Star Metro - Sterling Metals Commences Phase 2 Drilling and Provides Exploration Update at the Soo Copper Project

Highlights

• A 3,000 metre (m) to 5,000m drill plan has been designed to test the area of interest, defined through Phase 1 drilling, historical drill data and geophysical interpretations.

• Phase 2 testing will focus on four primary target areas (Figure 1):

  • Down-dip extension of the GFP porphyry dyke swarm intersected in the Phase 1 program, where all the MJ-series holes intercepted the GFP porphyry including MJ-01 which returned 359.6m of 0.26% Cu, 0.011% Mo, 0.05g/t Au and 1.4g/t Ag (Figure 2);

  • Near surface expression of the ZTEM resistivity low anomaly believed to represent the feeder system to the GFP porphyry dyke swarm, coinciding with the strongest soil anomalies and outcropping mineralization (Figure 2);

  • Depth extension of the Richards Breccia, where historical returning strong mineralization including, R2301 with 38.63m @ 1.06% Cu, 0.07g/t Au and 3.55g/t Ag, and R2304 with 50.17m @ 0.88% Cu, 4.56g/t Ag and 0.09g/t Au.¹ Notably, GFP porphyry clasts were observed in both holes (see Figure 1 for plan map); and

  • Near surface resistivity lows along the 1.5km corridor, interpreted to be linked to a broader ZTEM resistivity low (Figure 2).

• Three field teams have been mobilized to advance exploration across the broader mineralized system. Despite up to 15m of cover and limited outcrop the teams have:

  • Expanded the copper in soil anomaly along trend to the southwest to over 5km and identified new areas of interest in the north west 3km from the targeted drill area and 5km from the historic Tribag mine (Figure 4);

  • Identified new bornite and chalcopyrite in outcrop ~3km from the targeted drill area in Phase 2 (Figure 5); and

  • Relogged historical core identifying GFP porphyry dyke occurrences in several historical series holes from the 1960s as well as several holes up to 1km from the current area of interest in 1990s series drill holes.

• New geophysical inversions were completed on the 23km² Dias IP/Resistivity survey. The property wide magnetic survey and 23km² drone magnetic survey show a refined model supporting the current hypothesis of the GFP porphyry dyke having multiples "fingers" or splays with promising structural trends within the current target areas that may represent a larger feeder system.

Mathew Wilson, CEO and Director of Sterling Metals commented, "We are set to deliver the longest consecutive drill program this project has seen in decades. Situated in a top ten global mining jurisdiction, 1 hour from Sault St Marie and 20km from rail with direct access to a deep water port, the intangibles of this project allow the Soo Copper Project to stand out in a world of many potentially geologically strong copper projects. In addition, Prime Minister Carney has suggested critical metals infrastructure can count towards future NATO spend commitments. There remains one message in Canada in this new global political environment: we need critical metals, and we need them now."

What makes this story even more compelling is the combination of strong geological potential and exceptional infrastructure: located in a top 10 global mining jurisdiction, just 20 minutes from the Trans-Canada Highway, 20km from a rail line that connects directly to a deep-water port, and less than an hour's drive to that port in Sault Ste. Marie. We're excited to generate steady news flow in the months ahead as we advance the Soo Project."

Figure 1. Soo Copper Phase 2 Drill Plan Map¹

Plan map shows potential drill holes across the ~1.5km x 1km current area of interest. Note drill hole numbers are approximate and subject to change.

Figure 2. MJ Corridor Drill Targets

First three planned holes in the nearly 1.5km corridor tested in the Phase 1 drill program. Targeting will focus on the down dip extension of the GFP porphyry dyke swarms found in the MJ series holes as well as along strike in similar resistivity lows and then targeting the larger resistivity low body from the 2015 ZTEM survey. Note drill hole numbers are approximate and subject to change.

Figure 3. Near Surface Expression of ZTEM

Planned hole targets below a massive magnetite vein, below the lowest resistivity anomaly from the DIAS IP survey and the surface expression and lowest resistivity body of the 2015 ZTEM survey. Note Plan 25-01 on this image is 25-05 in Figure 1.

Figure 4. Regional Soil Map¹

Updated soil sample grid. 2,400 soils are planned for this summer program while over 50 rock samples have been taken in the last 30 days.

Figure 5. Copper Sample Pictures

Outcrop samples SCFS-25-41 and SCFS-25-62 demonstrating bornite and chalcopyrite in mafic volcanics. Drilling to date suggests bornite is primarily present in mafic volcanics when in proximity to pre-mineral porphyry rocks. Samples have been shipped to the lab and assays are pending.

¹ Independent Technical Report entitled "Technical Report on the Copper Road Property", dated April 29, 2024, prepared by Kelly Malcolm, P.Geo., for Sterling Metals Corp.

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 Sterling Metals

Sterling Metals (TSXV: SAG and OTCQB: SAGGF) is a mineral exploration company focused on large scale and high-grade Canadian exploration opportunities. The Company is advancing the 25,000-hectare Copper Road 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.

For more information, please contact:

Sterling Metals Corp.
Mathew Wilson, CEO and Director
Tel: (416) 643-3887
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sterlingmetals.ca

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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.

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O.Lessard--SMC