Sterling Extends Core MEPS Copper Zone to 700m; Intersects 200m of 0.53% CuEq Including 102m of 0.81% CuEq

New MEPS drilling extends the copper-mineralized core to 700m with long near-surface CuEq intercepts that remain open along strike.

Rhea-AI Summary

Sterling Metals (SAGGF) reported new drill results from the MEPS Zone at its Soo Copper Project in Ontario, extending the core MEPS Copper Zone to approximately 700m within a 1.3km by 600m copper-mineralized footprint. Hole SC-26-26, collared about 300m west of the discovery area, intersected 397.19m grading 0.37% CuEq from bedrock to end of hole, including 200m at 0.53% CuEq, 101.9m at 0.81% CuEq and a higher-grade interval of 13.25m at 1.82% CuEq. Hole SC-26-25 cut 128m grading 0.31% CuEq, including 24m at 0.86% CuEq. Both holes intersected copper-bearing porphyry-style veins in potassically altered volcanic and felsic rocks, supporting geological continuity. Drilling is part of a minimum 20,000m 2026 program, and both the MEPS Copper Zone and broader footprint remain open for further expansion.

Positive

• SC-26-26 intersected 397.19m at 0.37% CuEq from 8.51m to 406.05m
• Within SC-26-26, 200m graded 0.53% CuEq from 148m to 348m
• High-grade sub-interval in SC-26-26 of 13.25m at 1.82% CuEq
• SC-26-25 returned 128m at 0.31% CuEq, including 24m at 0.86% CuEq
• MEPS Copper Zone now traced over ~700m within a 1300m x 600m mineralized footprint
• Ongoing 20,000m+ drill program continues to test scale and continuity of the system

Negative

• Reported drill intervals may not represent true widths, which are not yet known
• No grade capping has been applied to assay intervals used in CuEq calculations

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Western drilling continues to demonstrate the scale and continuity of the expanding 700m core of the MEPS porphyry copper system within the 1.3km mineralized footprint

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / September 16, 2026 / Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) ("Sterling" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from drill holes SC-26-25 and SC-26-26 at the MEPS Zone ("MEPS"), part of the Company's ongoing 20,000 metre minimum drill program at the Soo Copper Project ("Soo Copper" or the "Project"), near Batchewana Bay, Ontario. The holes were drilled west of the MEPS discovery as part of Sterling's systematic 2026 program to test the scale, continuity and architecture of the broader copper system.

Highlights:

• SC-26-26 intersected 397.19m grading 0.37% CuEq from bedrock to the end of the hole, including 200m grading 0.53% CuEq, 101.9m grading 0.81% CuEq and 13.25m grading 1.82% CuEq. The hole was collared approximately 300m west of the core MEPS discovery area.
• Drilling has now delineated a 700m geologically continuous zone of significant copper mineralization (the "MEPS Copper Zone") within a broader 1.3km x 600m copper-mineralized footprint. Both remain open for further expansion.
• Both drill holes intersected copper-bearing porphyry-style veins hosted within the same potassically altered mafic volcanic and felsic porphyry rocks observed in previous drilling, further demonstrating the continuity of the geological framework across MEPS.

Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation, commented, "This is an important step-out for the MEPS discovery. Approximately 300 metres west of our initial discovery, we intersected nearly 400 metres of continuous copper mineralization from bedrock surface, including 200 metres grading 0.53% CuEq. With drilling now tracing the MEPS Copper Zone over approximately 700 metres within a much broader 1.3-kilometre copper-mineralized footprint, we continue to demonstrate both the scale and continuity of this system. Importantly, the system remains open and our drilling continues to provide clear vectors for expansion."

Figure 1. Plan map of the MEPS Zone showing SC-26-25 and SC-26-26 within the broader 1,300m by 600m copper-mineralized footprint

Figure 2. East-west long section through the MEPS Zone showing SC-26-26 and the approximately 700m strike extent of the MEPS Copper Zone

Figure 3. Copper-gold rich vein containing bornite (purple) and chalcopyrite (yellow) in hole SC-26-26 from 293.62m depth grading 6.02% CuEq (2.17% Cu, 3.92 g/t Au, 27.8 g/t Ag, 2 ppm Mo)

Figure 4. Copper sulphides (chalcopyrite and bornite) and molybdenite (silver grey mineral) in quartz vein hosted by biotite-magnetite altered basalt in hole SC-26-26 from 282.5m depth grading 10.53% CuEq (2.56%Cu, 0.265g/t Au, 12.5 gpt Ag, 14900 ppm Mo)

Figure 5. Copper sulphides (chalcopyrite) hosted within potassic-altered (biotite-magnetite) basalt in hole SC-26-26 from 225.25m depth grading 5.08% CuEq (4.68%Cu, 0.175g/t Au, 12.2 g/t Ag, 123ppm Mo)

Figure 6. Ribbon vein with copper sulphides in hole SC-26-25 from 225.13m to 225.48m depth grading 2.71% CuEq (2.52% Cu, 0.113 g/t Au, 8 g/t Ag, 5ppm Mo)

