Star Metro - Aeonian Reports Final Drill Results from Jake Target and Advances District-Scale Copper Exploration Model at Koocanusa

The program provided the first subsurface geological information from Koocanusa and confirmed that prospective Revett-equivalent stratigraphy continues at depth. Although drilling did not identify significant copper-silver intercepts at the locations tested, localized anomalous metal values, alteration and structural features have refined the Company's understanding of the controls on mineralization and established a calibrated framework for future exploration across its approximately 360 km² land package.

Highlights

• Completed the inaugural 1,229 metre, five-hole diamond drill program at the Jake target, representing the first subsurface test of the Koocanusa Project.

• Four follow-up holes totalling 954 metres tested interpreted higher-priority portions of Jake between the surface copper occurrences and the deeper KOO26-01 intersection.

• Confirmed the continuation at depth of prospective Revett-equivalent host rocks and identified alteration and structural zones interpreted to record hydrothermal fluid movement through the sedimentary package.

• Demonstrated that structural architecture and hydrothermal fluid pathways are key controls on copper mineralization.

• Results support the Company's evolving district-scale exploration strategy across 360 km² containing more than 50 km of prospective stratigraphy.

• Future exploration will focus on applying the refined geological model to provide important criteria for ranking future targets across the project area.

"The purpose of this first drill program was not simply to test a single target, but to improve our understanding of an emerging mineral system," said Andy Randell, P.Geo., CEO of Aeonian Resources.

"Although the drilling did not intersect significant copper grades, it successfully achieved its principal objective by calibrating our geological model. We now have a much clearer understanding of the relationship between favourable stratigraphy, structural architecture and hydrothermal fluid flow, providing a stronger framework for ranking future drill targets."

"Perhaps most importantly, Jake has evolved from an exploration target into the geological calibration site for evaluating opportunities across our 360 km² land package. The project is increasingly becoming a regional exploration story, and the knowledge gained through these first five holes will guide every future exploration decision we make."

Drilling Refines Geological Model and Controls on Copper Mineralization

The 2026 drilling program provided the first opportunity to test the subsurface geology at the Jake Target and refine the Company's exploration model developed through the integration of regional geological mapping, airborne geophysics, soil geochemistry, structural analysis and surface sampling.

Figure 1. Jake Target Drill Hole Locations

Figure 2. Jake Target Cross Section

Notes: Reported intervals are drilling length, and the true width of the mineralized intervals has not yet been determined. Drill hole K0026-01 was previously reported on May 5, 2026.

KOO26-01, completed in March 2026, tested the eastern and deeper portion of the Jake Target and confirmed the presence of copper-bearing hydrothermal fluids beneath the zone of surface oxidation (see Company news release dated May 5, 2026). The hole intersected localized structurally controlled quartz-sulphide veining returning up to 607 parts per million ("ppm") copper, 77.7 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver and 6.11 g/t mercury, providing the first direct evidence that mineralizing fluids had migrated through favourable Revett-equivalent stratigraphy (Figures 1, 2).

Subsequent drill holes KOO26-02 through KOO26-05 (see Company news release dated June 17, 2026) were designed to evaluate the continuity of the prospective stratigraphy between the surface copper occurrences and the deeper KOO26-01 intersection, while testing structural settings interpreted as potential fluid pathways and trap sites for copper-silver mineralization (Figures 1, 2).

Although the drilling did not intersect economic copper grades, the complete assay dataset demonstrates that copper mineralization is widespread throughout the targeted stratigraphic sequence rather than being restricted to isolated intervals. Across the five-hole program comprising 944 drill core samples, 71 samples returned greater than 50 ppm copper, including 39 samples exceeding 100 ppm copper, confirming that copper-bearing hydrothermal fluids affected the Revett-equivalent host rocks over a broad vertical extent (Table 1). Elevated mercury and silver values are concentrated within structurally controlled vein zones, while anomalous cobalt occurs more broadly throughout the sequence, further supporting the interpretation of a regionally extensive hydrothermal system.

Table 1. Selected grades from drill holes. * Grades are as per lab assays and not averaged per metre.

Drilling also confirmed the continuation of favourable Revett-equivalent sedimentary units beneath surface at Jake. Widespread bleaching, disseminated sulphides, quartz veining and multiple generations of hydrothermal alteration observed throughout the core demonstrate that the geological processes responsible for transporting and depositing metals operated across much of the targeted stratigraphy.

