Smooth ROCK Launches 2026 Exploration Program ON the Giroux Project

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Trading Symbols: TSXV: SMRV US-OTC: SMRVF

SMOOTH ROCK LAUNCHES 2026 EXPLORATION PROGRAM ON THE GIROUX PROJECT

Vancouver, B.C. April 16, 2026 - Smooth Rock Ventures Corp. (“Smooth Rock” or the “Company”)

(TSXV: SMRV; OTC-US: SMRVF) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 exploration program on

the Giroux Project, strategically positioned within Nevada’s prolific Walker Lane shear zone.

The 2026 program is b uilding off the Company’s previously successful exploration programs (see news

release 05-20-2020) that returned up to 1% Ni (Nickel), 23.5 g/t Au (Gold), 7.67% Cu (Copper) and 9.87

g/t Ag (Silver) from three outcrops and an old mine dump , respectively. Historical regional sampling

programs by previous operators further confirmed the property’s merit, with prior geophysical surveys on

the Property, indicating several potential drill targets.

The 2026 Giroux exploration program will consist of reconnaissance prospecting, detailed geological

mapping, surface trenching, systematic sampling, and the relocation of numerous historical workings. This

reconnaissance program will provide accurate modern data to assist in the planning of an initial drill

program, bringing Giroux one step closer to realizing its resource potential.

"In today’s resurgent natural resource markets, the timing couldn’t be better to re -ignite exploration at

Giroux,” said Michael Ruggles, President & CEO of Smooth Rock. “This property delivered past significant

results, only to be hampered by COVID -19 and prolonged market headwinds forc ing us to pause. Now,

with the multiple high-value minerals at surface, a rich history of past workings, and a premier location

within Nevada’s Walker Lane trend, we are moving decisively to accelerate our exploration programs and

unlock what we believe is a truly exceptional asset."

About the Giroux Property

The Giroux Project consists of 12 patented claims and 36 unpatented mining claims covering a combined

area of 390 hectares (965 acres), located 60 miles south southeast of Hawthorne, Nevada less than 1 mile

off a main state highway with easily accessible year-round access.

At its core sits the past producing Giroux Mine, documented as one of only two high grade nickel-producing

mines in Nevada’s history, with reported production dating to the late 1800s (Mining Districts and Mineral

Resources of Nevada, Lincoln, 1923). Historical production of copper, silver, gold, zinc, and barite also

exist on the property. The Giroux property contains numerous historical workings , including multi-level

vertical shafts, adits at multiple sub-levels, open pits, and existing road infrastructure.

Seven miles east from the Giroux Project, along the same geological trend and in similar host rock is the

past producing Candelaria Mine, historically one of the largest open -pit silver mines in the history of

Nevada, producing silver, gold, zinc, copper, lead antimony, and barite. The Giroux Project is located near

past producing mines such as Marietta, Moho, Camp Douglas and Candelaria. The property has been

privately held throughout its history. There are no work commitments subject to any portion of the property.

The scientific and technical content and interpretations contained in this news release have been reviewed,

verified and approved by Gregory C. Ferdock, M.Sc., Q.P., C.P.G., a consultant of the Company, and an

independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Smooth Rock Ventures Corp.

Smooth Rock Ventures Corp. is a US-based exploration-stage company engaged in the acquisition and

exploration of mineral properties, primarily in the prolific Walker Lane trend, in Nevada. The Company

flagship asset is an 100% undivided interest in the Palmetto Gold Project, consisting of 116 unpatented

mining claims totalling 2217 acres in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant

mineral resource estimation (WSP Canada Inc . McCraken 10-15-2020). Palmetto has benefitted from

significant exploration by several major operators over the years, including, Newmont Gold, Phelps Dodge

Corp, Romarco Minerals, and most recently by ML Gold Corp. The initial “Discovery Hole” was drilled

by Phelps Dodge in 1988, with bonanza gold -silver veins subsequently drilled by Romarco Minerals

between 1997 and 2002.

For more information, visit www.smoothrockventures.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Michael Ruggles CEO & Director

Tel: 604 997-3369

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.smoothrockventures.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the

TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain “forward -looking information” and “forward -looking statements” (collectively

“forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than

statements of historical fact, included herein, are forward -looking statements. Forward -looking statements are

frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”,

“potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or stat ements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”,

“could”, or “should” occur or be achieved There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate

and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward -

looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based

upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject

to significant business, economic, competitive, political, social and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. Many

factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different

from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward -looking

statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such

factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration,

continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should

not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning

these items. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward -looking statements of beliefs,

opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.