51
H	F278058	511238	3867486	728	0.32	3.87	0.03	0.07	0.21
I	F278059	511591	3867483	738	0.05	0.36	0.17	0.89	0.01
J	F278060	511452	3867566	787	0.42	20.70	0.06	0.05	0.49
K	F278061	511378	3867622	792	0.25	7.83	0.02	0.06	0.17
L	F278062	511343	3867613	789	0.25	4.64	0.01	0.01	0.21
M	F278063	511595	3867636	812	0.15	2.50	0.02	0.16	0.25
N	F278064	511617	3867601	796	0.01	0.58	0.01	0.08	0.09
O	F278065	511125	3867728	796	0.03	6.90	0.00	0.09	0.17
P	F278066	511159	3867925	865	0.04	2.96	0.14	0.14	0.24
Q	F278067	511179	3867932	864	0.03	0.61	0.02	0.19	0.03
R	F278068	511016	3867837	857	0.00	17.30	0.00	0.07	0.01
S	F278069	511283	3867661	777	12.45	15.95	0.08	0.29	0.74
T	F278070	511302	3867680	794	4.58	9.02	0.15	0.37	5.74
U	F278071	511363	3867570	781	1.13	12.65	0.02	0.06	0.32
V	F278072	511478	3867509	772	0.72	10.25	0.03	0.04	0.59
W	F278073	511519	3867501	764	0.16	2.73	0.04	0.08	0.17
X	F278074	511485	3867458	753	0.05	2.56	0.01	14.75	0.10
Y	F278075	511440	3867459	751	0.18	1.58	0.00	22.80	0.07
Z	F278076	511377	3867520	748	1.52	5.90	0.02	0.09	0.21
AA	F278077	511314	3867501	734	1.71	3.28	0.01	0.05	0.19

Sampling and Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Grab samples were collected in the field and a 2 kg representative sample was sent for analysis. Rock samples are catalogued and securely stored in a warehouse facility in Barstow, California until they are ready for secure shipment to ALS Global Geochemistry in Reno, Nevada (“ALS Reno”) for sample preparation and gold analysis. After preparation, splits of prepared pulps are securely shipped to ALS Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis.

Samples were prepared at ALS Reno (Prep-31 package) with each sample crushed to better than 70% passing a 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh, U.S. Std. No. 10) screen. A split of 250 g is taken and pulverized to better than 85% passing a 75-micron (Tyler 200 mesh, U.S Std. No 200) screen. Surface samples were analyzed using complete characterization via the CCP-PK05 methods, which include whole rock analysis (ME-ICP06), ME-MS61, single element trace method using aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS (ME-MS42) and rare earth elements using the method ME-ME81, which consists of lithium borate fusion followed by ICP-MS. All surface samples were submitted for gold analysis by fire assay (Au-AA23). Over-range samples analyzed for copper, lead and zinc were re-submitted for analysis using a four-acid digestion and ICP-AES finish (method OG62) with a range of 0.001-50% for copper, 0.001-20% for lead, and 0.001-30% for zinc. Gold was analyzed by fire assay with atomic absorption finish (method Au-AA25) with a reportable range of 0.01-100 ppm Au. All analyses were completed at ALS Vancouver except for gold by fire assay, which was completed at ALS Reno.

Apollo’s QA/QC program includes ongoing auditing of all results from the laboratories. The Company’s Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed are sufficient and reliable. The Company is not aware of any sampling issues or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein.

2025 Marketing Initiatives

The Company also announces that it has engaged Creative Direct Marketing Group, Inc. (“CDMG”), an arm’s-length service provider, to provide creative services in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) and applicable securities laws. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, CDMG specializes in marketing, advertising, and public awareness across various sectors, including mining and metals.

Pursuant to a work order dated May 16, 2025 (the “Agreement”), the Company has retained CDMG’s for a one-time fee of approximately US$129,800. The Agreement represents a creative budget for marketing and advertising services (the “Services”), enabling CDMG to begin preparing content that may be used in future campaigns. No specific marketing campaign has been prepared, approved, or scheduled at this time. The engagement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Isabelle Lépine, M.Sc., P.Geo., Apollo’s Director, Mineral Resources. Ms. Lépine is a registered professional geologist in British Columbia and a QP as defined by NI 43-101 and is not an independent of the Company.

About Apollo Silver

Apollo Silver has assembled an experienced and technically strong leadership team who have joined to advance quality precious metals projects in sought after jurisdictions. The Company is focused on advancing its portfolio of two prospective silver exploration and resource development projects, the Calico Project, in San Bernardino County, California and the Cinco de Mayo Project, in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ross McElroy, President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Amandip Singh, VP Corporate Development
Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128
Email: info@apollosilver.com

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation the expected benefits and strategic rationale of the Mule claims acquisition; the timing, scope, and success of planned exploration activities, including mapping, sampling, and drilling at the Burcham prospect; the potential for silver, gold, and copper mineralization; and the Company’s ability to advance, develop, and permit the Calico Project. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “potential”, “target”, “budget” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company’s projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and Ba; the demand for silver, gold and Ba; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s expected financial and operational performance and the Company’s plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4129e12b-ae12-4e4b-9d5c-b3e1b63176a7

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f36b2e0-2e96-449e-aa5a-8b140dcd71dc

FAQ

What is the significance of Apollo Silver's (APGOF) Mule claims acquisition?

The Mule claims acquisition expands Apollo's Calico Project by 285%, from 1,194 ha to 3,409 ha, providing strategic expansion along the mineralized Calico corridor with potential for new discoveries.

How much did Apollo Silver (APGOF) pay for the Mule claims?

Apollo paid US$250,000 in cash and granted a 2.0% net smelter return royalty to LAC Exploration LLC.

What were the key findings from Apollo Silver's Burcham exploration program?

The program revealed high-grade mineral content with peaks of 14.10 g/t Au, 20.70 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu, 22.80% Zn and 5.74% Pb, confirming significant mineralization potential.

What is the buyback option in Apollo Silver's (APGOF) Mule claims deal?

Apollo has the right to buy back 1.0% of the royalty for US$1,000,000 before 30 days from the start of commercial production.

Where is Apollo Silver's (APGOF) Calico Project located?

The Calico Project is located in San Bernardino, California.