Sterling Metals Expands MEPS Discovery Confirming 400m of East-West Strike

Rhea-AI Summary

Sterling Metals (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) reports assays from six additional 2025 drill holes at the Soo Copper Project, expanding the MEPS discovery. Results confirm continuous copper mineralization from surface across ~400m east-west strike and a 150m expansion of a high-grade bornite zone, including a peak sample of 38.9% Cu over 0.3m. Assays remain pending for five core holes. Copper equivalent (CuEq) uses 2023–2025 trailing average metal prices and 80% recoveries; true widths and grade capping are not yet applied.

Positive

• Continuous copper mineralization from surface across ~400m east-west strike
• High-grade bornite zone expanded ~150m around discovery hole MEPS-25-02
• Peak assay of 38.9% Cu over 0.3m in MEPS-25-18 at 227.4m
• Multiple wide intervals (e.g., 419.9m at 0.30% Cu in MEPS-25-16) indicating scale

Negative

• Final assays pending for 5 core holes within MEPS discovery area
• Intervals may not represent true widths and grade capping has not been applied
• CuEq uses trailing average prices and assumed 80% recoveries, which may change

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / February 27, 2026 / Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) ("Sterling" or the "Company") is pleased to report additional assay results from its expanded and completed 2025 drilling program at the Soo Copper Project ("Soo Copper" or the "Project") located near Batchewana Bay, Ontario. Results from 6 additional drill holes continue to expand the copper mineralized footprint, while further defining and extending the high-grade bornite zone. Assays remain pending for the final 5 holes drilled within the core of the MEPS discovery area.

Highlights:

• Systematic step-out and infill drilling within the MEPS zone confirms continuous copper mineralization from surface across approximately 400m of east-west strike, centered on discovery hole MEPS-25-02 and remains open (see Figure 1 and 2).

• A 30m expansion of the high-grade bornite zone in MEPS-25-18, highlighted by the highest-grade individual copper sample intersected to date of 38.9% Cu over 0.3m in MEPS-25-18 at 227.4m (see Figure 2) that is included within a high grade bornite-rich interval grading 24m of 2.05% CuEq and also within a broader 237.2m interval grading 0.5% CuEq.

• New high-grade zone associated with the GFP felsic porphyry dykes and adjacent magnetite veining at shallow depths in holes MEPS-25-14, 15 and 16, including a highlighted interval in MEPS-25-16 of 13.55m grading 2.04% CuEq from 96.35m depth within a larger interval of 177.3m of 0.4% CuEq and a broader interval of 419.9m of 0.3%CuEq.

• Magnetite veins associated with early GFP felsic dykes remain the dominant hosts of the highest-grade copper sulphide mineralization observed to date, with later felsic porphyry dykes and alteration events hosting lower grade copper mineralization, supporting the interpretation that this discovery zone is situated above a large, multi-stage porphyry-style copper system.

Jeremy Niemi, SVP Exploration and Development, commented, "We are very excited about these wide intervals of copper from surface and, importantly, the systematic expansion of the high-grade bornite zone by 150 metres around the discovery hole MEPS-25-02. Each step-out hole has successfully extended the zone either laterally or vertically, demonstrating strong continuity of the high-grade core within a much broader copper system. The mineralization remains open in most directions, and we are beginning to see clear structural and grade trends emerging that will guide our 2026 resource-focused drilling."

High-Grade Copper Zone Continues to Develop

In addition to establishing a broad, continuous zone of copper mineralization from surface, results from new drill hole intervals continue to identify and expand the high-grade bornite zone first recognized in MEPS-25-02. Step-out drilling has now systematically extended this zone in multiple directions and increased confidence in the continuity and scale of the high-grade zone which the Company anticipates will come to surface.

