Independence Gold Receives Exploration Permits for the 3Ts Gold and Silver Project, BC

Rhea-AI Summary

Independence Gold (OTCQB: IEGCF) received two five-year, area-based exploration permits for the 3Ts Gold and Silver Project in central British Columbia, valid to February 2031. The Resource Area permit allows up to 250 drill sites, ~15 km new trails and 2,000 m trenching.

The Ootsa Area permit allows up to 75 drill sites, ~15 km trails, 1,200 m trenching and 160 line-km geophysics, enabling expanded gold, silver and copper exploration and a planned spring drill program.

Positive

• Two five-year exploration permits granted through February 2031
• Resource Area permit permits up to 250 drill sites
• 2,000 metres cumulative trenching approved in Resource Area
• Ootsa permit allows 160 line-km geophysical surveys
• Company plans a significant drill program this spring

Negative

• Twelve of nineteen known mineralized veins remain untested by drilling
• Ootsa area described as earlier-stage exploration, higher uncertainty

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2026) - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (FSE: 625) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received two five-year area-based exploration permits from the British Columbia Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals for the 3Ts Gold and Silver Project ("3Ts") located in central British Columbia. Located approximately 185 kilometres southwest of Prince George, British Columbia, the 3Ts Project comprises thirty-one mineral claims covering approximately 35,486 hectares in the Nechako Plateau region. The project lies 16 km southwest of Artemis Gold Inc.'s Blackwater Mine and hosts a low-sulphidation epithermal quartz-carbonate vein district within which at least nineteen known mineralized veins, ranging from 50 to over 1,100 metres in strike length and true widths of up to 32 metres, have been identified, twelve of which remain untested by drilling.

The Company was granted exploration permits for the Resource Area and the Ootsa Area, both of which allow for exploration work to February 2031. The Resource Area Permit covers the main resource and advanced exploration areas of the 3Ts Project and allows for comprehensive exploration programs including the construction of up to 250 drill sites, approximately 15 kilometres ("km") of new trail access, and up to 2,000 metres of cumulative trenching. These approved activities are designed to support the continued expansion of known gold and silver mineralized zones while advancing geological, environmental, and engineering knowledge required for potential future mine development. The second permit covers the broader Ootsa copper-silver target area within the 3Ts Project, and allows for up to 75 drill sites, approximately 15 km of new trail access, up to 1,200 metres of cumulative trenching and 160 line-kilometres of geophysical surveys. This permit is focused on earlier-stage exploration and enables the Company to advance copper-silver mineralization targets and evaluate additional gold showings to the northeast of the main vein corridor.

President and CEO Randy Turner commented, "Receiving these two five-year permits marks a major milestone for Independence Gold as we transition into an expanded exploration and resource development phase at 3Ts. Together, the two permits provide significant operational flexibility across the broader 3Ts land package, allowing the Company to simultaneously advance resource growth while also pursuing new opportunities for discoveries. We look forward to launching a significant drill program this spring and continuing to build long-term value for shareholders."

About Independence
Independence Gold Corp. is a well-financed mineral exploration company with holdings ranging from early-stage grassroots exploration to advanced-stage resource expansion in British Columbia and Yukon. The Company is positioned to add shareholder value through systematic project advancement, while management continues to evaluate additional gold and silver projects for possible acquisition. For additional information, visit the Company's website www.ingold.ca.

Andy Randell, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and who is an independent consultant for the Company, has reviewed the technical information in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP.

"Randy Turner"

Randy Turner, President and CEO

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.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 statements. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

Suite 580 – 625 Howe, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T6
Telephone: 604-687-3959 Facsimile: 604-687-1448 E-Mail: info@ingold.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284754

FAQ

What do the February 23, 2026 permits mean for Independence Gold (IEGCF)?

They authorize expanded exploration activities across 3Ts through February 2031. According to the company, the permits allow large-scale drilling, trenching and access construction to advance resource definition and early-stage target testing.

How many drill sites are permitted at the 3Ts Resource Area for IEGCF?

The Resource Area permit allows up to 250 drill sites. According to the company, this supports a comprehensive program to expand known gold and silver mineralized zones.

What exploration work is permitted in the Ootsa Area under the new IEGCF permit?

Ootsa permit allows up to 75 drill sites, 1,200 m trenching and 160 line-km geophysics. According to the company, it targets earlier-stage copper-silver and gold showings northeast of the main corridor.

When will Independence Gold begin drilling at 3Ts (IEGCF)?

The company plans to launch a significant drill program in spring 2026. According to the company, the newly granted permits provide operational flexibility to carry out that program.

How large is the 3Ts project area covered by the permits for IEGCF?

The 3Ts project comprises about 35,486 hectares across 31 mineral claims. According to the company, the permits cover the main resource and broader Ootsa target within that land package.