Metallic Minerals Reports Successful Electrochemical Recovery of 99.9% Pure Copper Metal from La Plata Sulphide Mineralization
TSX.V: MMG | OTCQB: MMNGF
Metallic Minerals Reports Successful Electrochemical Recovery of 99.9% Pure Copper Metal from La Plata
Sulphide Mineralization
February 26, 2026 – Vancouver, BC – Metallic Minerals Corp. (TSX.V: MMG; OTCQB: MMNGF; FSE: 9MM1) (“Metallic”
or the “Company”) is pleased to report initial results from its research collaboration with Columbia University under its
“Mines of the Future” initiative. The study demonstrates the successful electrochemical recovery of high-purity copper
metal directly from sulphide mineralized material at the Company’s La Plata copper -silver-gold-PGE critical minerals
project in southwestern Colorado.
Researchers at Columbia University’s Gadikota Research Group have established proof -of-concept for an ambient -
temperature electrochemical oxidative leaching process applied directly to whole La Plata chalcopyrite -dominant
sulphide material without prior flotation concentration. Chalcopyrite is widely recognized as the most abundant copper
sulphide mineral and one of the more refractory primary copper sulphide phases.
In initial laboratory -scale testing, approximately 70% of the copper contained in sulphide from drill samples was
selectively solubilized within four hours at ambient temperature without prior flotation, roasting, or pressure oxidation.
The dissolved copper was subsequently recovered through controlled electrodeposition, producing 99.9% pure metallic
copper as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Near-complete recovery of copper from solution was achieved during
the electrodeposition step.
Significance of Results
These results demonstrate, for the first time on La Plata mineralized samples, that direct electrochemical oxidative
leaching can effectively dissolve copper from chalcopyrite-dominant sulphide mineralization under mild conditions. This
demonstrates early-stage, laboratory-scale proof-of-concept for a potential electrochemical copper recovery pathway,
where copper may be produced directly via electrowinning rather than through conventional concentrate production
and transport to a smelter.
Importantly, under the leaching conditions employed, silver (Ag), rare earth elements (REEs), platinum group elements
(PGEs), and gold (Au) do not report to the copper solution. Instead, these metals partition into an iron-rich solid residue
formed during the process. This natural metal partitioning enables high -purity copper recovery in a streamlined two -
stage process —leaching followed by electrodeposition —while simulta neously generating a separate iron -REE-PGE
enriched residue for subsequent downstream recovery.
The tests were conducted on mineralized drill core material without prior concentration as an initial feasibility step.
Based on the sulphide mineralogy and established metallurgical principles, the Company anticipates that pre -
concentration of the sulphide fraction through conventional flotation and other upgrading processes could materially
enhance copper recoveries in subsequent optimization work. Achieving approximately 70% leach recovery of copper
under ambient conditions and short reaction times is notable given the chalcopyrite-dominant sulphide mineralization
tested.
The electrochemical system utilizes in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide to promote oxidation of less soluble Cu⁺
species to soluble Cu²⁺, enabling selective dissolution. Following copper electrodeposition, the leaching reagents are
regenerated in situ without additional pre-treatment, supporting a closed-loop system design with potential operating
and capital efficiency benefits.
Platform for Multi-Metal Recovery
Removal of copper from solution represents the first stage of a broader comprehensive mineral valorization strategy
being evaluated with Columbia University. The selective partitioning of REEs, PGEs, silver, and gold into an iron -rich
residue provides a defined secondary feedstock for subsequent recovery of these critical minerals. Ongoing research is
focused on developing selective extraction pathways for REEs, PGEs, and other critical minerals from this iron -rich
residue, representing a second phase of te chnology development and intellectual property advancement. Intellectual
property protection strategies are being evaluated covering these process innovations.
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The Company believes this electrochemical platform may offer the potential to:
• Produce high -purity copper metal directly from sulphide mineralized material via a streamlined two -stage
process;
• Reduce reliance on third-party smelting and associated concentrate transportation and emissions;
• Enable domestic refining of strategic metals and retain more value-added processing within the region;
• Establish a defined pathway for recovery of Ag, PGEs, Au, and REEs from iron-rich residues; and
• Support lower-energy, regenerative processing through reagent recycling and ambient-temperature operation.
Greg Johnson, CEO & Chairman, stated, “These results demonstrate that copper can be selectively dissolved from La
Plata’s chalcopyrite-dominant sulphide mineralization and recovered directly as 99.9% pure metal in a streamlined two-
stage electrochemical process. Importantly, silver, rare earth elements, platinum group metals, and gold remain in an
iron-rich residue, creating a natural partitioning of metals that simplifies downstream recovery pathways.
“As we continue to optimize and expand this work, our objective is to evaluate whether this technology can enhance
overall metal recoveries while supporting a regenerative, lower -energy processing pathway. If successfully advanced,
this approach may enable value-added metal production closer to the source—helping to retain more economic benefits
locally, reduce reliance on high-temperature smelting, and support a more circular and responsible model of resource
development.”
Next Steps
The current results represent laboratory-scale proof-of-concept. Ongoing work is directed toward:
• Optimization of copper recovery through sulphide pre-concentration and refinement of leach parameters;
• Quantification of energy intensity and reagent regeneration efficiency;
• Detailed characterization and mass balance tracking of Ag, Au, PGEs, REEs, and other co -products within the
iron-rich residue;
• Development of selective recovery pathways for REEs, PGEs, and other critical minerals from the residue; and
• Advancement toward pilot-scale validation.
While these results are encouraging, the laboratory-scale results represent an early-stage technical evaluation and do
not constitute a mineral processing study, economic assessment, or development plan. Further engineering and
economic analysis will be required to assess scalability and commercial viability and competitiveness relative to
conventional flotation and smelting routes.
About Metallic Minerals
Metallic Minerals Corp. is a resource -stage exploration and development company advancing copper, silver, gold,
platinum group elements, and other critical minerals at the La Plata project in southwestern Colorado, and high-grade
silver 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 production 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 is committed to responsible and sustainable resource
development, engaging and collaborating with Canadian First Nation groups, U.S. Tribal and Native Corporations, and
local communities to support long-term project advancement.
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Upcoming Events
Metallic’s management team will be attending several upcoming key industry events over the coming months and
welcomes the opportunity to meet with investors and stakeholders:
1. Red Cloud Pre-PDAC 2026 Showcase - Toronto, Canada, February 26-27, 2026.
2. Metals Investor Forum - Toronto, Canada, February 27-28, 2026.
3. PDAC 2026 - Toronto, Canada, March 1-4, 2026.
4. Swiss Mining Institute Conference - Zurich, Switzerland, March 18-19, 2026.
5. SAFE Summit 2026 - Washington, D.C., USA, April 27-28, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Website: metallic-minerals.com Phone: 604-629-7800
Email: [email protected] Toll Free: 1-888-570-4420
Qualified Person
The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding metallurgical testing of samples
from Metallic Minerals’ La Plata property has been reviewed and approved by Scott Petsel, M.S., CPG, P. Geo., President,
Metallic Minerals Corp., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure
for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Mr. Petsel is not independent of the Company.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than
statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation
of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, 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 about 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 associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability 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 and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the
Company with securities regulators. 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. 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 Venture Exchange)
accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.