Gladiator Metals Identifies Two High-Priority Copper Targets Following Geophysical Surveys

• Gladiator Metals has identified two high-priority drill targets Great Southern and Doozy following Induced Polarization and gravity geophysical surveys at its Whitehorse Copper Project in Yukon Territory
• The Great Southern target comprises a 2km by 1.2km gravity anomaly with intense IP chargeability located 1.5km south of Cowley Park, indicating potential sulfide mineralization
• The Doozy target consists of two distinct gravity anomalies over 600m of strike near the historic Little Chief Pit, separated by a mineralized fault structure
• Drilling on both targets is scheduled to commence later this week, supported by a recent $22.5 million financing and $8 million existing treasury providing full funding through end of 2026
• The company has expanded its 2025 drilling program from 29,000m to 48,000m targeting high-grade copper skarns across the 35km Whitehorse Copper Belt

Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSX-V: GLAD, OTC: GDTRF, FSE: ZX7) is an exploration company advancing the Whitehorse Copper Project, an advanced-stage high-grade copper, molybdenum, silver and gold skarn exploration project in Yukon Territory, Canada. The project covers a 35km long copper belt on the western margin of Whitehorse City that was historically a significant producer between 1967 and 1982, when Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting extracted 267.5 million pounds of copper, 225,000 ounces of gold and 2.8 million ounces of silver from 10.5 million tons of mineralized material. The company is currently executing an expanded 48,000m drilling program with four diamond drill rigs operating across multiple prospects. Key institutional investors include Dynamic, Mackenzie, Macquarie Bank and Orimco. For investors evaluating Gladiator Metals, the company's systematic approach to target generation through advanced geophysical techniques, combined with substantial funding through 2026 and proximity to historic high-grade production zones, positions it as an active exploration story in a jurisdiction with established infrastructure and mining history.

Geophysical Survey Results Define New Exploration Targets

Gladiator Metals has announced initial results from Induced Polarization and extension gravity geophysical surveys that have identified significant untested anomalies at the Chief's Trend and Cowley Park areas. The surveys provide evidence that mineralization extends beyond currently known areas at both locations, leading the company to delineate two high-priority targets warranting immediate drill testing.

The geophysical approach combines gravity surveys, which detect density variations in subsurface rocks, with Induced Polarization surveys that measure chargeability responses typically associated with sulfide mineralization. This dual methodology allows exploration teams to identify both the structural controls on mineralization and the potential presence of sulfide-bearing zones before committing to drilling.

The company has consistently intersected mineralization linked to gravity targets identified through this methodology. The recent addition of strong IP chargeability results from the Great Southern and Doozy areas has increased confidence in prioritizing these zones for near-term drilling.

Great Southern Target Characteristics

The Great Southern target represents a large-scale exploration opportunity located approximately 1.5 kilometers south of the main Cowley Park zone. The target was identified through an extension of ongoing high-definition gravity surveys over the broader Cowley Park area.

The anomaly spans more than 2 kilometers in a north-south direction and 1.2 kilometers in an east-west direction. The higher density northern portion of the anomaly coincides with a magnetic low that appears related to an intrusive body, evidenced by a circular feature demonstrated by a low magnetic response.

To further investigate this anomaly, Gladiator completed an IP survey line across the target area. Line 10,300m East revealed an intense chargeability response in contact with a much broader high chargeability zone extending for over 600 meters. The chargeability response at Great Southern is significantly higher than the central line completed over the main gravity anomaly at Cowley Park, suggesting potentially stronger sulfide mineralization.

The company interprets the pronounced gravity response combined with elevated chargeability detected by IP as possibly indicative of significant sulfide mineralization within these zones. The geophysical signature suggests the potential presence of calc-silicate skarns rather than magnetite skarns, based on the specific combination of high gravity and high chargeability responses.

Doozy Target Definition at Chief's Trend

The Doozy target is located within the Chief's Trend area near the historic Little Chief mine, which was the main source of production for the Whitehorse Copper Mine operated by Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting between 1967 and 1982. The historic operation produced a reported 10.5 million tons at 1.5% copper plus 0.75 grams per ton gold.

Gladiator completed four lines of IP survey on the Chief's Trend to assist drill targeting and help quantify the geological and structural setting of the former Little Chief mine. The initial IP survey was strategically centered around the main historic area to better understand geological and structural settings, supporting future drill targeting at Middle Chief, Big Chief, Little Chief and Valerie.

To broaden coverage, three northern lines were extended westward to investigate a non-magnetic density anomaly identified through ongoing detailed gravity surveys. This target had previously gone undetected by earlier explorers due to its low magnetic response.

The gravity anomaly at Doozy consists of two high intensity nodes occurring over approximately 600 meters of strike. These nodes are separated by what is interpreted as the western continuance of the east-west trending mineralized "North Fault" that daylights in the northern wall of the historic Little Chief open pit located approximately 400 meters to the east.

