Metalero Mining (MLO) Initiates a Fall Exploration Program, Adds to the Benson Land Package and Continues Dialogue with the Lhtako First Nation

Rhea-AI Summary

Metalero Mining (TSXV: MLO) mobilized field crews to the Benson Project after expanding the property to 173 km2 via staking an additional mineral claim. The fall program will complete coverage over the Cantin target and begin soil sampling at Sundberg and Chiaz.

The company reported spring 2025 sampling produced copper and gold anomalies covering an area >8 km2, and added a new 7 km2 claim at Cantin where anomalies abut the new ground. Metalero signed a binding LOI to acquire 100% of the Benson Project and says the property benefits from nearby infrastructure and multiple AI-identified targets from Geoscience BC's QUEST study.

Positive

• Property expansion to 173 km2 through new staking
• LOI signed to acquire 100% of Benson Project
• Copper-gold soil anomalies >8 km2 from spring 2025 sampling
• New 7 km2 claim at Cantin adjacent to anomalies

Negative

• Claim approval pending under Mineral Claim Consultation Framework
• Chiaz target has no historical work, increasing exploration risk
• Historic drilling was modest, limiting subsurface data

Key Figures

Benson land package 173 km2 Total project size after additional staking

Newly staked area 7 km2 Additional claim at the Cantin occurrence

Cantin anomaly area >8 km2 Copper and gold anomalies overlying QUEST targets

Chiaz target length 3.5 kilometres Target identified by QUEST AI work

Sundberg target length 5 kilometres Target identified by QUEST AI work

Porphyry occurrences >360 Alkalic copper-gold porphyry occurrences in Quesnel Trough

Quesnel Trough length >1,500 km Extent of the mineral belt from US to Yukon Territory

Target areas at Benson 5 Different target areas covered by the land package

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Market Pulse Summary

This announcement detailed the mobilization of field crews to the Benson Project, now expanded to 173 km2, and outlined new soil sampling over several AI-derived targets. It highlighted historical work showing copper and gold anomalies and described the project’s location within the prolific Quesnel Trough. Investors may focus on future sampling results, progress under the Mineral Claim Consultation Framework, and how systematically the company advances its five target areas toward more advanced exploration stages.

Key Terms

porphyry medical

"designed to identify copper-gold porphyry targets within the Quesnel Trough"

A porphyry is a type of large, underground mineral deposit that contains valuable metals such as copper, gold, or molybdenum, often spread over a wide area. Think of it as a giant underground treasure chest, where the metals are embedded in rock formations. These deposits are important to investors because they can be the source of significant resource extraction projects with the potential for substantial economic returns.

artificial-intelligence technical

"targets identified by recent Geoscience BC Artificial-Intelligence (AI) work"

Artificial intelligence is software and systems that perform tasks that normally require human thinking, such as recognizing patterns, making predictions, or processing language. For investors it matters because AI can change how companies create products, cut costs or find new markets—think of it as a very fast, self-improving assistant that can shift profit potential, competitive position and regulatory risk across industries.

geophysics technical

"study incorporated a wide variety of historical datasets including geophysics, geology"

Geophysics uses measurements of the Earth’s physical signals — such as seismic waves, magnetic and gravitational fields, and electrical properties — to map what lies beneath the surface. For investors, these methods are like an ultrasound for the ground: they reduce uncertainty about where resources, groundwater, or stable foundation conditions exist, helping estimate the value, cost and risk of exploration, extraction, and infrastructure projects.

skarn technical

"historical drill programs have intersected skarn and epithermal gold and silver"

A skarn is a type of rock that forms when hot magma interacts with surrounding rocks, causing chemical changes and the creation of mineral-rich deposits. For investors, skarns can indicate areas where valuable metals or minerals might be concentrated, making them important in the search for natural resources and potential mining opportunities. Recognizing skarns helps in assessing the potential value of land or mineral rights.

epithermal technical

"historical drill programs have intersected skarn and epithermal gold and silver"

Epithermal describes a type of mineral deposit formed when hot fluids near the Earth’s surface deposit metals such as gold and silver into cracks and porous rock, often creating concentrated ‘veins’ or pockets. For investors, epithermal deposits matter because they can host high-grade, easily accessible ore that may lower extraction costs and shorten the time from discovery to production, affecting project value and exploration risk.

geochemical anomalies technical

"identified numerous gold and copper surface geochemical anomalies while modest"

Geochemical anomalies are places where the concentrations of certain elements in rocks, soil or water are noticeably higher or lower than the normal background levels, suggesting something unusual beneath the surface. For investors, these anomalies act like a trail of breadcrumbs or a faint smoke signal pointing to possible mineral deposits or environmental issues, helping exploration teams target drilling and shaping the potential value and risk of a mining project.

letter of intent financial

"Metalero has signed a binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire 100%"

A letter of intent is a document that shows an agreement in principle between parties to work towards a future deal or transaction. It outlines their intentions and key terms, acting like a roadmap before a formal contract is signed. For investors, it signals serious interest and helps clarify expectations early in the process.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 3, 2025) - Metalero Mining Corp. (TSXV: MLO) ("Metalero" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that field crews have mobilized to the Benson Project which was recently expanded to 173 km² through the staking of an additional mineral claim (Figure 1). This fall program will complete coverage over the Cantin target while establishing some soil sampling over the Sundberg and Chiaz targets in the south of the Property. MLO's flagship Benson Project is located in the prolific Quesnel Trough of central British Columbia.

