Expanding High Grade Mineralisation at Cub East Discovery
Gladiator Intersects 22m @ 4.24% Cu + 2.16 g/t
Au within 36m @ 2.68% Cu + 1.35 g/t Au
Expanding High Grade Mineralisation at Cub
East Discovery
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2026) -
Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV: GLAD)
(OTCQB: GDTRF) (FSE: ZX7) ("Gladiator" or the "Company")
is excited to announce the latest
assay results from Cub East, confirming exceptional high-grade copper, gold, and silver mineralization
across multiple drill holes. Step-out drilling has successfully extended high-grade strike continuity to over
80 metres, solidifying Cub East as a major discovery within the Bear Cub trend.
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Continued high-grade strike continuity confirmed over greater than 80 metres, with 40
metre step-out drilling to the north of the previous sections, returning.
35.9m @ 2.68% Cu, 1.35g/t Au & 19.55g/t Ag from 172.1m
Incl. 21.9m @ 4.24% Cu, 2.16g/t Au & 31.04g/t Ag.
23.43m @ 1.36% Cu, 0.59g/t Au & 10.37g/t Ag from 159.95m
Incl. 19.05m @ 1.49% Cu, 0.59g/t Au & 10.74g/t Ag.
30m @ 1.32% Cu, 0.50g/t Au & 15.93g/t Ag from 223m
Incl. 15.17m @ 2.32% Cu, 0.86g/t Au & 29.69g/t Ag.
2. Results continue to enhance the scale and grade potential of the system,
which remains
open in all directions
.
Gladiator CEO Jason Bontempo commented:
"These results continue the exciting development of Cub East.
Management believes that with
continuing success, Gladiator is positioned for significant growth, making it an excellent opportunity
for investors looking to capitalize on a rapidly emerging discovery. Drilling at Cub East is actively
targeting large-scale coincident gravity and Induced Polarization (IP) anomalies that stretch for at
least 900 metres, demonstrating the impressive scale and potential of this prospect.
Drilling continues to intersect substantial copper, gold, and silver mineralization, confirming robust
continuity over the known drill extent of 300-metre of strike-and crucially, the system remains open in
all directions. This consistent success in drilling not only points to a strong volume and high-grade
potential but also highlights the largely untapped greater Bear Cub trend, which spans over 1.5
kilometres.
As additional assay results are anticipated from both Cowley and Cub East, Gladiator is poised for a
period filled with significant developments throughout the remainder of 2026. Backed by full funding
and progressing with an ambitious drill program of approximately 45,000 metres, the Company is
strategically positioned to deliver consistent updates, potentially broaden the scale of its discoveries,
management believe if this is achieved, a market re-rating as the larger Whitehorse opportunity
unfolds. The rapid advancement at Cub East highlights its emergence as a key asset in Gladiator's
evolving high-grade copper-gold portfolio.
This compelling potential upside, combined with what have been continuous positive drill results,
positions Gladiator, in management opinion, as a standout in the exploration space. For forward-
looking investors, the current phase of exploration at Cub East offers the opportunity to participate at
an early stage in what could become a major mineral discovery."
SUMMARY
Recently returned assays from Cub East have cemented the Cub East Discovery and proven high-grade
strike continuity over greater than 80m, with the completion of 40m step out drilling.
Three step out holes were completed (BCG-021-023) 40 metres north of the most recent line and
continue to extend and confirm the extent of high tenor mineralization intersecting strong copper-gold-
silver magnetite-skarn mineralization. Results include:
BCG-023: 35.9m @ 2.68% Cu, 1.35 g/t Au & 19.55g/t Ag from 172.1m
Incl. 22m @ 4.24% Cu, 2.16 g/t Au, & 31.04g/t Ag from 172.1m
BCG-021: 22m @ 1.24% Cu, 0.44g/t Au & 9.47g/t Ag from 186m
Incl. 14.0m @ 1.85% Cu, 0.64g/t Au &14.34g/t Ag from 186m,
Incl. 10m @ 2.24% Cu, 0.78g/t Au & 17.78g/t Ag from 188m
BCG-022: 23.43m @ 1.36% Cu, 0.59g/t Au & 10.37g/t Ag from 159.95m
Incl. 19.05m @ 1.49% Cu, 0.59g/t Au, 10.74g/t Ag from 159.95m
Incl. 13.05m @ 1.86% Cu, 0.73g/t Au, 12.8g/t Ag from 159.95m
AND 30m @ 1.32% Cu, 0.50 g/t Au & 15.93 g/t Ag from 223m
Incl.15.17m @ 2.32% Cu, 0.86 g/t Au & 29.69 g/t Ag from 228.83m
previously released sections included:
BCG-018: 28m @ 1.57% Cu, 0.56g/t Au & 16.86g/t Ag from 146m
Incl. 14.60m @ 2.61% Cu, 0.98g/t Au, 28.61g/t Ag from 149.40m,
Plus. 17.2m @ 2.92% Cu, 0.98g/t Au, 20.80g/t Ag from 184.8m
BCG-019: 72m @ 1.14% Cu,0.42g/t Au & 8.03g/t Ag from 134m
Incl. 24.1m @ 1.93% Cu, 0.88g/t Au & 13.29g/t Ag from 181.9m
Incl. 16.1m @ 2.60% Cu, 1.14g/t Au & 18.06g/t Ag from 181m
CUB EAST
Drilling resumed at Cub East in April 2026, and Gladiator has since completed 9 holes for 2,589m
metres, with assay results received for six holes to date (BCG-018 to BCG-023).
