Property update
250 Southridge NW, Suite 300
Edmonton, AB CANADA T6H 4M9
www.emperormetals.com
Emperor Continues to Define Shallow High-Grade Gold Mineralization
Supporting Conceptual Open-Pit Growth
Edmonton, Alberta , September 9, 2026 – Emperor Metals Inc. (“Emperor”) ( CSE: AUOZ,
OTCQB: EMAUF, FSE: 9NH) is pleased to report results from the latest assay release of its 2026
exploration campaign at the Duquesne West Project. The program comprised 20,479 m of new
drilling and approximately 7,884 m of targeted historical previous unsampled core, generating
more than 28,000 m of combined drilling data to further refine and expand the resource model.
With 1 42,758 m of drilling completed to date, these results represent another significant step
toward Emperor’s objective of advancing the project to a Preliminary Economic Assessment
(PEA) in the near term.
Highlights of Press Release:
• DQ26-52: 24.1 meters (m) grading 2.6 g/t Au
o including 7.1 m of 7.5 g/t Au from 45.2 m: 35 m vertical depth.
• DQ26-53: 14.3 m grading 2.2 g/t Au
o including 4.0 m of 7.4 g/t Au from 50 m: 39 m vertical depth.
• Assay results have now been received for 42 of 66 drill holes or 61% of the 20,479 m
drilled during the 2026 program.
CEO John Florek commented: “It is encouraging to see our exploration strategy continue to
deliver the combination of grade and thickness within the shallow portions of the Duquesne West
deposit that is fundamental to our open- pit development vision. These results reinforce our
strategic objective of defining robust, near-surface mineralization capable of supporting a high-
grade starter pit with favourable stripping ratios. This is another important step in demonstrating
the long-term value and scalability of the project.”
“Our vision is to rapidly grow the project ’s gold inventory through cost -effective, shallow
drilling, where each meter drilled has the potential to efficiently add high -quality ounces. This
approach allows us to systematically expand the conceptual open-pit footprint while maintaining
disciplined exploration expenditures, creating significant value through capital -efficient
resource growth.”
“Such an approach has the potential to enhance project economics by accelerating payback,
improving capital efficiency, and strengthening the foundation for future development decisions.
Importantly, this intercept is located approximately 400 m west from the high- grade interval
reported in our previous news release on July 29th, which returned 21.3 m grading 3.0 g/t Au.
Together, these results demonstrate the continuity of shallow, high- grade mineralization and
further support our strategy of defining a substantial inventory of accessible, high-margin ounces
that could underpin the early years of a future mining operation.”
Exploration Program:
The 2025/2026 program is focused on reinforcing resource continuity, expanding the mineralized
envelope, and delivering wider and more robust high- grade intervals adding to the Duquesne
West’s compelling growth profile (See Figure 1).
Emperor completed its 2026 exploration program on budget, drilling 66 holes totaling 20,479 m.
To date, assay results have been reported for approximately 12,521 m, representing 42 of 66 holes
(roughly 61% of total program drilling). When incorporating the broader program, which includes
7,884 m of unsampled historical core, only approximately 45% of total expected assays have been
reported, leaving a substantial portion of results still to come.
This drilling program continues to deliver robust gold intercepts, demonstrating the abundance
of gold mineralization while further expanding the known extent of the deposit. 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.
Notable intercepts reported during this season’s drilling include:
Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval
(m) Au (g/t Au)
DQ26-20 402.7 417.7 15.0 61.5
DQ26-45 478.3 514.2 35.9 3.1
DQ26-46 436.9 457.0 20.1 5.0
DQ26-43 64.9 86.7 21.3 3.0
DQ25-01 155.1 262.8 107.7 0.5
Table 1: Notable Drill Intercepts Reported to Date from the 2025/ 2026 Drill Program (See
Previous Press Releases).
DQ26-52: This hole was designed to better define mineralized zones and structural controls that
are now interpreted to be more robust and continuous than previously recognized ( See Figure 1
and 2). Emperor’s systematic infill drilling is improving the geological model and confidence in
these lenses. In addition to identifying opportunities to expand mineralization, this work is
intended to support the conversion of portions of the current Inferred Mineral Resource to the
Indicated category in Emperor’s future NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate update.
Of particular significance, hole DQ26-52, of 24.1 m grading 2.6 g/t Au, is in close proximity to
the previously reported DQ26-33, 34, 35 (see Press Release dated June 2, 2026). Notably, hole
DQ26-34 intersected 9.5 m grading 2.7 g/t Au . The results in DQ26-52 demonstrate increased
mineralized thickness while maintaining comparable grades, further supporting the interpretation
that these gold-bearing lenses exhibit localized structural thickening. This growing understanding
of the deposit geometry reinforces Emperor‘ s belief that significant ounces remain to be added
within the existing mineralized footprint through systematic infill drilling. By better defining
these structurally controlled thickened zones, Emperor believes there is substantial potential to
increase future mineral resources without materially expanding the overall deposit footprint.