Rob L'Heureux, President & CEO of Metalero Mining, commented "We recently staked another 7 km² at the Cantin occurrence where recently reported copper and gold soil anomalies run up to our claim boundaries and are open in several directions. This new ground covers an area with a strong geophysical signature similar to our other targets at Benson. The newly initiated field program will follow-up promising soil results at Cantin and conduct a first pass of modern sampling techniques at Sundberg and Chiaz, which have seen very little systematic exploration historically."

Mr. L'Heureux further stated "We are committed to continuing our constructive dialogue and cooperation with the Lhtako Dene Nation. As we progress through the new Mineral Claim Consultation Framework (MCCF) and await approval of our claim, Metalero is dedicated to building a solid, meaningful relationship with the Nation."

The spring 2025 soil sampling program covered parts of the underexplored Cantin area which contains two targets identified by recent Geoscience BC Artificial-Intelligence (AI) work. This AI work was part of the QUEST (Quesnelia Exploration Strategy) program designed to identify copper-gold porphyry targets within the Quesnel Trough. Metalero's initial sampling program generated copper and gold anomalies covering an area >8 km² which overlie and surround the QUEST targets.

Chiaz and Sundberg are also based on the QUEST AI work and include targets measuring 3.5 and 5 kilometres in length, respectively. Chiaz has no historical work and represents a compelling blind target while the Sundberg area has yielded high-grade copper and gold soil anomalies historically with no follow-up.

Figure 1. Map of the Cantin area showing open copper anomalies, QUEST targets, and the recently acquired mineral claim covering a continuation of coincident soil and geophysical anomalies.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11670/276664_1365ae1964de88ce_001full.jpg

Benson Project Background

Metalero has signed a binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire 100% of the Benson Project which is strategically located in the Quesnel Trough, one of Canada's most important mineral belts. The Quesnel Trough is a Triassic/Jurassic-age belt of volcano-sedimentary and intrusive rocks which hosts >360 alkalic copper-gold porphyry occurrences and deposits. At >1,500 km long, the Quesnel Trough runs through the middle of BC stretching from the US to the Yukon Territory. It hosts numerous major mines which produce copper and gold as well as variable amounts of silver and molybdenum while also hosting several types of gold deposits.

High profile and long-lived mines in the Quesnel Trough include Highland Valley, Mt Milligan, New Afton and Kemess which are complemented by recent exploration work including Woodjam, MPD, Kwanika, and the extensive staking by Australian mining giant, the Fortescue Group.

The Benson Project lies close to infrastructure and is traversed by Highway 26 and a vast network of logging roads allowing for ready access to all parts of the Property and capital-efficient exploration. The large land package covers 5 different target areas illuminated by recent Artificial-Intelligence ("AI") work by Geoscience BC (Mitchinson et al., Geoscience BC Report 2022-07). This AI study incorporated a wide variety of historical datasets including geophysics, geology, sampling information, and drilling data (where present) to identify high potential ("porphyry-like") anomalies with similarities to known porphyry deposits elsewhere in the belt. Even the limited historical exploration at Benson has identified numerous gold and copper surface geochemical anomalies while modest, historical drill programs have intersected skarn and epithermal gold and silver mineralization, which are both intrusive-related styles of mineralization and are commonly associated with porphyry systems.

About Metalero Mining Corp.

Metalero Mining Corp. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on copper and gold projects in North America. Its 173 square kilometre, road-accessible Benson Project serves as Metalero's flagship and is host to five prospects containing gold and copper within porphyry-related mineralized systems.

Qualified Person The technical content of this news release pertaining to the Benson Project was reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a non-independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Rob L'Heureux" Rob L'Heureux, Chief Executive Officer and President 
Email: robl@metalsgroup.com Telephone: +1.780.916.5482

NEITHER 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.

Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain "forward looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's exploration plans and results. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the mining industry in general, the exploration and development of mineral properties, the Company's ability to obtain necessary financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Metalero disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276664

FAQ

What did Metalero Mining (TSXV: MLO) announce on December 3, 2025 about the Benson Project?

Metalero mobilized fall field crews after expanding Benson to 173 km2, and will sample Cantin, Sundberg, and Chiaz.

How large are the copper-gold anomalies Metalero reported at Benson in spring 2025?

Spring 2025 soil sampling generated copper and gold anomalies covering an area >8 km2.

What is the status of Metalero's acquisition of the Benson Project (TSXV: MLO)?

Metalero has signed a binding LOI to acquire 100% of the Benson Project; further steps remain before closing.

What new ground did Metalero add to the Benson Project near Cantin on December 3, 2025?

The company staked an additional 7 km2 claim at Cantin that connects to existing copper and gold soil anomalies.

How do access and infrastructure affect exploration at Benson Project for Metalero (TSXV: MLO)?

Benson lies near Highway 26 and a network of logging roads, providing ready access and lower-capital exploration logistics.