Hole MEPS-25-14 extended the bornite mineralization approximately 50m east of MEPS-25-02. Follow-up hole MEPS-25-15 stepped a further 30m east, bringing the eastern expansion to 80m from the discovery hole. Hole MEPS-25-16, drilled beneath MEPS-25-15, extended the bornite zone approximately 40m vertically, demonstrating depth continuity within the high-grade domain. Hole MEPS-25-17 then pushed the eastern extent another 40m, expanding bornite mineralization to approximately 120m east of MEPS-25-02.

To the west, MEPS-25-18 intersected high-grade bornite mineralization approximately 30m beyond MEPS-25-02, confirming expansion in that direction and bringing the total newly defined east-west strike extension of the bornite zone to approximately 150m.

Importantly, these step-outs demonstrate not only lateral continuity but also vertical development of the high-grade bornite core within a much broader, near-surface envelope of chalcopyrite-dominant copper mineralization. The bornite mineralization remains open along strike and at depth and is a key focus for the planned 2026 drill program.

Figure 1. Plan Map of newly released holes and 2025 drilling program at Soo Copper.

Figure 2. Plan Map of newly released holes from 2025 drilling of the MEPS Zone.

Figure 3. Massive bornite mineralization in MEPS-25-18 at 227.4m grading 38.9% Cu, 0.71 g/t Au, 196 g/t Ag and 23 ppm Mo

Figure 4. Chalcopyrite and bornite mineralization in MEPS-25-18 at 225.0m grading 10.5% Cu, 0.395 gpt Au, 64.4 gpt Ag and 53ppm Mo

Figure 5. Bornite and chalcopyrite mineralization in MEPS-25-14 at 96.2m grading 5.76% Cu, 1.11 g/t Au, 51.4 g/t Ag and 632 ppm Mo

Table 1. Significant Assay Intervals

Drillhole	Zone	From (m)	To (m)	Length (m)	Cu (%)	Mo (ppm)	Au (g/t)	Ag (g/t)	CuEq (%)
MEPS-25-13	Central	3.0	543.0	540.0	0.12	135.9	0.02	0.75	0.22
Including		183.0	373.0	190.0	0.19	117.8	0.04	1.28	0.30
Including		237.0	273.0	36.0	0.34	136.1	0.071	2.26	0.50
Including		248.0	255.0	7.0	0.71	170.8	0.17	6.32	1.02
Including		415.15	439	23.85	0.08	680.4	0.02	0.29	0.45
MEPS-25-14	Central	3.9	287.0	282.9	0.23	56.1	0.034	1.39	0.30
Including		72.0	219	147.2	0.30	79.8	0.040	1.77	0.40
Including		178.0	240.2	62.2	0.42	29.1	0.045	2.38	0.50
Including		179.8	218.5	38.8	0.60	36.5	0.059	3.29	0.70
Including		87.9	106	18.1	0.70	364.7	0.12	4.21	1.04
Including		96.24	97.18	0.9	5.76	632	1.11	51.4	7.64
MEPS-25-15	Central	2.7	297	294.3	0.20	89.0	0.039	1.4	0.30
Including		2.7	120	117.3	0.24	187.6	0.053	1.66	0.40
Including		94.0	108.5	14.5	0.62	404.8	0.15	4.19	1.01
Including		94.0	97.0	3.0	1.02	1778.2	0.33	10.29	2.33
Including		95.2	95.8	0.6	3.95	18	1.23	40.7	5.51
Including		187.0	207.0	20.0	0.38	19.3	0.046	2.31	0.46
Including		264.0	291.12	27.12	0.37	28.4	0.050	2.29	0.46
MEPS-25-16	Central	2.7	422.6	419.9	0.17	122.2	0.060	1.26	0.30
Including		89.0	266.3	177.3	0.23	109.7	0.10	1.74	0.40
Including		85.0	186.0	101.0	0.25	170.9	0.16	1.70	0.50
Including		86.0	118.0	32.0	0.34	484.6	0.43	2.62	1.01
Including		96.35	109.9	13.55	0.66	852.7	0.98	4.95	2.04
Including		97.33	98.08	0.75	0.31	23.0	12.4	2.40	11.6
Including		210.1	231.0	20.9	0.36	23.5	0.049	2.73	0.45
MEPS-25-17	Central	2.5	381.0	378.5	0.15	105.8	0.021	1.17	0.24
Including		203.0	239.0	36.0	0.41	46.3	0.039	2.73	0.50
Including		218.6	227.0	8.4	0.87	89.0	0.072	3.21	1.02
MEPS-25-18	Central	2.7	390.0	387.3	0.30	54.8	0.037	2.16	0.38
Including		100.0	337.2	237.2	0.40	53.3	0.044	2.93	0.50
Including		183.0	243.6	60.6	0.82	138.5	0.064	5.74	1.01
Including		224.0	248.0	24.0	1.78	35.6	0.13	12.32	2.05
Including		224.9	225.4	0.5	10.50	53.0	0.40	64.4	11.57
Including		227.4	227.7	0.3	38.9	23.0	0.71	196	41.64
Including		298.0	332.0	34.0	0.43	20.6	0.052	3.22	0.52