Figure 7. Copper sulphides (chalcopyrite) hosted within potassic-altered (biotite-magnetite) basalt in hole SC-26-25 from 255.0m to 256mdepth grading 2.4% CuEq (2.27% Cu, 0.05 g/t Au, 8 g/t Ag, 0.5ppm Mo)

Technical Discussion

The MEPS porphyry copper system is characterized by broad, near-surface copper mineralization hosted predominantly in altered Neoarchean mafic volcanic rocks intruded by multiple phases of Mesoproterozoic felsic porphyry. Previous drilling has demonstrated that stronger copper grades commonly occur adjacent to early "GFP" felsic dykes and sills and associated magnetite-rich veining, while deeper portions of the system contain more molybdenum-rich mineralization, within the host basalts, hydrothermal breccias, and granite porphyry stock.

SC-26-25 was drilled toward the southeast at an azimuth of approximately 135° and a dip of -60° to test the western continuation of the MEPS Copper Zone, a more closely drilled zone of geologically continuous, significant copper mineralization that includes the high-grade MEPS discovery. The hole intersected the same broad package of basaltic volcanic rocks and felsic intrusive phases observed elsewhere at MEPS, that host various phases of porphyry style veins carrying copper sulphides in association with potassic alteration (biotite-magnetite altered host rocks; veins with potassic feldspar selvages). A notable magnetite-rich vein occurs from 225.13m to 225.48m depth grading 2.71% CuEq over 0.35m length.

SC-26-26 was collared approximately 150m south of SC-26-25 and drilled at an azimuth of approximately 75° and a dip of -45°, along the same trend as previously released holes SC-26-10, SC-26-13 and SC-26-16. The hole intersected broadly similar host geology and included an approximately 65m interval of felsic intrusive rocks. Copper sulphides occur within and adjacent to the intrusive as well as within quartz veins, consistent with the characteristic mineralization style observed across MEPS.

Geological observations from SC-26-25, SC-26-26 and SC-26-27 indicate a westward-increasing total sulphide abundance, but with increasing iron sulphide (pyrite, pyrrhotite) contents although chalcopyrite is still common and locally abundant. Assays from SC-26-27 are pending. Sterling will report those results separately once assays and QA/QC review are complete.

Together, SC-26-25 and SC-26-26 extend the MEPS Copper Zone by over 300m westward to an approximately 700m current length, within a broader footprint of copper mineralization that now covers an area of 1300m by 600m. Both are open to expansion. Follow-up drilling will continue to test the geometry, continuity and grade distribution of the MEPS porphyry copper system.

Table 1. Significant Assay Intervals

Drillhole ID	From (m)	To (m)	Length (m)	Cu (%)	Au (g/t)	Ag (g/t)	Mo (ppm)	CuEq (%)
SC-26-25	157.00	285.00	128.00	0.28	0.01	1.14	5	0.31
including	198.00	280.00	82.00	0.37	0.02	1.26	6	0.40
including	244.00	268.00	24.00	0.80	0.03	2.29	9	0.86
including	252.00	268.00	16.00	0.92	0.03	2.73	6	0.98
SC-26-26	8.51	406.05	397.19	0.30	0.03	1.07	63	0.37
including	59.00	406.05	347.05	0.32	0.03	1.15	72	0.40
including	148.00	348.00	200.00	0.42	0.04	1.42	94	0.53
Including	224.10	326.00	101.90	0.65	0.07	2.19	152	0.81
including	224.10	254.00	29.90	0.98	0.04	1.69	96	1.08
and	282.00	295.25	13.25	1.03	0.30	7.60	837	1.82

Intervals may not represent true widths, which are not yet known, and capping has not been applied to grades. Copper Equivalent (CuEq) for drill intersections is calculated based on a three-year trailing average for each commodity (2023, 2024 and 2025), which equates to US$4.18/lb Cu, US$2,600/oz Au, US$30.54/oz Ag and US$21.46/lb Mo, with 80% metallurgical recoveries assumed for all metals. The formula is: CuEq % = Cu % + (0.907 × Au g/t) + (0.0107 × Ag g/t) + (0.00051 × Mo ppm).

Table 2. Hole Locations, Directions and Final Depths

Hole number	Easting	Northing	Elevation	Depth	Dip	Azimuth
SC-26-25	680708.00	5212608.00	450.21	381.50	-60.00	135.00
SC-26-26	680740.00	5212464.00	419.00	406.05	-45.00	75.00

Sampling Procedures - Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Analytical services were provided by Actlabs, which is an independent, CALA- and SCC-accredited analytical services firm registered to ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 standard. Drill core samples were logged and split in half with a diamond core saw. Half-core samples were securely stored at the core logging facility until being delivered to Actlabs Thunder Bay lab by commercial transport.

Samples were crushed (< 7 kg) up to 90% passing 2mm (10 mesh), riffle split to 250 g and pulverized by mild steel to 95% passing 105μm (150 mesh). Samples splits underwent a 4-acid near total digestion followed by a multi-element analysis, including base metals, using an ICP method for 35 elements.

