Duquesne West Project update
250 Southridge NW, Suite 300
Edmonton, AB CANADA T6H 4M9
Emperor Metals Returns 15.0 Meters of 61.5 g/t Gold Including 2.4 Meters
of 369.6 g/t Gold
Visible gold observed in multiple zones within the intercept.
Edmonton, Alberta, June 16, 2026 – Emperor Metals Inc. (“Emperor”) (CSE: AUOZ, OTCQB:
EMAUF, FSE: 9NH) is pleased to report on the recent assay release of high-grade gold in DQ26-
20 as well as progress of its 2026 exploration campaign at its Duquesne West Project, integrating
+15,000 meters of new drilling with 8,000 meters of targeted resampling of historical core ;
together contributing an additional 23,000 meter s of data to refine and expand the current
geological model.
Image 1: Representative image of the mineralized zone showing visible gold (VG) intersected in
DQ26-20 at a down-hole depth of 405.7 meters (Approximately 380 m vertical depth), which
returned 15.0 meters grading 61.5 g/t Au (402.7 to 417.7 m). In Conceptual Open Pit
Environment.
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Highlights and Overview:
• High-grade gold intercepts continue to demonstrate the project's strong potential for
rapid resource growth, supporting Emperor 's vision of advancing the conceptual Main
Pit toward a multi-million-ounce gold deposit. Recent drilling has returned assay results,
including 15.0 meters (m) grading 61.5 g/t Au (see Table 1 and 2), while Emperor
continues to intersect visible gold in multiple drill holes, consistent with observations
reported in previous news releases and reinforcing confidence in the continuity and
strength of the mineralizing system.
• Ongoing drilling continues to expand the deposit footprint eastward within the
conceptual Phase 1 open pit area, located east of the conceptual Main Pit. Drill hole
DQ26-36 intersected 1.5 m grading 7.9 g/t Au and 28.0 m grading 0.5 g/t Au (see
Table 2), highlighting the potential for both higher -grade mineralization and broader
low-grade bulk-tonnage material. These results have the potential to improve the overall
stripping ratio and enhance project economics under a future open-pit mining scenario.
CEO John Florek commented: “The occurrence of visible gold, an aspect we believe remains
among the least understood yet potentially most significant component of the evolving Duquesne
West story, is underscored by the intercept of 15.0 meters grading 61.5 g/t Au . As we continue
to define and expand the deposit, the importance of these visible gold occurrences may become
increasingly apparent, with the potential to deliver substantial upside to project economics in
both open-pit and underground mining scenarios.
Previously reported intercepts this year of 35.0 meters grading 3.1 g/t Au and 107.7 meters
grading 0.5 g/t Au further demonstrate the potential for significant bulk-tonnage mineralization.
Such mineralization could contribute to lower stripping ratios, improved mining flexibility, and
enhanced overall project economics.
Collectively, these results not only reinforce the potential for robust grades within a growing
mineralized system (as also witnessed in our last phase of drilling DQ24-12 of 21.7 m of 35.2 g/t
Au) but also highlights the scale and continuity of mineralization emerging at Duquesne West.
Importantly, these results represent only the beginning of our current exploration campaign, with
considerable opportunity remaining to further expand and strengthen the deposit.”
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Figure 1: Long- section of mineralized domain with pierce point of drill hole DQ26-20 (Star)
and others key intercepts. Star highlights an intercept grading 15.0 meters grading 61.5 g/t Au
within a broader halo of lower grade mineralization giving a zone thickness of 35.8 m grading
26.0 g/t Au . The image also outlines the key structural plunge trends that continue to guide
exploration targeting and drilling success across the deposit.
Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t Au)
DQ26-20 402.7 404.2 1.5 3.7
Main Pit 404.2 405.7 1.4 557.5
405.7 406.7 1.0 100.9
406.7 407.7 1.0 3.6
407.7 408.7 1.0 2.7
408.7 409.7 1.0 4.1
409.7 410.7 1.1 5.4
410.7 411.7 1.0 0.3
411.7 412.7 1.0 0.4
412.7 413.7 1.0 1.3
413.7 414.7 1.0 0.0
414.7 415.7 1.0 0.5
415.7 416.7 1.0 0.3
416.7 417.7 1.0 0.4
Table 1: Displaying full intercept of DQ26-20; Notice how intercept is surrounded by lower-grade
material. The sub- gram material extends for a total thickness of 35.8 m grading 26.0 g/t Au (not
shown in table).