CEO Jason Bontempo stated that:

"Gladiator has consistently succeeded in intersecting mineralization linked to these types of gravity targets that have been identified so far, I would further emphasize the significance of the recent, strong IP chargeability results emerging from the Great Southern and Doozy areas."

Results from the initial IP surveys over sections of Doozy have revealed a substantial chargeability anomaly coinciding with the gradient of the density anomaly. The company interprets this as possibly indicative of the formation of calc-silicate skarns rather than magnetite skarns, based on the pronounced gravity response and elevated chargeability detected by IP suggesting potential significant sulfide mineralization.

Strategic Importance of Geophysical Targeting

The identification of these targets through systematic geophysical surveys demonstrates Gladiator's methodical approach to exploration across the Whitehorse Copper Belt. Both gravity and IP surveys serve complementary roles in exploration targeting, with gravity surveys identifying density contrasts associated with skarn alteration and mineralization, while IP surveys detect chargeability anomalies typically associated with disseminated sulfide mineralization.

The Doozy target is particularly significant given its proximity to the historic Little Chief mine and its position along the interpreted extension of a known mineralized fault structure. The North Fault represents a structural control on mineralization that has been demonstrated through historic production. Identifying the western extension of this structure through geophysical methods provides a systematic basis for testing exploration potential beyond areas of previous mining activity.

At Great Southern, the scale of the geophysical anomaly covering more than 2 square kilometers suggests potential for a significant mineralized system. The association with an intrusive body indicated by the magnetic low is consistent with skarn formation models, where intrusions provide the heat and fluids necessary to drive metasomatic alteration of carbonate host rocks.

Bontempo expressed enthusiasm about the company's progress, noting that:

"These promising geophysical signals have intensified the Company's excitement to prioritize and actively target these zones in the upcoming weeks, as part of their ongoing exploration strategy."

Drilling Program & Timeline

Drilling is expected to commence later this week on both Great Southern and Doozy targets. This drilling forms part of an expanded program that has grown from an initially planned 29,000 meters to 48,000 meters targeting high-grade copper skarns throughout the Whitehorse Copper Belt before the end of Q4 2025.

The company currently operates four diamond drill rigs across the project. The drilling program has been designed with dual objectives: advancing Cowley Park toward resource definition and expansion, while conducting exploration drilling at multiple high-priority targets including the Chief's Trend, Best Chance, Arctic Chief, and Cub Trend areas.

More than 26,000 meters have been completed to date in 2025 at the Cowley Park project with assays pending, and more than 8,000 meters at the Chief's Trend and Arctic Chief Trend. The company plans to complete a further 14,000 meters of diamond drilling in 2025.

Drilling will be supported by planned geophysical programs including ongoing IP, electromagnetic and gravity surveys to help refine drill targeting in prospect areas and highlight undiscovered areas of exploration potential.

Financial Position & Funding

Gladiator recently closed a $22.5 million financing and maintains an existing treasury of $8 million. This capital position provides full funding for significant exploration through the end of 2026, removing near-term financing risk and allowing the company to maintain an aggressive exploration pace.

The substantial treasury allows Gladiator to pursue multiple parallel work streams across the 35 kilometer copper belt without resource constraints. The company can simultaneously advance resource definition drilling at Cowley Park while testing multiple exploration targets across the Chief's Trend, Best Chance, Arctic Chief and newly identified geophysical targets.

This financial flexibility is particularly important given the company's timeline for reporting a maiden high-grade copper NI 43-101 compliant resource in Q2 2026. Achieving this milestone will require sustained drilling at Cowley Park to establish the geological framework and continuity necessary for resource estimation while maintaining exploration momentum across other high-priority targets.

Whitehorse Copper Project Context

The Whitehorse Copper Project benefits from its location in an established mining district with significant infrastructure advantages. Copper mineralization was first discovered in 1897 on the Whitehorse Copper Belt, which comprises over 30 copper-related, primarily skarn occurrences covering an area 35 kilometers long by 5 kilometers wide on the western margin of Whitehorse City, Yukon.

Exploration and mining development have been carried out intermittently since 1897, with the main production era lasting between 1967 and 1982. During this period, production from primarily the Little Chief deposit totaled 267.5 million pounds copper, 225,000 ounces of gold and 2.8 million ounces of silver from 10.5 million tons of mineralized material milled.

The project is accessible by numerous access roads and trails located within 2 kilometers of the South Klondike Highway and the Alaska Highway. An extensive network of historical gravel exploration and haul roads exists throughout the project area, providing access to the claim package. Access to existing electric power facilities is available through the main Yukon power grid.

This infrastructure represents a significant advantage compared to greenfield exploration projects in remote locations. Road access allows efficient mobilization of drill rigs and equipment, while proximity to Whitehorse provides access to skilled labor and supply chains. The availability of grid power eliminates reliance on diesel generation, reducing operating costs and environmental footprint.