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 x Au g/t) + (0.0107 x Ag g/t) + (0.00051 x Mo ppm).

Table 2. Hole locations, directions and final depths.

Hole number	Easting	Northing	Elevation	Depth	Dip	Azimuth
MEPS-25-13	680877	5212702	504	543	-70	138
MEPS-25-14	681060	5212644	446	324	-60	170
MEPS-25-15	681060	5212644	446	341	-60	152
MEPS-25-16	681060	5212644	446	486	-70	152
MEPS-25-17	681060	5212644	446	381	-65	130
MEPS-25-18	681060	5212644	446	390	-58	212

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-one of the most critical of all critical metals-alongside gold, and with the project now demonstrating both scale and grade, Sterling sees the potential for Soo Copper to become a nationally significant asset as Canada accelerates its efforts to secure strategic copper resources. Prime Minister Carney's recent designation of copper as one of Canada's first five strategic assets underscores the importance of this discovery and its potential to emerge as a key project of national interest.

About Sterling Metals

Sterling Metals is a mineral exploration company focused on large scale and high-grade Canadian exploration opportunities. The Company is advancing the 25,000-hectare Soo Copper Project in Ontario which has past production, and multiple breccia and porphyry targets strategically located near robust infrastructure and the 29,000-hectare Adeline Project in Labrador which covers an entire sediment-hosted copper belt with significant silver credits. Both opportunities 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 Batchewana, Garden River, and Michipicoten 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

What did Sterling Metals (SAGGF) announce about the MEPS zone on February 27, 2026?

Sterling announced six new drill-hole assays confirming continuous copper across ~400m east-west strike. According to the company, drilling also expanded a high-grade bornite core by ~150m and returned a peak sample of 38.9% Cu over 0.3m, with five assays still pending.

How large and continuous is the copper mineralization at Soo Copper (SAGGF)?

The company reports continuous copper mineralization from surface across approximately 400m of east-west strike. According to Sterling Metals, the mineralized envelope includes broad chalcopyrite-dominant intervals and a developing bornite high-grade core open in most directions.

What are the standout assay intervals reported by Sterling Metals (SAGGF)?

Notable results include 38.9% Cu over 0.3m and 24.0m grading 2.05% CuEq in MEPS-25-18. According to the company, other wide intervals include 419.9m at 0.30% Cu in MEPS-25-16, demonstrating scale and multi-stage porphyry-style mineralization.

What does Sterling say about the high-grade bornite zone continuity for SAGGF?

Sterling states step-out and infill drilling extended the bornite zone ~150m around MEPS-25-02. According to the company, step-outs show both lateral and vertical continuity, guiding a planned 2026 resource-focused drill program.

Are any assay or technical caveats noted for the Soo Copper (SAGGF) results?

Yes. The company cautions that intervals may not represent true widths, capping has not been applied, and five assays remain pending. According to Sterling Metals, CuEq used trailing average metal prices and assumed 80% recoveries, which affect reported CuEq figures.