Northisle Reports 2025 Exploration Results and Targets Q4 2026 for Pre-Feasibility Study

• Completed 20,297 metres of drilling across 58 holes, identifying copper-gold mineralization at Cougar target located between Northwest Expo and Red Dog deposits
• Extended West Goodspeed mineralization over 1.2 kilometres of strike length to approximately 280 metres depth
• Targeting Pre-Feasibility Study completion in Q4 2026, following February 2025 PEA results of $2.0 billion NPV (7%) and 29% after-tax IRR
• Added Chief Operating Officer, Vice President Exploration, and Vice President Corporate Development & Investor Relations to executive team
• Hosted British Columbia Minister for Mining and Critical Minerals at site in January 2026, with participation from Quatsino First Nation and District of Port Hardy

Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. (TSXV:NCX, OTCQX:NTCPF) is a Vancouver-based mineral development company focused on the North Island Project near Port Hardy, British Columbia. Through its wholly owned subsidiary North Island Mining Corp., the company holds 100% ownership of over 34,000 hectares of mineral titles along a 50-kilometre belt in the same geological setting as BHP Billiton's former Island Copper Mine. Since 2021, the company has completed resource definition and technical studies on the property.

2025 Exploration Results

The company's 2025 field programme included 9,478 metres of infill drilling, 9,007 metres of exploration drilling, and 1,811 metres of geotechnical drilling. The programme totalled 20,297 metres across 58 holes.

At the Cougar target, drilling identified copper-gold mineralization between the Northwest Expo and Red Dog deposits. Results included 42.0 metres grading 0.31% copper equivalent in hole NW25-40, 29.9 metres grading 0.36% copper equivalent in hole NW25-38, and 29.7 metres grading 0.37% copper equivalent in hole NW25-39. The target is located approximately one kilometre northeast of Northwest Expo. A 2023 drill hole 280 metres west of Cougar had intersected 61.0 metres grading 0.30% copper equivalent.

At West Goodspeed, the 2025 programme included 6,653 metres across 20 holes. Drilling outlined mineralization over 1.2 kilometres of strike length and to approximately 280 metres below surface.

President and CEO Sam Lee stated:

"We continue to build a leading technical and operational team, strengthening our ability to execute our high-growth, value-creation strategy. Our progress is underpinned by strong, respectful partnerships with First Nations and ongoing engagement with Municipal, Provincial, and Federal governments, supporting responsible development, environmental stewardship, and a clear permitting pathway in a stable, low-risk jurisdiction."

Pre-Feasibility Study Progress

The company completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment in February 2025, reporting a net present value of $2.0 billion (7% discount rate) and 29% after-tax internal rate of return at base case prices. The PEA used a staged development approach with a payback period of less than two years. Northisle is now working toward a Pre-Feasibility Study targeted for completion in Q4 2026.

Infill drilling at Northwest Expo and Red Dog is designed to upgrade Inferred Resources to the Indicated category for the PFS. At Northwest Expo, the company completed 9,867 metres across 26 holes, with assay results expected in Q1 2026. At Red Dog, approximately 3,000 metres of infill drilling is ongoing, with assay results expected in Q2 2026.

Environmental baseline studies are in the planning phase, with field work expected to commence in Q1 2026. A geotechnical site investigation programme initiated in October 2025 includes drilling, test pitting, and seismic testing, with completion planned for Q2 2026.

President and CEO Sam Lee stated:

"The objectives we have established for 2026 and beyond are ambitious, achievable, and transformative, and are aligned with the growing demand for responsibly sourced copper, critical to electrification and decarbonization, and gold, a growing critical currency. We believe these qualities position Northisle to deliver meaningful shareholder value, resource growth, and district-scale upside in a premier copper-gold jurisdiction."

2026 Plans

The company plans to complete infill drilling at Red Dog with assay results expected in Q2 2026, followed by an integrated resource update for the North Island Project. Metallurgical test results for the PFS are targeted for Q2 2026. Extension drilling in the Northwest Corridor is planned to commence in Q2 2026.

Regional exploration activities will include follow-up on stream sediment anomalies identified in 2025, advancement of district-scale 3D geological modelling, surface sampling, and targeted drilling at areas including North Hushamu and West Pemberton.

The company has added Alex Davidson and Jill Donaldson to the Board of Directors, appointed Kevin O'Kane as Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Pablo Mejia Herrera as Vice President Exploration, and Brian Ferrey as Vice President Corporate Development & Investor Relations. In January 2026, British Columbia's Minister for Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, visited the site. The visit included discussions with the District of Port Hardy Council and Quatsino First Nation Chief James Nelson.

Next Steps

The company has outlined milestones for 2026 including Northwest Expo assay results in Q1, Red Dog assay results and an integrated resource update in Q2, initiation of engagement on mine waste storage areas in Q3, and completion of the Pre-Feasibility Study in Q4. Additional activities planned for the second half of 2026 include commencement of a BC Hydro System Impact Study and filing of an Initial Project Description.

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