Historical Production & Geological Setting

The historic production from the Whitehorse Copper Belt provides important context for evaluating Gladiator's current exploration program. The Little Chief deposit, which was the primary source of ore for the Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting operation, demonstrated that high-grade copper skarns in this belt can support large-scale mining operations.

The reported historic grades of 1.5% copper plus 0.75 grams per ton gold from 10.5 million tons milled represent significant metal content. At current copper prices above $4.00 per pound, such grades would generate substantial revenue per ton of ore processed.

The skarn mineralization in the Whitehorse Copper Belt is associated with intrusive rocks that have metasomatically altered carbonate host rocks. This geological setting creates opportunities for multiple styles of mineralization, including copper-rich magnetite skarns, calc-silicate skarns with sulfide mineralization, and intrusive-hosted copper-molybdenum mineralization.

Gladiator's exploration program targets all of these mineralization styles across the 35 kilometer belt. The company has identified intrusive-hosted copper-molybdenum mineralization at Cowley Park in addition to the skarn mineralization, suggesting potential for multiple mineralized systems within the broader project area.

Technical Approach & Quality Control

The IP surveys were conducted using an inline modified pole-dipole array with 50 meter dipoles at one location and a mix of 25, 50, 100 and 200 meter dipoles at another location. Minimum current injection to potential dipole separation over the area of interest ranged from 500 meters to 900 meters depending on the survey line.

A two-second base, time-domain transmitter was used, with receiver timing based on synchronization with the primary voltage. Secondary voltages are measured with 24-bit analog-to-digital converters and 20 semi-logarithmic time windows consisting of a 40 millisecond delay followed by specific measurement windows.

All scientific and technical information in the announcement has been prepared or reviewed and approved by Kell Nielsen, the company's Vice President Exploration, who is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. This provides assurance that the technical work meets Canadian regulatory standards for disclosure of exploration results.

Investment Considerations for Gladiator Metals

For investors evaluating Gladiator Metals, several factors warrant consideration in assessing the company's current position and near-term catalysts.

The identification of two high-priority targets through systematic geophysical surveys demonstrates a disciplined approach to exploration targeting. Both targets exhibit geophysical signatures consistent with mineralized skarn systems, though drilling is required to confirm the presence and grade of mineralization. The company's track record of intersecting mineralization at gravity targets provides confidence in the methodology, though past success does not guarantee results at new targets.

The proximity of the Doozy target to historic production at Little Chief provides geological context for evaluating exploration potential. The interpreted western extension of the mineralized North Fault structure offers a systematic basis for testing continuity of mineralization beyond previously mined areas. However, the presence of geophysical anomalies does not confirm the presence of economic mineralization, and drilling results will be critical to assessing the target's significance.

The scale of the Great Southern anomaly covering more than 2 square kilometers suggests potential for a substantial mineralized system if drilling confirms the presence of copper mineralization consistent with the geophysical signatures. The higher chargeability response compared to the main Cowley Park gravity anomaly is encouraging, though the target remains untested by drilling.

The company's financial position with $30.5 million in combined financing proceeds and existing treasury provides funding visibility through end of 2026. This removes near-term financing risk and allows the company to maintain an aggressive exploration pace across multiple targets. The timeline for reporting a maiden NI 43-101 resource in Q2 2026 provides a clear milestone for investors to assess progress toward establishing the economic viability of the Cowley Park discovery.

The infrastructure advantages of the Whitehorse Copper Belt including road access, proximity to skilled labor in Whitehorse, and availability of grid power reduce development risk compared to remote exploration projects. The historic production from the belt demonstrates that high-grade copper skarns in this setting can support mining operations, though modern economic thresholds may differ from those of the 1967-1982 production era.

The expanded drilling program from 29,000 meters to 48,000 meters reflects the company's growing confidence in the project but also increases exploration expenditures. With four drill rigs currently operating and more than 34,000 meters completed to date in 2025, the company maintains an aggressive pace that should generate substantial newsflow from assay results over the coming months.

Key risks include the inherent uncertainty of exploration drilling, the need to demonstrate economic grades and thicknesses of mineralization, permitting requirements for future development, and commodity price volatility affecting the economic viability of any discoveries. The company's forward-looking statements acknowledge these risks along with the potential that development may not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons.

Conclusion

Gladiator Metals has identified two high-priority drill targets through systematic geophysical surveys at its Whitehorse Copper Project in Yukon Territory. The Great Southern and Doozy targets exhibit geophysical signatures consistent with sulfide mineralization in skarn systems, with drilling scheduled to commence this week to test these interpretations. The company's expanded 48,000 meter drilling program across the 35 kilometer copper belt, supported by funding through end of 2026 and infrastructure advantages including road access and grid power, positions Gladiator to generate substantial exploration newsflow over the coming months as it advances toward a maiden NI 43-101 resource targeted for Q2 2026. For investors, the near-term drilling catalysts at newly identified targets, combined with pending assay results from ongoing drilling at Cowley Park and other prospects, provide multiple opportunities to assess the company's progress in defining the scale and grade of copper mineralization across this historic producing district.