Aurion Resources Announces Field Activities Commence Under KoBold Metals Partnership

• Aurion's partner KoBold Metals has commenced till and bedrock sampling on 35 square kilometres of the company's Risti property in Finland
• Aurion structured earn-in agreement enabling KoBold to earn 75% interest in critical minerals discoveries through USD$12 million investment over five years
• Aurion maintains full ownership of gold and silver discoveries within the project area
• Aurion's property hosts sampling programme using methodologies employed in regional discoveries including Kittilä, Sakatti, and Ikkari deposits
• Aurion serves as field operator during the first 12 months while continuing separate drilling at Vanha prospect

Aurion Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: AU) is a Canadian exploration company focused on precious metals opportunities in Finland. The company advances projects through direct exploration and partnerships with established mining companies including B2Gold Corp., Kinross Gold, and KoBold Metals. Aurion's current activities centre on its Risti project and joint venture properties across Finland's mining regions.

KoBold Metals Partnership Exploration Commencement

KoBold Metals has begun exploration activities on the eastern portion of Aurion's 160-square-kilometre Risti property in Finland's Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. The work covers approximately 35 square kilometres under the partnership agreement signed in March 2025. KoBold's activities focus on critical minerals exploration while Aurion continues gold-focused work on the broader property.

The partnership allows both companies to pursue different commodity targets on the same property. KoBold applies its exploration methods to identify critical minerals deposits, while Aurion maintains its gold exploration programme. This arrangement enables parallel exploration activities across different geological targets within the project area.

Matti Talikka, Aurion's CEO, commented:

"We are excited to commence the exploration activities with KoBold's highly knowledgeable and innovative team,"

He added:

"The extensive sampling program will generate valuable data for gold and critical minerals exploration and utilizes a key method applied in the discovery process of all significant deposits in the region, including Kittilä (Agnico Eagle), Sakatti (Anglo American) and Ikkari (Rupert Resources)."

Critical Minerals Earn-In Agreement Structure

The March 2025 agreement establishes terms for KoBold to earn interest in critical minerals discoveries within the project area. KoBold can earn a 75% interest in non-gold and non-silver commodities by spending USD$12 million over five years, with a minimum USD$1 million commitment within 18 months. Following completion of earn-in requirements, a joint venture will form with KoBold holding 75% and Aurion 25%.

Aurion retains full ownership rights over areas where gold or silver represent the predominant minerals in discoveries. The company can continue exploration activities during both earn-in and joint venture phases. If Aurion's ownership falls below 10%, its interest converts to a 2% Net Smelter Returns Royalty.

The agreement structure separates commodity interests based on discovery type rather than geographical boundaries. This approach allows both companies to pursue their respective exploration targets across the same property area. Aurion maintains operational control as field operator during the initial 12-month period.

Till & Bedrock Sampling Programme Implementation

KoBold has commenced an extensive till and bedrock chip sampling programme across the project area. This methodology has been used in the discovery of major regional deposits including Kittilä (Agnico Eagle), Sakatti (Anglo American), and Ikkari (Rupert Resources). The programme combines both surface till sampling and bedrock chip collection to develop geochemical data.

Till sampling provides regional coverage for initial target identification, while bedrock sampling offers geological and geochemical information from exposed rock surfaces. The dual approach covers the project area systematically to identify areas for potential follow-up exploration. Sample results will inform decisions about subsequent exploration phases.

Aurion serves as field operator during the first 12 months, utilizing its established regional presence and operational capabilities. The company maintains separate drilling activities at the Vanha prospect in the Kaaresselkä area, demonstrating continued gold exploration alongside the KoBold partnership activities.

Next Steps

The partnership requires KoBold to complete USD$1 million in exploration expenditures within 18 months of the March 2025 agreement. Results from the till and bedrock sampling programme will guide identification of priority areas for potential additional exploration work. Aurion continues drilling at the Vanha prospect while maintaining its role as field operator for KoBold's activities during the initial 12-month period.

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