The core sample in Image 1 and 2 displays replacement-style mineralized lenses in contact with
mineralized QFP. The core highlights wide zones of intense alteration and pervasive gold
mineralization, illustrating the strong continuity and robust thickness of the system.
What’s Next
Emperor continues to receive assay results from the completed 2025/2026 exploration program.
Remaining results, including assays from historical core resampling, will be incorporated into
Emperor’s ongoing geological interpretation and resource modelling.
Emperor is also advancing toward a future PEA with an updated 43-101 for Duquesne West,
with the updated geological model expected to help inform the timing of this milestone.
Figure 1: Location of Drillholes Released in this Press Release.
Figure 2: Long Section line from Figure 1 showing current drillholes in this release as well as
the 3 drill holes from our 2023 drill program that highlights the expansion potential of the area.
Image 1: This zone highlights mineralized quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) in sharp contact with an
altered mafic volcanic host rock in DQ26-52. The image illustrates replacement-style minerlization in the
mafic volcanics and continuous gold mineralization between the two lithological units , forming a
substantial mineralized lense. The entire zone returned 24.1 m grading 2.6 g/t Au , underscoring
the strong thickness, structural continuity, and high intensity of mineralization near the surface
as the deposit continues to expand. Shown is the interval between 66.4 to 67.4, which returned
1.0 meter grading 37.9 g/t Au.
Image 2: Close up select zone of DQ26-52 which returned 37.9 g/t Au from 66.36 m to 67.36
m shown in Image 1; See red box in Image 1 for location, and Table 2 and 3 for intercepts.
Hole No. From m To m Interval m Au (g/t Au)
DQ26-52 45.2 69.4 24.1 2.6
DQ26-53 50.0 64.3 14.3 2.2
DQ26-53 93.2 96.2 3.0 0.7
DQ26-24 178.7 186.2 7.5 0.5
DQ26-24 209.2 210.6 1.5 2.7
DQ26-24 229.2 237.1 7.9 0.6
DQ26-54 63.8 64.8 1.0 1.6
DQ26-54 109.5 113.5 4.0 0.7
1Estimated 70-90% True Thickness
Table 2: 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.
Hole No. From m To m Interval m Au (g/t Au)
DQ26-52 45.2 46.2 1.0 0.4
DQ26-52 46.2 47.2 1.0 3.6
DQ26-52 47.2 48.2 1.0 0.2
DQ26-52 48.2 49.2 1.0 0.7
DQ26-52 49.2 50.2 1.0 0.0
DQ26-52 50.2 51.2 1.0 0.4
DQ26-52 51.2 52.2 1.0 0.6
DQ26-52 52.2 53.2 1.0 1.1
DQ26-52 53.2 54.2 1.0 0.8
Hole No. From m To m Interval m Au (g/t Au)
DQ26-52 54.2 55.2 1.0 0.8
DQ26-52 55.2 56.2 1.0 0.1
DQ26-52 56.2 57.2 1.0 0.2
DQ26-52 57.2 58.2 1.0 0.3
DQ26-52 58.2 59.2 1.0 0.2
DQ26-52 59.2 60.2 1.0 0.1
DQ26-52 60.2 61.2 1.0 0.3
DQ26-52 61.2 62.2 1.0 0.1
DQ26-52 62.2 63.6 1.3 0.6
DQ26-52 63.6 64.9 1.3 1.0
DQ26-52 64.9 66.4 1.5 2.5
DQ26-52 66.4 67.4 1.0 37.9
DQ26-52 67.4 68.4 1.0 9.0
DQ26-52 68.4 69.4 1.0 0.8
1Estimated = 80% to 90% True Thickness
Table 3: Highlights the overall mineralized intercept of near-surface gold at DQ26-52.
Hole No. % Reported Total Depth
DQ26-52 100 90
DQ26-53 100 132
DQ26-54 100 144
DQ26-24 100 270
Table 4: Table of Assays Reported for Drill Holes Included in This Release.
Quality Assurance and Control
The Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA /QC) 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.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control 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 9, 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 Duparquet 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.
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., Geologue
Restrictif Temporaire OQLF), who is recognized as a Qualified Person under CIM guidelines and
serves as 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 awaiting liability transfer) 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.ca), 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,” “could” or “would.”
Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and