Perhaps most significantly, the drilling demonstrated that the distribution of anomalous copper is controlled by a more complex interaction of favourable stratigraphy, structural architecture and hydrothermal fluid flow than could be resolved from surface observations alone. Faults, fracture networks and zones of enhanced permeability were encountered more frequently than anticipated and are now interpreted to represent important conduits capable of focusing mineralizing fluids into favourable host rocks

Rather than evaluating Jake as an isolated prospect, the Company now considers it the geological reference point for understanding similar mineralized environments across the broader Koocanusa Project. The knowledge gained through this inaugural drilling program has substantially refined the Company's exploration model and will guide future targeting across more than 350 km² of prospective mineral tenure, where exploration will focus on areas where favourable Revett-equivalent stratigraphy, structural complexity and evidence of hydrothermal fluid flow coincide.

From Individual Prospect to District-Scale Opportunity

The Jake target was selected for the inaugural drill program based on its surface copper occurrences, interpreted structural and stratigraphic setting, advanced permitting and infrastructure. Although the program did not identify significant copper-silver intercepts at the drill locations tested, the geological information gained at Jake is directly applicable to evaluating other targets across the Koocanusa Project.

Koocanusa comprises approximately 360 km² of mineral tenure covering more than 50 kilometres of prospective Revett-equivalent stratigraphy. Exploration has identified numerous copper occurrences and geochemical anomalies across the property, including surface rock samples returning up to 9,832 ppm Cu at Lilo, 5,654 ppm Cu at Frankie, 5,542 ppm Cu at Yahk East, 3,188 ppm Cu and 31.1 g/t Ag at Jake, and 2,912 ppm Cu at Oke Creek (see Company news release dated December 8, 2025).

Rather than viewing Jake as an isolated target, the Company now considers it the geological calibration site for evaluating the broader district. The refined exploration model will be applied across the Company's regional land package to prioritize targets where favourable stratigraphy, structural preparation and hydrothermal fluid pathways coincide.

Next Steps

The Company is now transitioning from initial calibration drilling to regional exploration aimed at refining and prioritizing future drill targets. Planned work includes completion of regional mapping, soil geochemistry, portable XRF screening, prospecting, structural analysis across the broader Koocanusa project area, and integration of geological and geophysical datasets into an updated district-scale exploration model.

Drill Hole Data

Table 2. Drill Hole Locations

Coordinate system used above: WGS84 Zone 11N

Sample Preparation, Analytical Methods and QA/QC

NQ drill core was logged, photographed, marked for sampling and sawn longitudinally, with one-half of the core submitted for analysis and the remaining half retained for reference and future study. Sample lengths were selected to reflect geological boundaries and typically ranged from approximately 0.3 to 1.5 metres.

Samples were submitted to ALS Canada Ltd.'s geochemistry laboratory in North Vancouver, British Columbia, an independent laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards. At ALS, samples were weighed, logged, fine crushed to better than 70% passing 2 mm, riffle split, and pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 µm prior to analysis.

Multi-element geochemical analyses were completed using ALS method ME-MS61, consisting of a four-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS analysis for 48 elements. Mercury analyses were completed separately using ALS method Hg-MS42 by ICP-MS. ALS also conducted internal crushing and pulverizing quality control procedures as part of its laboratory quality assurance program.

Aeonian Resources maintains a comprehensive quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program that includes the regular insertion of certified reference materials, blank samples and field duplicates into the sample stream. Laboratory analytical performance is continuously monitored through the review of internal laboratory quality control samples together with the Company's external QA/QC samples. The Qualified Person has reviewed the QA/QC results associated with this drill program and considers them acceptable for the purposes of the reported analytical results.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Randell, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has verified the data disclosed in this press release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying this information that has been collected. Mr. Randell is not independent of the Company.

About the Koocanusa Project

The Koocanusa Project is a district-scale copper-silver exploration property located in southeastern British Columbia near the Canada-United States border. The project covers approximately 360 km² of prospective ground within the Purcell Basin, a large Proterozoic sedimentary basin known to host stratiform copper-silver mineralization.

Exploration at Koocanusa has focused on identifying conductive stratigraphic horizons and structural trap zones within Revett-equivalent sedimentary units that may host sediment-hosted copper mineralization.

The Koocanusa Project benefits from excellent infrastructure and access, including highway access on three sides of the property and the ability to conduct exploration activities throughout the year.

The current exploration permit allows for drilling activities over a three-year period, providing the Company with flexibility to advance exploration depending on results.

About Aeonian Resources Corp.

Aeonian Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing sediment-hosted copper and critical mineral projects in British Columbia. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, Indigenous engagement, and sound science, Aeonian aims to uncover the next generation of sustainable mineral resources. For additional information, visit the Company's website www.aeonianresources.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF AEONIAN RESOURCES CORP.

"Andy Randell"
Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Sharyn Alexander, Corporate Communications
[email protected]
Telephone: +1 (604) 800 6849

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Aeonian within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specifica nd which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Aeonian's public filings under Aeonian Resources SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca Although Aeonian has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Aeonian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

SOURCE: AEONIAN RESOURCES CORP

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

A.Lavoie--SMC