Selected sample pulps were then analyzed for gold using a 30 g aliquot mixed with fire assay fluxes and Ag as a collector, placed in a fire clay crucible, gradually heated to 1060ºC for 60 min, and followed with an AA finish.

Laboratory QA/QC for the ICP analysis was 14% for each batch, including 5 method reagent blanks, 10 in-house controls, 10 samples duplicates, and 8 certified reference materials. An additional 13% QA/QC was performed as part of the instrumental analysis to ensure quality in the areas of instrumental drift. Laboratory quality control for the gold fire assay included two blanks per 42 samples, three sample duplicates and 2 certified reference materials, one high and one low (QC 7 out of 42 samples).

In-house QA/QC included the systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials (CRM).

Qualified Person

Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation for Sterling Metals has reviewed and approved the technical information presented herein.

About the Soo Copper Project

The Soo Copper Project sits just 20 minutes off the Trans-Canada Highway, one hour north of Sault Ste. Marie, and 20km from rail and deep-water access. With near-surface copper mineralization, demonstrated scale and grade, and proximity to existing infrastructure, Sterling believes Soo Copper has the potential to emerge as a critical Canadian copper project.

About Sterling Metals

Sterling Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on large-scale Canadian copper exploration opportunities. The Company's flagship Soo Copper Project in Ontario comprises a 35,000+ hectare land position across the Batchewana Copper Belt, which hosts past production and multiple breccia and porphyry targets strategically located near robust infrastructure. Sterling also holds the Adeline Project in Labrador, which covers an extensive sediment-hosted copper belt with significant silver credits. Both projects have demonstrated potential for important new copper discoveries, underscoring Sterling's commitment to pioneering exploration in mineral-rich Canada.

Sterling Metals acknowledges that its exploration activities within the Soo Copper project are conducted on the traditional lands of the First Nations of the North Shore of Lake Superior. We recognize and respect the longstanding and diverse relationships Indigenous Peoples have with the land and are committed to engaging in a manner that is respectful, transparent, and inclusive.

For more information, please contact:

Sterling Metals Corp.
Mathew Wilson, CEO and Director
Tel: (416) 643-3887
Email: info@sterlingmetals.ca
Website: www.sterlingmetals.ca

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. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is 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 information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Sterling Metals Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How is Copper Equivalent (CuEq) calculated for these MEPS drill results?

CuEq is calculated using the formula: CuEq % = Cu % + (0.907 × Au g/t) + (0.0107 × Ag g/t) + (0.00051 × Mo ppm). This uses three-year trailing average prices for 2023–2025 of US$4.18/lb Cu, US$2,600/oz Au, US$30.54/oz Ag and US$21.46/lb Mo, with 80% metallurgical recoveries assumed for all metals.

What are the key assay highlights from drill hole SC-26-26?

Hole SC-26-26 intersected 397.19m grading 0.37% CuEq from 8.51m to 406.05m, including 347.05m at 0.40% CuEq from 59m, 200m at 0.53% CuEq from 148m to 348m, 101.9m at 0.81% CuEq from 224.10m to 326m, 29.90m at 1.08% CuEq, and a 13.25m interval at 1.82% CuEq from 282m to 295.25m.

What drilling and assay results were reported for hole SC-26-25?

SC-26-25 intersected 128m grading 0.31% CuEq from 157m to 285m, including 82m at 0.40% CuEq from 198m, 24m at 0.86% CuEq from 244m to 268m, and 16m at 0.98% CuEq from 252m to 268m. A magnetite-rich vein from 225.13m to 225.48m graded 2.71% CuEq.

What quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures were used for these assays?

Samples were analyzed by Actlabs, an independent ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 accredited lab. Core was logged, cut, and half-core samples were crushed, riffle split, and pulverized. A 4-acid digestion with ICP multi-element analysis was used, with selected pulps assayed for gold by 30 g fire assay with AA finish. Laboratory QA/QC for ICP included about 14% control samples per batch (blanks, in-house controls, duplicates, certified reference materials) plus an additional 13% instrumental QA/QC. Gold fire assay batches included blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials. Sterling also inserted its own blanks, duplicates, and CRMs.

Where is the Soo Copper Project located relative to infrastructure?

The Soo Copper Project is located near Batchewana Bay, Ontario, about 20 minutes off the Trans-Canada Highway, roughly one hour north of Sault Ste. Marie, and approximately 20km from rail and deep-water access.

What is the scale and focus of Sterling Metals' current drill program at MEPS?

The MEPS drilling is part of a minimum 20,000m drill program at the Soo Copper Project in 2026. The current holes test the western continuation, geometry, continuity, and grade distribution of the MEPS porphyry copper system, which now shows a Copper Zone of about 700m strike length within a 1300m by 600m copper-mineralized footprint.

Who is the Qualified Person for the technical information in this release?

The technical information was reviewed and approved by Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation for Sterling Metals, who is the Qualified Person for the release.