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Discussion
Assay results received to date represent 18 of the 49 holes drilled so far, accounting for roughly
50% of the current drilling program and only about 33% of the total assays expected from the
broader 2025–2026 exploration season, including ongoing drilling and historical core resampling.
Results have been reported for approximately 7,829 meters to date, while Emperor has
successfully completed around 15,700 meters of drilling and remains well below budget for the
work completed.
As we continue to expand the deposit footprint along strike and at depth, we are also enhancing
the opportunity within the existing mineralized envelope by demonstrating increased thickness
and grade. By systematically targeting the key poorly drilled structural controls of the deposit,
we continue to build ounces and unlock additional growth potential across the project (see Figure
1,2).
The spatial relationship between these high- grade zones and the surrounding bulk- tonnage
domains highlights the potential for a robust and scalable mining operation, where near -surface
mineralization may support a conceptual open-pit development, while deeper high-grade shoots
present compelling opportunities for future underground extraction. These relationships are seen
in other active mining operations of similar deposits with both open-pit and underground potential
(i.e. Detour Lake Gold, Hemlo Mines, and Canadian Malartic).
DQ26-20 continues to demonstrate that we intersect multiple high -grade gold lenses in this
deposit. This is occurring in a broader lower-grade deposit. The hole is located approximately
35 meters down plunge of Santa- Fe Canadian Mining Inc 1995 drill hole DQ 95-21, which
intersected 16.0 meters grading 20.9 g/t Au, returned a threefold increase in grade with similar
thickness, highlighted by 15.0 meters grading 61.5 g/t Au.
These results support the continuity and expansion potential of the high-grade system within the
open pit envi ronment and at depth while reinforcing the broader bulk -tonnage opportunity.
Importantly, the identification of free gold within the system further enhances the project’s upside
potential, representing a characteristic that had not previously been recognized or systematically
targeted.
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Figure 2: Location of Drillholes Released in this Press Release.
Table 2 below highlights the key intercepts from each drill hole reported in this press release.
The areas surrounding these intercepts remain largely underexplored and warrant substantial
follow-up drilling to further evaluate their expansion potential.
Table 2: Table of Key Intercepts.
Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t Au)
DQ26-201 158.4 159.6 1.2 0.6
Main Pit
183.4 187.4 4.0 0.5
290.5 291.5 1.0 2.2
310.7 314.7 4.0 1.2
341.6 343.6 2.0 0.8
365.5 369.5 4.0 0.6
372.5 374.5 2.0 0.5
390.0 425.7 35.8 25.9
including 402.7 417.7 15.0 61.5
450.9 456.0 5.1 2.1
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Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t Au)
DQ26-361 121.0 122.5 1.5 7.9
PH1. E Main Pit
152.7 180.7 28.0 0.5
including 157.7 162.7 5.0 1.0
1Estimated 70% to 90% True Thickness
Key Intercepts for Follow-Up
Table 3: Table of Assays Reported for Drill Holes Included in This Release.
Hole No. % Reported Total
Depth
DQ26-20 100% 531
DQ26-36 100% 183
Quality Assurance and Control
The Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) was conducted by Technominex, a
geological contractor hired by Emperor, which adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines for
exploration related activities conducted at its facility in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec. The QA/QC
procedures are overseen by a Qualified Person on site.
Emperor QA/QC protocols are maintained through the insertion of certified reference material
(standards), blanks and lab duplicates within the sample stream totaling approximately one
QA/QC sample per 7 samples. Drill core is cut in-half with a diamond saw, with one-half placed
in sealed bags with appropriate tags and shipped to either the SGS Val D’Or, Quebec or MSALabs
in Val D’Or, Quebec and the other half retained on site in the original core box. For SGS labs, a
dispatch list consists of 88 or 176 samples along with their corresponding QA/QC samples for a
single batch. This allows complete batches (88 samples) for fire assay. A file for sample tracking
records tags used and weights of sample bags shipped to the SGS Val D’Or. Shipment is done by
Manitoulin Transport and coordination by Technominex staff in Rouyn-Noranda
The third-party laboratory, SGS prep laboratory in Val D’Or Quebec, processes the shipment of
samples using standard sample preparation (code PRP92) and produces pulps from the specified
samples. The pulps are then sent off to SGS Burnaby for analysis. Chain of custody is maintained
from the drill to the submittal into the laboratory preparation facility all the way to analysis at the
SGS Burnaby B.C. laboratory.