Drilling is systematically continuing at Cub East, targeting down-dip and up-dip extensions and along
strike within the currently defined 900m (of strike) coincident gravity and Induced Polarization (IP)
geophysical anomalies.
These results continue to demonstrate the strong volume and grade potential of the recently discovered
Cub East target, while also underscoring the broader, underexplored opportunity across the more than
1.5-kilometre Bear Cub trend. With IP & gravity proving to be an effective targeting tool, additional
drilling in this area remains a high priority for Gladiator.
With this in mind, Gladiator completed a 3D IP survey in Late April 2026 conducted across a 1.5 by
1.5km area at Cub East.
Early interpretations from the 3D IP geophysical survey points to a newly defined, non-linear strike extent
over 900 metres, representing a potentially significant expansion of the mineralized system.
Figure 1:
- Plan map of Black Cub over Drone Aeromagnetic Survey. New drill results from Cub East
subject to this release highlighted in dark yellow. Please note Section Line showing projection of
Figure 2 and 3.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/300090_5f3daefa147aaa57_002full.jpg
Figure 2:
Section (C-C') through Cub East (Viewing NNW). Drill results from Cub East subject to this
release highlighted in dark yellow. Refer to Figure 1 above for the location of section.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1930/300090_5f3daefa147aaa57_003full.jpg
Depth
East
North
Dip
Azim
Note
From
To
Interval
(m)
Cu
(%)
Au
(g/t)
Ag
(g/t)
BCG-021
228.60
503,036
6,715,456
-59
228
143.50
149.00
5.50
1.43
0.53
20.38
170.00
174.00
4.00
0.46
0.01
4.75
186.00
208.00
22.00
1.24
0.44
9.47
Incl.
186.00
200.00
14.00
1.85
0.64
14.34
Incl.
188.00
198.00
10.00
2.24
0.78
17.78
BCG-022
303.28
503,007
6,715,428
-59
229
147.20
153.00
5.80
0.23
0.06
2.75
159.95
183.38
23.43
1.36
0.59
10.37
Incl.
159.95
179.00
19.05
1.49
0.59
10.74
Incl.
159.95
173.00
13.05
1.86
0.73
12.80
223.00
253.00
30.00
1.32
0.50
15.93
Incl.
228.83
244.00
15.17
2.32
0.86
29.69
BCG-023
365.67
503,060
6,715,479
-60
222
142.00
162.00
20.00
0.35
0.00
0.16
172.10
208.00
35.90
2.68
1.35
19.55
Incl.
172.10
194.00
21.90
4.24
2.16
31.04
Table 1: Recently returned drill assay results from Cub East Drill holes (BCG-021-023). Note that the quoted Intersections are reported as interval
widths and not true width. True widths of the intersected mineralized skarn system is complex, with different grade distributions present related to
the form of the contact between the granodiorite and sedimentary units as well different vein generations and orientations within the various
intervals.
COWLEY RESOURCE DELINEATION DRILLING
Drilling commenced at Cowley on 20 April. Gladiator plans to complete at least 8,000 metres of drilling
to support resource delineation under Class 3 permit conditions, which allow for greater flexibility and
increased drill density both within and beyond the boundaries of the known mineralized system. Using a
regularly spaced grid, the program will systematically test mineralized zones and support comprehensive
resource definition.
The initial priority is to:
Complete step-out, sectional and infill drilling in areas where high-grade mineralisation may be
incorporated into future resource models; and
Assess near-surface high-grade mineralisation for inclusion in future resource models on both the
southern and northern limbs of the deposit. This work is intended to maximize the shallow resource
potential in areas where drilling directly above the mineralisation has not previously been possible.
Initial results are expected in the coming weeks.
THE WHITEHORSE COPPER PROJECT
The Whitehorse Copper Project is an advanced-stage high grade copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), silver
(Ag) and gold (Au) skarn exploration project in the Yukon Territory, Canada.
Copper mineralization was first discovered in 1897 on the Whitehorse Copper Belt and comprises over
30 copper-related, primarily skarn occurrences covering an area of 35 km long by 5 km wide on the
western margin of Whitehorse City, Yukon.
Exploration and mining development have been carried out intermittently since 1897 with the main
production era lasting between 1967 and 1982 where production from primarily the Little Chief deposit
totalled 267,500,000 pounds copper, 225,000 ounces of gold and 2,838,000 ounces of silver from 10.5
million tons of mineralized material milled (Watson, 1984). The Whitehorse Copper Project is accessible
by numerous access roads and trails located within 2 km of the South Klondike Highway and the Alaska
Highway. An extensive network of historical gravel exploration and haul roads exists throughout the
project area, providing excellent access to the claim package. Access to existing electric power facilities
is available through the main Yukon power grid.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Advanced 35 km long high-grade copper belt.
