Metallic Minerals' La Plata Project Selected for U.S. DOE Genesis Mission AI Research Initiative Award Funding
TSX.V: MMG | OTCQB: MMNGF | FSE: 9MM1
Metallic Minerals' La Plata Project Selected for U.S. DOE Genesis Mission AI Research Initiative Award Funding
July 2 7, 2026 – VANCOUVER, BC – Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX -V: MMG, OTCQB: MMNGF, FSE: 9MM1)
(“Metallic” or the “ Company”) announces its participation in a U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") supported
research initiative led by the Colorado School of Mines ("Mines") to develop next-generation artificial intelligence
("AI") technologies for critical minerals exploration. The collaborative project, Agentic GeoAI for Precision Mineral
Exploration ("AGAPEX"), is part of the DOE's Genesis Mission, a national initiative that brings together government,
industry, academia and philanthropy to accelerate scientific discovery through artificial intelligence, high -
performance computing and advanced scientific research.
Highlights
• La Plata selected as one of two initial test systems for the development and validation of next-
generation AI-assisted exploration technologies, representing an alkalic polymetallic porphyry case
against a conventional calc-alkaline porphyry benchmark in the Arizona Copper Triangle.
• The AGAPEX project was selected as one of 278 awards under the DOE's Genesis Mission, which DOE
reports generated the largest response to a funding opportunity in its history, with more than 5,000
applications received.
• The AGAPEX project is led by Dr. Sebnem Düzgün, Fred Banfield Distinguished Endowed Chair in Mining
Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, with project partners including the U.S. Department of
Energy's National Laboratory of the Rockies ("NLR"), formerly the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, the Colorado Geological Survey, and Metallic Minerals, represented by Scott Petsel,
President, and Regina Molloy, Vice President Exploration.
• Objective is to develop AI-enabled exploration tools that improve targeting efficiency, reduce geological
uncertainty and optimize the allocation of exploration capital.
• Extends Metallic's use of advanced data analytics in exploration, building on the Company's prior AI-
based target generation work and the multi-element re-analysis and re-logging of the La Plata dataset.
• Technologies developed through the initiative are expected to enhance future exploration programs at
La Plata while contributing to broader advances in AI-driven mineral exploration.
• Provides access to national-scale AI and computing resources through the Genesis Mission Platform,
including AI agent frameworks, advanced AI models and high-performance computing resources across
DOE's National Laboratories.
• Supports growing U.S. strategic initiatives focused on domestic critical mineral supply chains, energy
security and advanced manufacturing.
Metallic Minerals’ La Plata project was selected for the AGAPEX initiative b ased on its district -scale alkalic
polymetallic mineral system, extensive geological, geochemical and geophysical database, and diverse suite of
critical mineral s. This provides an ideal environment to develop and validate next -generation AI -assisted
exploration technologies. Through the project, Metallic will contribute its exploration datasets and geological
expertise while working alongside researchers at Mines, NLR and the Colorado Geological Survey. Initial testing
under AGAPEX will be conducted across two contrasting geol ogical systems: the Arizona Copper Triangle,
representing a calc -alkaline setting, and La Plata, representing a n alkalic system hosting copper, silver, gold,
platinum, palladium and a range of critical mineral co-products currently under study.
AGAPEX seeks to integrate geological knowledge, geoscience datasets, physics-constrained AI, uncertainty analysis
and economic decision-making into a unified exploration workflow designed to improve exploration targeting and
prioritize the highest -value op portunities. Rather than producing a conventional mineral prospectivity map,
AGAPEX is designed to evaluate and rank potential next steps — additional geophysical surveys, geochemical
sampling or drilling — based on the expected reduction in uncertainty relative to their cost.
The initiative comes at a time of increasing U.S. federal emphasis on strengthening domestic critical mineral supply
chains, advancing exploration technologies and securing the materials needed for energy, advanced manufacturing
and national security. Rece nt federal actions have reinforced the strategic importance of identifying and
responsibly developing domestic sources of critical minerals to support long-term U.S. economic and supply chain
resilience.
2
Additional details regarding the AGAPEX project and project milestones will be provided as work progresses.
Colorado School of Mines is internationally recognized for its leadership in mining engineering, earth sciences and
critical minerals research. The collaboration combines the University's expertise in artificial intelligence, mineral
systems and computatio nal geoscience with Metallic's district -scale geological database while further
strengthening the Company's relationship with Colorado School of Mines and supporting innovation, research and
workforce development in Colorado. The initiative is anchored in Colorado, with Mines and NLR both located in
Golden, the Colorado Geological Survey participating as a project partner, and La Plata located within the
southwestern portion of the Colorado Mineral Belt.