Analytical testing is performed by SGS laboratories in Burnaby, British Columbia. The entire
sample is crushed to 90% passing 2mm, with a split of 500g pulverized to 85% passing 75
microns. Samples are then analyzed using Au - ore grade 50g Fire Assay, ICP-AES with reporting
limits of 0.01 - 100 part per million (ppm). High grade gold analysis based on the presence of
visible gold or a fire assay result exceeding 100 ppm, are analyzed by Au - metallic screening,
1kg screened to 106μm, 50g fire assay, gravimetric, AAS or ICP-AES of entire plus fraction and
duplicate analysis of minus fraction. Reporting limit 0.01ppm.
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Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) for MSALabs
Samples are submitted to MSALABS’ analytical facility in Val- d’Or, Quebec, for preparation
and gold analysis. Samples are dried and crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, and an approximately
500 g aliquot is analyzed using Chrysos PhotonAssay™ technology. This method uses high-
energy X-ray excitation with gamma detection to provide a rapid, non- destructive measurement
of gold content on a larger, more representative sample mass.
Emperor QA/QC protocols are maintained through the insertion of certified reference material
(standards), blanks and lab duplicates within the sample stream totaling approximately one
QA/QC sample per 7 samples. Drill core is cut in-half with a diamond saw, with one-half placed
in sealed bags with appropriate tags and shipped to MSALabs in Val D’Or and the other half
retained on site in the original core box. A file for sample tracking records tags used and weights
of sample bags shipped to MSALabs in Val D’Or Quebec.
MSALABS is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory and implements rigorous internal quality
control procedures. These include the systematic insertion of certified reference materials
(CRMs), blanks, and duplicates at defined intervals throughout the analytical process to monitor
accuracy, precision, and potential contamination.
About the Duquesne West Gold Project
The Duquesne West Gold Property is located 32 km northwest of the city of Rouyn-Noranda and
10 km east of the town of Duparquet. The property lies within the historic Duparquet gold mining
camp in the southern portion of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt in the Superior Province.
Emperor is targeting a multi- million-ounce gold resource at Duquesne West through a
combination of conceptual open- pit and underground mining scenarios. The Property currently
hosts an updated inferred mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 26.9 million tonnes (Mt)
containing 1.46 million ounces (Moz) of gold at an average grade of 1.69 g/t Au (See Press
Release dated July 09, 2025, available on SEDAR+ ). The s ensitivity table in the MRE shows
various grade scenarios for a higher-grade open pit for an underground mining scenario.
Under an Option Agreement, Emperor agreed to acquire a one hundred percent (100%) interest in
a mineral claim package comprising 38 claims covering approximately 1,389 ha, located in the
Duparquet Township of Quebec (the “Duquesne West Property”) from Dupa rquet Assets Ltd., a
50% owned subsidiary of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (GMX -TSX). For further information
on the Duquesne West Property and Option Agreement, see Emperor’s press release dated October
12, 2022, available on SEDAR+.
A reinterpretation of the existing geological model was created using AI and Machine Learning.
This model shows the opportunity for additional discovery of ounces by revealing gold trends
unknown to previous workers and the potential to expand the resource along significant gold-
endowed structural zones.
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QP Disclosure
The technical content pertaining to the Duquesne West Project in this news release has been
reviewed and approved by John Labrecque, Vice President of Emperor (B.Sc., P.Geol., OQLF),
who is recognized as a Qualified Person under CIM guidelines and serves a s a consultant to
Emperor.
About Emperor Metals Inc.
Emperor Metals Inc. is a high- grade gold exploration and development junior mining company
focused on Quebec’s Southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt, leveraging AI -driven exploration
techniques. Emperor is dedicated to unlocking the substantial resource potential of the Duquesne
West Gold Project and the Lac Pelletier Project (currently under purchase agreement) both
situated in this Tier 1 mining district.
Emperor is led by a dynamic group of resource sector professionals who have a strong record of
success in evaluating and advancing mining projects from exploration through to production,
attracting capital and overcoming adversity to deliver shareholder value. For more information,
please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com), under Emperor’s profile.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
s/ “John Florek”
John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol
President, CEO and Director
Emperor Metals Inc.
Contact
John Florek
President/CEO
T: (807) 228-3531
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved the content of this press release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute “forward -looking information” and
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation.
These statements and information are based on facts currently available to Emperor and there is no assurance that the
actual results will meet management’s expectations. Forward -looking statements and information may be identified
by such terms as “anticipates,” “believes,” “targets,” “estimates,” “plans,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “cou ld” or
“would.”
Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding,
among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates,
metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating
costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other
matters. While Emperor considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward- looking statements
and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such
statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. Emperor does not undertake
to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.