Vortex Metals Confirms Copper, Silver and Gold Mineralization From Initial Drilling at Illapel Project in Chile

Rhea-AI Summary

Vortex Metals (VMSSF) has announced promising initial drilling results from its Phase 1 program at the Illapel Copper Project in Chile. The program confirmed copper-silver and gold-copper mineralization across two priority zones. Key highlights include DVM-08 intersecting 1.0m at 1.56% Cu and 19 g/t Ag within 17.9m at 0.20% Cu, and DVM-06 yielding 0.8m at 1.99 g/t Au and 1.7m at 1.18 g/t Au in quartz vein zones. The drilling campaign, consisting of eight holes totaling 2,025 meters, has validated the geological model and identified potential IOCG-style mineralization similar to the nearby 150Mt El Espino deposit. Downhole electromagnetic surveys have revealed six new targets, suggesting off-hole sulphide mineralization. The company plans to expand exploration across both copper-silver and gold-copper targets in the next phase.

Positive

• Initial drilling confirms presence of both copper-silver and gold-copper mineralization across multiple zones
• High-grade intercept in DVM-08: 1.0m at 1.56% Cu and 19 g/t Ag within broader mineralization
• Geophysics identified 6 new conductive targets near DVM-08 for follow-up drilling
• Project shows similar geological characteristics to nearby El Espino deposit (150Mt @ 0.55% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au)
• Downhole EM surveys suggest potential for additional off-hole sulphide mineralization

Negative

• Only partial assay results received for six of eight completed drill holes
• Relatively narrow mineralized intersections in initial drilling
• Results from holes DVM-01, DVM-05 (remaining intervals), and DVM-07 still pending

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 10, 2025) - Vortex Metals Inc. (TSXV: VMS) (FSE: DM8) (OTCQB: VMSSF) ("Vortex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from its Phase 1 diamond drilling program at the Illapel Copper Project in Chile.

Phase 1 drilling confirms copper-silver and gold-copper mineralization; geophysics and geology support manto-style and IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper Gold) potential:

• DVM-08: 1.0 m at 1.56% Cu and 19 g/t Ag, within 17.9 m at 0.20% Cu

• DVM-02: 2.7 m at 0.30% Cu, near historic Rio 27 Mine

• DVM-06: 0.8 m at 1.99 g/t Au and 1.7 m at 1.18 g/t Au in quartz vein-hosted zones

• Geophysics: Downhole EM suggests off-hole sulphide mineralization; 6 new targets identified

• IOCG Potential: Iron-oxide-copper-gold mineralization observed; same host rocks as 150Mt El Espino deposit

• Next Steps: Vector drilling toward Rio 27 lens, advance IOCG targeting, and expanding gold-copper zone testing

"The initial program has validated the geological model and will help us to vector towards the core of the mineralized system," said Vikas Ranjan, President & CEO. "With multiple surface expressions of copper, a growing list of geophysical targets, and indications of IOCG and gold-bearing vein systems, we believe Illapel holds significant discovery potential. We're particularly pleased with the early gold results in the southwest zone, and we plan to expand exploration across both the copper-silver and gold-copper targets in the next phase of work."

Partial assay results have been received for six of the eight completed drill holes, confirming the presence of both copper-silver and gold-copper mineralization across two priority zones. Holes DVM-02, DVM-03, and DVM-08 targeted the copper-silver zone near the historic Rio 27 Mine and intersected strong alteration and sulphide mineralization. Holes DVM-04, DVM-05, and DVM-06 were drilled in the gold-copper vein system located in the southwestern portion of the property and have returned partial assay results to date. Results from holes DVM-01, DVM-05 (remaining intervals), and DVM-07 are pending.

Drilling Highlights Manto and IOCG Opportunity

Initial drilling at Illapel has yielded encouraging results, providing strong geological evidence of a mineralized system that warrants further investigation. To date, only three fully completed holes (DVM-02, 03, and 08) have tested the north-northeast trend of high-grade, manto-style copper-silver mineralization extending from the historic Rio 27 Mine. All holes intersected hydrothermal alteration and sulphide mineralization-including disseminated pyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, and bornite-indicating the presence of a potentially extensive mineralized structure.

Hole DVM-08, in particular, returned compelling results with high-grade mineralization that may represent the margin of a larger manto-style lens. This interpretation is supported by a downhole geophysical survey, which revealed a broad zone of low resistivity—coincident with the sulphide-bearing interval—and consistent with off-hole extensions. Geophysics contractor GEODATOS has now identified six additional conductive targets near DVM-08, providing encouragement for follow-up drilling.

IOCG-Style Mineralization Uncovered

In addition to the manto-style copper system, the company also observed Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) mineralization in multiple holes, including DVM-08. This mineralization—characterized by iron oxides and disseminated sulphides—occurs within a sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, similar to the setting of the El Espino deposit (150 Mt @ 0.55% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au), located just 13 km to the west-northwest. The Company has also initiated geological sampling and geophysics approximately 4 km northeast of current drilling to refine targets within this IOCG corridor.

Figure 1. Drill hole locations from the Phase 1 program at the Illapel Copper Project, central Chile.