"La Plata was selected for this work because of the quality and completeness of the geological, geochemical and
geophysical database we have assembled through years of systematic exploration, and because its alkalic
polymetallic character makes it a demanding test of these new methods," stated Greg Johnson, Chairman & CEO
of Metallic Minerals. "Working alongside Colorado School of Mines, the National Laboratory of the Rockies and
the Colorado Geological Survey gives our technical team access to AI and computing capability well beyond what
a company of our size could develop independently, applied directly to our own dataset s. As the United States
continues to prioritize secure domestic sources of critical minerals and resilient supply chains, we believe projects
with comprehensive geological datasets such as La Plata can play an important role in developing more efficient,
responsible and data-driven exploration methods for these strategically important resources in the US."
About the La Plata Project
La Plata is a district -scale copper -silver-gold-platinum-palladium and associated critical minerals project in
southwestern Colorado. The project's updated 2026 NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate, announced January 26,
2026, comprises an Inferred Mineral Resource of 181.4 million tonnes grading 0.36% copper equivalent, containing
approximately 1.3 billion pounds of copper and 17.0 million ounces of silver, and incorporating platinum, palladium
and gold for the first time within a 45.4 million tonne subset containing 272,000 ounces of platinum group
elements plus gold. Copper equivalent grades are calculate d using the metal prices and metallurgical recoveries
set out in the Company's news release of January 26, 2026 and the related NI 43 -101 technical report filed on
SEDAR+. Additional U.S. government designated critical minerals co-occur with copper mineralization across the
La Plata district including rare earth elements, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, scandium, fluorine and gallium and
are under further study. Together, these attributes provide a well -characterized platform for developing and
evaluating next-generation AI-assisted exploration technologies.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a resource -stage exploration and development company advancing copper, silver and
platinum group elements, along with gold and other associated critical minerals, at the La Plata project in
southwestern Colorado, and high-grade silver, gold, lead and zinc exploration at the Keno Silver project in the Yukon
Territory, adjacent to Hecla Mining's Keno Hill silver operations. The Company is also one of the largest holders of
alluvial gold claims in the Yukon and is building a producti on royalty business through partnerships with
experienced mining operators.
Metallic is led by a team with a strong track record of discovery and exploration success across multiple precious
and base metal deposits in North America and is backed by strategic investment by Newmont Corporation and Eric
Sprott. The Company integrates advanced data analytics into its exploration process to support target generation,
accelerate discovery, and unlock value across its portfolio.
Metallic's project districts have a history of significant mineral production and benefit from existing infrastructure,
including road access and nearby power. The Company's team has been recognized for environmental stewardship
practices and is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development, engaging with Canadian First
Nations, U.S. Tribal Nations and Native Corporations, and with local communities to support long -term project
advancement.
3
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Contact: Daniel McRobert, Corporate Development Manager
Website: metallic-minerals.com Phone: 604-629-7800
Email: [email protected] Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release relating to the La Plata Project mineral
resource estimate and the associated NI 43-101 technical report has been reviewed and approved by Scott Petsel,
M.S., CPG, P .Geo., President of Metallic Minerals Corp., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument
43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Petsel is not independent of the Company. The 2026 La
Plata Mineral Resource Estimate referred to in this news release was prepared by Brian Hartman, M.S., P .Geo. of
SLR USA Advisory Inc., an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain forward -looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements
regarding the Company's participation in the AGAPEX project and the DOE's Genesis Mission, the expected development, performance and
availability of AI-assisted exploration tools and workflows, the anticipated application of those tools to future exploration programs at La
Plata, the advancement of the Company’s projects, the potential for the La Plata project to host or becom e a source of critical minerals,
anticipated demand for critical minerals, the potential for additional porphyry centres and exploration targets, U.S. governm ent policy,
funding and permitting priorities relating to critical minerals, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements
are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that c ould cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or i mplied. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts
including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral reso urces, the
realization of mineral resource estim ates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of
exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting timelines, metal prices and currency exchange
rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, statements a bout
expected results of operations, royalties, cash flows, financial position and future dividends as well as financial position, prospects, and
future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Metallic
Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward -looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements
are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward -looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results,
unsuccessful operations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal
prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks ass ociated with
regulatory changes, defects in title, availabili ty of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment
breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to
remedy same, the risk that metallurgical recovery of copper, precious metals and critical minerals remains subject to ongoing test work and
may not achieve anticipated results, that markets, demand or U.S. government policy for critical minerals may not develop as anticipated,
the risk that the AGAPEX project may be delayed, modified, reduced in scope or not completed, the risk that the DOE award may not be
finalized on the terms currently anticipated, and the risk that AI-assisted exploration tools developed through the initiative may not perform
as expected or may not improve exploration outcomes and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to tim e in the
filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The selection of the AGAPEX project under the Genesis Mission relates to research
funding awarded to Colorado School of Mines and does not constitute an endorsement of the Company, the La Plata project or th e
Company's securities by the U.S. Department of Energy or any other government agency. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that
are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration, development of mines and mining operations
is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward -looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. For more information on Metallic Minerals and the risks and
challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at sedarplus.ca.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Ven ture Exchange)
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.