Located on western margin of infrastructure rich Whitehorse City, Yukon.
Greater than 45,000 m of drilling planned for 2026, focussed initially on near-term high-grade
copper skarn resource prospects including the cornerstone Cowley Prospect, the recently
discovered Cub East Prospect and the significant exploration potential surrounding the Cowley
and Cub East mineralized systems.
Later in the year focus will revert to the known mineralized areas adjacent to previous operating
mines, including the Chiefs and Arctic Chief-Best Chance trends.
Targeting to report maiden high-grade copper NI 43-101 compliant inferred resource(s), in 2026
for Cowley on completion of Class 3 delineation drilling.
The Project area was a previous producer at Little Chief, Arctic Chief, Keewenaw & Black Cub
South and other deposits.
Between 1967-82 Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting, mined 10.5 mt at 1.5% Cu plus 0.75 g/t Au
(Watson P.H. (1984) The Whitehorse Copper Belt - A Compilation. Yukon Geological Survey,
Open File 1984-1).
Key Institutional Investors - Dynamic, Mackenzie, Macquarie Bank and Orimco.
QA / QC
Drilling completed by Gladiator is irregularly spaced to test parts of the mineralized systems, holes are
directionally surveyed utilising a North Seeking Gyro direction tool. Drill collars are subsequently
surveyed utilising a high-accuracy RTK DGPS or DeviSite system. Diamond drilling is usually cased,
then cored utilising HTW diameter before reducing at shallow depth in stable ground to NTW diameter
drill core.
Mineralized quoted intersections are reported as interval widths and not true width. True widths of the
intersected mineralized skarn system is complex making an estimate of the true width unreliable. This is
due to different grade distributions and angle geometries present related to the form or outline of the
contact between the granodiorite and sedimentary units as well different vein paragenesis and
orientations within the various intervals. Where possible, drilling is conducted perpendicular to
interpreted mineralization.
Upon drilling of diamond core, Gladiator undertakes geological logging, marking up of lineal length of the
core, recording core recovery, and Geotech measurements such as RQD's and taking core
photographs.
Based on the geological logging, core is then marked up for sampling with a new sampling ticket that
matches the submitted sample for analysis at the start of the sample interval, the drill core is then cut in
half utilizing a core saw equipped with a diamond saw blade. The core samples are then sent for
analysis and the remaining half core retained for future reference. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)
or known blank material is placed within the sampling sequence at a nominal sampling rate of at least 1
in 20 samples to monitor the Laboratory.
Samples are submitted to the Whitehorse based prep facility of ALS Global Laboratory (Canada).
Samples subject to this release were crushed to 70% less than 2mm before pulverizing to better than
85% passing <75 microns. Assay pulps are then transported by ALS to the Vancouver (Langley) facility
to be analysed. On occasions where the Whitehorse prep facility has reduced capacity to complete
preparation of the samples within a timely manner, samples may be forwarded by ALS Global to their
Langley facility for preparation utilising the same method as described above.
Samples were then analysed by ALS method ME-ICP61 (34 Element Aqua Regia with ICP-MS finish),
with over limits for Cu analysed by method CU-OG62 (Aqua Regia with ICP-MS finish). Au is analysed
by ALS method AU-AA25 (Ore Grade Au 30g Fire Assay AA Finish). As part of this process, Gladiator
also captures the required sampling metadata to potentially utilize the core and analysis for any future
requirements if deemed acceptable. The QA/QC meets the current required standards under reporting
instruments, such as National Instrument 43-101. At this point, Gladiator regards the data collected from
this exercise as reliable for the purposes of identifying future exploration targets and may be used to
inform future drilling and exploration campaigns.
As part of this process, Gladiator also captures the required sampling metadata to potentially utilize the
core and analysis for any future requirements if deemed acceptable. Further drilling will need to be
completed by Gladiator at some stage to confirm the reliability or usability of this data in the future
including but not limited to twinning of reported mineralization. This may be required as Gladiator may
not be able to confirm the accuracy of the stated drill collar location or be able to re-enter the holes to
confirm depths and undertake directional surveys, or that the QA/QC might not meet the current required
standards under reporting instruments, such as National Instrument 43-101. At this point, the Company is
treating the data collected from this exercise as reliable for the purposes of identifying future exploration
targets and may be used to inform future drilling and exploration campaigns.
References:
Watson P.H. (1984) The Whitehorse Copper Belt - A Compilation. Yukon Geological Survey, Open File
1984-1.(
https://data.geology.gov.yk.ca/Reference/42011#InfoTab
)
Tenney D. (1981) - The Whitehorse Copper Belt: Mining, Exploration and Geology (1967-1980).
(
https://ia800602.us.archive.org/7/items/whitehorsecopper00tenn/whitehorsecopper00tenn.pdf
)
Qualified Person
All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared or reviewed and
approved by Kell Nielsen, the Company's Vice President Exploration, a "qualified person" as defined by
NI 43-101.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"
Jason Bontempo
"
Jason Bontempo
Director and CEO
For further information please contact:
+1 778 726 3356
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