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Phase 1 Drilling Summary

The eight-hole, 2,025-meter Phase 1 drilling campaign tested two priority zones:

• The copper-silver trend near the historic Rio 27 Mine, targeting manto-style mineralization

• A gold-copper vein system in the southwestern concession

• Six of the eight holes have received assays. Holes DVM-01, the remainder of DVM-05, and DVM-07 are pending

1. Copper-Silver Zone:
Located near the historic Rio 27 Mine, holes DVM-01, 02, and 08 were designed to test the north-northeast extension of known manto-style copper-silver mineralization. All three holes intersected visible copper mineralization near historical workings. Notably, DVM-08 returned high-grade chalcocite and bornite, potentially on the edge of a larger mineralized lens.

A down-hole geophysical survey conducted on DVM-08 (See Fig. 3) recorded strong resistivity lows between 64.0-72.0 m and 110.0-122.0 m, with a broad anomaly extending from 55.0-122.0 m. These readings suggest the presence of additional off-hole sulphide mineralization adjacent to the drill-hole.

Tables 1 and 2 summarize the most significant core intercepts from the Phase 1 program, with all assays completed by ALS Laboratories in Santiago, Chile.

Table 1. Main intercepts in the Copper-Silver zone near Mina Rio 27.

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Plate 1. DVM-02, 2.7 m at 0.30% Cu.

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Plate 2. DVM-08, 1 m. with 1.56% Cu and 19 gr Ag, within a larger thickness of 17.9m at 0.20% Cu. Note strong iron-oxides associated with mineralization in Plate 2, perhaps reflecting a genetic relationship with IOCG-style mineralization.

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Figure 2: East-west section looking north through drill holes DVM-01,02 and 08.

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Figure 3: Geophysical bore-hole log of DVM-08 showing low resistivity at 55.0 to 122.0m co-incident with the sulphide zone and suggesting off-hole mineralization.

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2. Gold-Copper Zone:
Holes DVM-04, 05, and 06 targeted a zone of surface-exposed quartz veins containing visible copper and gold mineralization. Drilling intersected significant gold values in both veins and host rocks, with DVM-06 confirming gold-bearing structures at shallow depths. The area hosts multiple surface outcrops of gold-copper-bearing quartz veins and exhibits geological characteristics similar to the Farellon Sánchez district, located just west of the Illapel Project.

Table 2. Main intercepts in the Gold-Copper Zone.

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Plate 3. DVM-06, 0.8 m of intercept 1.99 gr Au.

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Plate 4. DVM-06, 1.7 m. 1.18 gr Au.

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Figure 4: Generally east-west section looking north through drill holes DVM-06 and 07.

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These initial results from Illapel mark an important milestone for Vortex Metals, confirming the presence of copper-silver and gold-copper mineralization across multiple zones and validating the Company's geological model. With geophysics identifying sulphide targets and IOCG-style mineralization that could expand project's potential, Vortex is well-positioned to advance exploration through follow-up drilling and target refinement. The Company looks forward to building on this momentum as it works to unlock the full value of the Illapel Copper Project.

Qualified Person / Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC)

Juan Carlos Fernández, P. Geo., is a qualified person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.

About Vortex Metals Inc.

Vortex Metals Inc. is a copper focused exploration and development company with a diversified portfolio of exploration projects in Chile and Mexico. Vortex holds an option to acquire up to 80% interest in the brownfield Illapel Copper Project in Chile and through its Mexican subsidiary Empresa Minera Acagold, S.A. de C.V., it owns 100% interest in two drill-ready high-potential copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) properties, Riqueza Marina and Zaachila in Oaxaca, Mexico. The company emphasizes responsible exploration, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to meet the rising global demand for copper sustainably.

For further information regarding this press release, contact:

Vikas Ranjan,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Email: vranjan@vortexmetals.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking statements that are made as of the date hereof and are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business including permitting approvals, any private placement financings, the uncertainty as to whether further exploration will result in the target(s) being delineated as a mineral resource, capital expenditures, operating costs, mineral resources, recovery rates, grades and prices, estimated goals, expansion and growth of the business and operations, plans and references to the Company's future successes with its business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as several factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent annual MD&A and the Company's continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The Company cautions that mineralization on, or production from, neighbouring properties is no guarantee of the existence of similar mineralization or a guarantee of future production from the Illapel Project.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254988

FAQ

What are the key drilling results from Vortex Metals' (VMSSF) Illapel Project in Chile?

The key results include DVM-08 with 1.0m at 1.56% Cu and 19 g/t Ag within 17.9m at 0.20% Cu, DVM-02 with 2.7m at 0.30% Cu, and DVM-06 with 0.8m at 1.99 g/t Au and 1.7m at 1.18 g/t Au in quartz vein zones.

How many drill holes were completed in Vortex Metals' Phase 1 program at Illapel?

The Phase 1 drilling campaign consisted of eight holes totaling 2,025 meters, testing two priority zones: the copper-silver trend near Rio 27 Mine and a gold-copper vein system in the southwestern concession.

What type of mineralization potential has been identified at VMSSF's Illapel Project?

The project has shown potential for both manto-style copper-silver mineralization and IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper Gold) mineralization, similar to the nearby El Espino deposit (150Mt @ 0.55% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au).

What are the next steps for Vortex Metals at the Illapel Project?

The company plans to vector drilling toward the Rio 27 lens, advance IOCG targeting, and expand gold-copper zone testing, with follow-up drilling planned for the six new geophysical targets identified near DVM-08.

How does the Illapel Project compare to nearby deposits in Chile?

The Illapel Project shows similar geological characteristics to the El Espino deposit (150Mt @ 0.55% Cu, 0.22 g/t Au) located 13 km west-northwest, and shares features with the Farellon Sánchez district to the west.