Daura Gold Commences Drilling at Cerro Bayo Gold-Silver Project, Argentina

Rhea-AI Summary

Daura Gold (OTC: DGCOF) has started a Phase One diamond drilling program at the Cerro Bayo gold-silver project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, within the Deseado Massif.

The program comprises approximately 22 diamond drill holes totaling 1,500 metres to test 15 priority targets, with initial work targeting three northern targets (10 holes, ~500m) and seven southern targets (14 holes, ~1,000m).

Positive

• 22 drill holes planned totaling 1,500 metres
• 15 priority targets defined by geochemistry and IP geophysics
• Initial northern testing focuses on 3 targets with ~500 metres planned

Negative

• Phase One is exploratory; no assay results or resource estimates provided
• Qualified Person is not independent, potentially affecting perceived technical independence

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Daura Gold Corp. (TSXV: DGC) (OTC Pink: DGCOF) (the "Company" or "Daura") is pleased to announce that it has commenced its Phase One diamond drilling program at the Cerro Bayo Gold-Silver Project ("Cerro Bayo" or the "Project"), located in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Cerro Bayo is located in Argentina's premier gold-silver district, the Deseado Massif, which has produced 600+ million ounces of silver and 20+ million ounces of gold since 1990 and hosts major mines like Newmont's Cerro Negro and Hochschild's San Jose. See the details of Daura's option agreement on Cerro Bayo in the Company's news release dated November 3, 2025 (Cerro Bayo News Release).

"The commencement of drilling at Cerro Bayo is a key milestone for Daura and marks the first systematic drill test of this highly prospective project," said Mark Sumner, CEO of Daura Gold. "With 15 well-defined targets supported by geochemistry and IP geophysics, this Phase One program gives us multiple opportunities for discovery and represents an important step in unlocking this project's potential."

Drill Program Overview

The Phase One drilling program will consist of approximately 22 diamond drill holes totaling 1,500 metres, designed to test 15 priority exploration targets generated from the integration of historical geochemical sampling, gradient array Induced Polarization ("IP") survey and defined by IP Profiling.

In the northern target area, three pole-dipole IP profile lines were completed, resulting in the identification of eight drill targets. Initial drilling will focus on three priority targets, which will be tested with ten diamond drill holes totaling approximately 500 metres.

In the southern target area, seven priority drill targets have been outlined and will be tested with 14 diamond drill holes totaling approximately 1,000 metres. These targets are associated with Apparent Resistivity features that coincide with the surface geochemical responses and are interpreted as structural controls, consistent with the Project's low-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver mineralization model.

The objective of the program is to confirm the presence, continuity, and orientation of mineralized structures at depth, while advancing multiple target areas toward potential follow-up drilling.

The Company will provide updates as drilling progresses and analytical results are received and interpreted.

Figure 1: Geological map of the Cerro Bayo Project are with locations of planned first phase of drilling.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6523/284052_7b6e0ee1b4dc2aa1_001full.jpg

Qualified Person

Stuart Mills, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed, verified and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Mills is not independent of the Company, as he is the Company's Vice President of Exploration.

ABOUT DAURA GOLD CORP.

Listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, Daura is exploring in Peru and Argentina.

In Peru, Daura is advancing high-impact exploration projects in Peru's renowned Ancash region, where it owns a 100% undivided interest in over 15,900 hectares of exploration concessions in Ancash, including the 900-hectare Antonella target and the 2,900-hectares of contiguous concessions at Libelulas, which is the primary focus of Daura's current exploration efforts.

In Argentina, Daura have entered into a binding Letter Agreement with Latin Metals Inc., for the right to earn up to an 80 % interest in the Cerro Bayo / La Flora Project. The project is located within the prolific Deseado Massif that hosts more than 30 mines and advanced exploration projects, including Newmont's Cerro Negro Mine, Hochschild/McEwen's San Jose Mine, and Patagonia Gold's Cap Oeste Mine. Cerro Bayo / La Flora are advantageously positioned within this world-class mining region, with strong community support and well-developed logistics.

For further information, please contact:

Daura Gold Corp.
543 Granville Street, Suite 501
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1X8

William T.P. Tsang, CFO and Secretary
(604) 669-0660
btsang@seabordservices.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Phase One diamond drilling program at the Project. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Daura cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Daura's control. Such factors include, among other things: the ability of the Company to commence and progress the Phase One diamond drilling program at the Project as contemplated, future prices and the supply of gold and other precious and other metals; future demand for gold and other valuable metals; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; risks of the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; adverse weather conditions and failure to obtain necessary regulatory or shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Daura disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284052

FAQ

What drilling program did Daura Gold (DGCOF) start at Cerro Bayo on February 17, 2026?

Daura Gold began a Phase One diamond drilling program of approximately 22 holes totaling 1,500 metres. According to the company, the program will test 15 priority targets defined by geochemistry and IP geophysics across northern and southern target areas.

How many targets and metres will DGCOF test in the Cerro Bayo Phase One program?

The program targets 15 priority exploration targets and ~1,500 metres of drilling in total. According to the company, 10 holes (~500m) target northern prospects and 14 holes (~1,000m) target southern prospects tied to resistivity and geochemical anomalies.

What is the objective of Daura Gold's (DGCOF) Cerro Bayo drill program and timeline for results?

The objective is to confirm presence, continuity, and orientation of mineralized structures at depth. According to the company, analytical results will be released as drilling progresses, but no assay timetable was specified in the announcement.

Which geophysical methods support DGCOF's target selection at Cerro Bayo?

Targeting is supported by gradient array Induced Polarization (IP) surveys and IP profiling integrated with historical geochemistry. According to the company, IP profiles identified eight northern targets and resistivity features define seven southern targets.

Who verified the technical information for Daura Gold's (DGCOF) Cerro Bayo announcement?

Stuart Mills, the company's Vice President of Exploration, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information. According to the company, Mr. Mills is the qualified person under NI 43-101 but is not independent.