Rio Silver Highlights High-Grade Silver up to 6.26 g/t Au and 991 g/t Ag (28.9 oz per metric tonne) over 0.70 metres at Maria Norte and Advances a Clear Near- Term Development Path in Peru NI 43-101 Work Confirms High-Grade Epithermal Silver System, Favorable Metallurgy, Existing Infrastructure, and
Rio Silver Highlights High-Grade Silver up to 6.26 g/t Au and 991 g/t Ag (28.9 oz
per metric tonne) over 0.70 metres at Maria Norte and Advances a Clear Near-
Term Development Path in Peru
NI 43-101 Work Confirms High-Grade Epithermal Silver System, Favorable Metallurgy, Existing Infrastructure, and
Strong Community Engagement in Huachocolpa District
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 06, 2026 -- Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) (“Rio Silver” or the
“Company”) is pleased to provide an update on its Maria Norte gold-silver-lead-zinc Project in central Peru, following the
completion of recent technical work and site activities conducted in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The results
confirm the presence of high-grade silver mineralization, favorable geological and metallurgical characteristics, and a clear
pathway toward near-term development within one of Peru’s most prolific silver districts.
Figure 1: Maria Norte Silver Project – NI 43-101 Verification Sampling Locations
Map outlining concession boundaries and surface verification sampling locations at Rio Silver’s Maria Norte high-grade silver
project in central Peru.
High-Grade Silver Confirmed by Verification Sampling
As part of the independent National Instrument 43-101 review, verification sampling was conducted by James A. McCrea,
P.Geo., the independent author of the NI 43-101 Technical Report, during a site visit to the Maria Norte Project in June 2025.
Sampling targeted surface vein exposures and historic waste material and returned high-grade silver values, including:
• 869 g/t silver, with associated lead and zinc, from a 0.5-metre surface vein channel sample
• 991 g/t silver from a 0.7-metre surface vein channel sample
• 396 g/t silver from a historic waste dump grab sample
Sample
Sample
Type
Width
(m)
Au
(g/t)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
Pb
(%)
Zn
(%) Location
9623 Grab - 2.194 396 0.276 1.430 0.565 Waste dump
9624 Chip 0.5 1.679 869 0.310 17.310 10.170 Outcrop
9625 Chip 0.4 0.868 68.8 0.300 0.563 0.819 Outcrop
9626 Chip 0.7 6.263 991 0.612 2.350 0.357 Outcrop
Table 1: Maria Norte Verification Sampling Results (NI 43-101)*
*Verification sampling returned silver values ranging from 396 g/t Ag to 991 g/t Ag, with associated lead, zinc, and localized
gold values. These results confirm the presence of high-grade silver mineralization at surface, consistent with historical
sampling by previous operators and characteristic of low-sulphidation epithermal vein systems common to the Huachocolpa
District.
A total of four (4) verification samples were collected, consisting of three (3) chip samples from surface vein outcrops and one
(1) grab sample from a historic waste dump, with chip sample widths ranging from approximately 0.4 metres to 0.7 metres. All
samples were bagged, labelled, and sealed in the field using single-use security ties, transported by the author to Lima, Peru,
and analyzed by Certimin S.A., an ISO 9001–certified laboratory located in the Santiago de Surco municipality of Lima.
No additional quality control samples (blanks, standards, or duplicates) were inserted due to the limited number of samples
collected, which the author considered appropriate for the exploration stage of the project. James A. McCrea, P.Geo.
concluded that the sampling methods, sample handling, preparation, and analytical procedures are adequate for data
verification purposes, and that the results are representative of the surface mineralization observed at Maria Norte.
CEO Comment
“The confirmation of high-grade silver at Maria Norte reinforces what initially attracted us to this project,” said Chris
Verrico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Silver. “These are good grades in a district known for long-life
silver production, and as our team continues work on the ground, we are seeing encouraging geological indications that
suggest the system may extend beyond what is currently exposed. Combined with existing infrastructure, favorable
metallurgy, and strong community engagement, we believe Maria Norte offers a compelling opportunity to advance
toward development while continuing to unlock further upside.”
Proven Geological Setting in a Renowned Silver District
Maria Norte is situated within the Miocene polymetallic belt of central Peru, a region that has supported decades of silver
production from structurally controlled epithermal vein systems. Mineralization at Maria Norte occurs within quartz-sulphide
veins and breccias, hosting silver-dominant mineralization with associated lead, zinc, and local gold values.
Mapping and structural interpretation indicate that mineralization is controlled by a well-defined vein corridor with favorable
geometry for continuity along strike and at depth. This geological setting mirrors other productive operations in the district and
supports the Company’s development-focused exploration strategy.
Infrastructure, Metallurgy, and Development Readiness
Historic metallurgical test work reviewed by the Company indicates that mineralization at Maria Norte responds to conventional
flotation methods. Combined with the project’s location within a well-established mining district, this supports a development
approach that emphasizes efficiency and capital discipline.
Key advantages at Maria Norte include:
• Favorable Metallurgy: Historic test work indicates amenability to conventional flotation processes.
• Established Infrastructure: Road access and operating processing facilities are located approximately 11 kilometers
from the project.
• Reduced Capital Intensity: Proximity to existing mills has the potential to lower upfront capital requirements, shorten
development timelines and reduce exposure to environmental costs related to mill operation.
• Experienced Mining District: Maria Norte is located within one of Peru’s longest-producing silver regions, which has a
well-established, supportive mining culture, and experienced local workforce.
Following the recent approval of the Maria Norte acquisition, Rio Silver has advanced boots-on-the-ground activities, including
site access planning, infrastructure assessments, and early permitting preparations. In parallel, the Company continues
constructive engagement with local community leaders, building on a foundation of cooperation in one of Peru’s most
established and supportive mining regions.
Positioned for Near-Term Development
Rio Silver’s strategy at Maria Norte is focused on advancing accessible, high-grade mineralization through staged development
while continuing exploration to expand the known system. Under Peru’s established exploration and exploitation framework,
development activities can progress alongside exploration, allowing the Company to advance the project efficiently and
responsibly.
Management believes that the combination of verified high-grade silver, nearby processing capacity, and an experienced in-
country team places near-term development firmly within the Company’s strategic horizon, subject to continued technical
success and permitting.
Next Steps
• Advance Development Planning at Maria Norte: Continue site preparation activities, infrastructure assessments,
and permitting work in support of staged underground access targeting accessible high-grade silver mineralization.
• Expand Geological Understanding of the System: Complete detailed mapping, channel sampling, and geophysical
surveys to refine priority targets and assess continuity along strike and at depth within the known vein corridor.
• Progress Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain active dialogue with local communities and
stakeholders to finalize access agreements and support responsible development as work programs advance.
• Parallel Metallurgical Work at Santa Rita: Advance ongoing metallurgical test work to better understand mineral
processing characteristics while technical evaluations and project integration continue.
Why This Matters to Investors
As global silver markets continue to experience structural supply deficits, projects capable of advancing high-grade silver
toward development are scarce. Maria Norte stands out due to its verified grades, district-scale setting, proximity to operating
mills, and disciplined development strategy. With key technical milestones achieved and field activities advancing, Rio Silver
believes it is well positioned to deliver continued progress and value creation for all stakeholders as the silver cycle unfolds.
Data Verification and Qualified Persons
The author’s verification samples were sent to Certimin S.A. laboratories in the Santiago de Surco Municipality of Lima.
Samples were collected in the field under the supervision of the author, as chip samples from vein outcrops and a grab sample
from a waste dump; the samples were bagged, labelled and sealed with one-use ties at the time they were taken. The
samples were transported by the author, from the Project to Lima and then to Certimin S.A. in Lima for final preparation.
Certimin complies with ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and is a fully recognized and certified facility. Locations of the samples were
outlined NI43-101 Technical Report on the Maria Norte Au-Ag-Pb-Zn by Independent Geologist James McCrea P.Geo filed on
Sedarplus December 16th, 2025.
Historic metallurgical work and the results are also summarized in Mr. McCrea’s NI43-101 report as follows: “three
metallurgical samples from the Maria Norte veins that had been previously worked by Buenaventura were sent to Procesmin
Ingenieros S.R.L. in Caraz, Ancash. The primary objective of the test work was to collect 2 samples to perform metallurgical
testing of the mineralization present in the veins that were worked by Buenaventura and a sample also for preliminary
metallurgical testing of a vein located in the Plata 33 concession, where another vein with previous exploitation works was
sampled. All samples were sent to a laboratory in Caraz was to determine the samples response to concentration by froth
flotation.”
Jeffrey Reeder, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the
technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Reeder is a consultant to the Company and is not independent within
the meaning of NI 43-101.
About Rio Silver Inc.
Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is a Canadian resource company advancing high-grade, silver-dominant assets
in Peru, the world’s second-largest silver producer. The Company is focused on near-term development opportunities within
proven mineral belts and is supported by a seasoned technical and operational team with deep experience in Peruvian
geology, underground mining, and district-scale exploration. With a clear development strategy, and a growing portfolio of
highly prospective silver assets, Rio Silver is establishing the foundation to become one of Peru’s next emerging silver
producers.
Learn more at www.riosilverinc.com
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF RIO SILVER INC.
Chris Verrico
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
To learn more or engage directly with the Company, please contact:
Christopher Verrico, President and CEO
Tel: (604) 762-4448
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.riosilverinc.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All
statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations and
assumptions as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and include, but
are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration and development activities at the Maria Norte
Project, expected timelines for regulatory approvals, future work programs, engagement with local stakeholders, geological
interpretations, and the Company's ability to advance its assets toward potential development.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results
to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, but are not limited to, operational risks, regulatory
risks, geological uncertainties, availability of financing, community and social risks, commodity-price fluctuations, and general
economic conditions. Additional risks are described in the Company's filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Rio Silver does not undertake to update
forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this release.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81e6ed33-b450-4103-8977-152584fad1db