Vortex Energy Receives Final Technical Study Results for the Robinsons River Salt Project
Vortex Energy Receives Final Technical Study Results for the Robinsons River
Salt Project
Study confirms western salt structure, identifies an eastern exploration target and establishes a staged
technical pathway for further evaluation
Vancouver, British Columbia, August 06, 2026 – Vortex Energy Corp. (CSE: VRTX) (OTC: VTECF) (FSE: AA3)
(“Vortex” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated July 16, 2026, that
it has received the final technical study prepared by Lonquist Field Service (Canada), ULC (“Lonquist”) for
the Company’s Robinsons River Salt Project (the “Project”), located approximately 35 kilometres south of
Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. The study integrates available geological, seismic, gravity and
drilling information to refine the interpretation of the Project’s subsurface salt structures, assess available
information regarding salt quality, identify potential future drilling targets and recommend a staged
program of further technical work. The Company notes that the study was not prepared pursuant to NI
43-101, nor by a Qualified Person (as such term is defined in NI 43-101).
Highlights
• Seismic, gravity and drilling data support the presence of a substantial western salt structure, with the
2024 drill hole VTX-24-W-02 intersecting an interval of approximately 278 m gross salt.
• Seismic interpretation identifies a potential incremental step-out west of VTX-24-W-02 where the salt
section may reach approximately 350 metres in thickness.
• Reprocessed gravity data indicate a large, untested eastern target that may be deeper and potentially
contain cleaner salt than the currently drilled western structure; this interpretation is based on gravity
data and remains unconfirmed by drilling.
• Next steps include detailed core analysis, source-water and disposal studies and technical planning.
The study confirms that Robinsons River hosts a thick halite -bearing system and identifies additional
exploration potential, particularly within the untested eastern block. It also establishes a clearer
framework for evaluating salt quality, subsurface geo metry, drilling risk and potential commercial
applications. Additional technical work will be required before the Company can determine whether the
Project is suitable for commercial salt production, brine production or underground energy storage. No
mineral resource or reserve, commercial production rate, storage -cavern design, storage capacity or
economic evaluation has been established for the Project.
Geological and Geophysical Interpretation
Figure 1 presents the final gravity -inversion salt -thickness model, and Figure 2 presents the spatial
differences between the seismic-derived and gravity-inversion interpretations. The latest Robinsons River
interpretation incorporates legacy seismic surve ys, airborne and surface gravity data, historical well
information and the results of the Company’s recent drilling program. The study concluded that the
western salt block is supported by the strongest combination of seismic, gravity and drilling control, with
VTX-24-W-02 confirming the presence of a substanti al halite -bearing interval within the interpreted
structure.
The study found that VTX-24-W-02 intersected an approximately 278-metre gross salt interval. The term
“gross salt interval” includes the broader halite -bearing interval and should not be interpreted as 278
metres of continuous, high -purity halite. Legacy s eismic data are considered sufficient to map the
interpreted minimum extent of the western structure and indicate that the salt section may thicken locally
toward a potential step -out target west of VTX -24-W-02. This proposed “Cloverleaf” location would
represent an incremental step -out from the existing well and has an interpreted salt thickness of
approximately 350 metres.
As part of the study, previously acquired airborne gravity data were reprocessed after it was determined
that the original processing had used an inappropriate terrain-correction. Revised terrain corrections were
incorporated into an updated gravity inversion, providing an appropriate basis for comparing the gravity
response with the seismic interpretation. Based on the seismic interpretation, the final gravity inversion
used fixed assumptions for the geometry of the Ship Cove Limestone structure and an assumed salt density
of 2.30 grams per cubic centimetre. Under those assumptions, the model indicates additional potential
salt east of VTX-24-W-02 and comparatively less salt immediately west of the drill hole than represented
by the seismic salt isochore mo del. The seismic and gravity datasets therefore provide related but not
identical interpretations. Seismic data support the Cloverleaf step -out west of VTX -24-W-02, while the
gravity-difference model indicates that the most substantial additional salt volume may occur farther east.
These differences reflect the indirect nature of both datasets and will require additional density
information and drilling control to resolve.
The updated interpretation also identifies a western gravity anomaly beyond the currently defined salt
structure and a larger eastern exploration target. The western anomaly is supported by gravity but occurs
in an area where the available seismic data are considered marginal in quality. The eastern target occurs
where a broad gravity low broadly coincides with seismic features interpreted as possible salt. The seismic
support for this target is considered to be ambiguous. The prospective top of the eastern salt structure
may occur approximately 1,100 to 1,300 metres below surface, and remains untested by drilling.
The western block is considered to be shallower, closer to existing infrastructure and supported by a higher
level of geological confidence. The eastern block is farther from infrastructure and deeper, but the gravity
response may indicate a greater proportion of lower -density material and th erefore potentially cleaner
salt. This remains an exploration hypothesis and has not been confirmed through drilling, core analysis or
open-hole density logging.
Figure 1. Final gravity-inversion salt-thickness model for the Robinsons River Salt Project, showing the drill-
tested western block and the untested western and eastern gravity anomalies. Contours represent
modelled gross salt-interval thickness in metres. The inversion assumes a fixed geometry for the Ship Cove
Limestone structure and a salt density of 2.30 grams per cubic centimetre. The mapped thicknesses are
interpretive, have not been verified throughout by drilling and do not constitute a mineral reso urce or
mineral reserve estimate.
Figure 2. Difference between seismic -derived and gravity -inversion salt-thickness models, calculated as
seismic-derived thickness minus gravity -inversion thickness. Negative values indicate areas where the
gravity inversion models a thicker salt interval t han the seismic interpretation, while positive values
indicate the reverse. Values are expressed in metres and represent model -to-model differences, not
measured salt thickness.
Salt Quality
The study reviewed the available descriptions of the VTX -24-W-02 core to provide a preliminary
assessment of salt quality. The study describes the interval from 327.0 to 516.5 metres as a heterogeneous
halite-bearing interval dominated by dark grey to black halite, with frequent mudstone interbeds, muddy
salt, mud skins, fractures and minor cleaner translucent salt veins. Several comparatively thick intervals
were described as higher-quality salt; however, mud-rich salt and salt-cemented mudstone intervals may
materially reduce the overall salt percentage and influence the suitability of the deposit for potential
commercial applications.
Based solely on the available core descriptions, a preliminary, high -level assumption was made that salt
may comprise approximately 65% to 75% by volume within the evaluated interval. This estimate is not
based on systematic whole-interval chemical assays, does not represent a mineral-resource estimate and
does not establish recoverable salt tonnage or suitability for cavern development. Detailed review of the
existing core, measurement of representative rock densities and determination of the salt percentage by
volume are recommended before the Company makes a decision regarding additional drilling.
The approximately 278-metre gross salt interval extends from approximately 327 to 605 metres and is
based on the broader lithological record. The detailed descriptions used for the preliminary salt -quality
review cover the 189.5-metre interval from 327.0 to 516.5 metres. Detailed review of the complete core
record is required to quantify halite, mudstone and other insoluble material throughout the full gross
interval.
The study also noted that available descriptions from VTX -23-W-01 identified intervals containing more
than 20% insoluble material. The existing information therefore indicates that salt quality is unlikely to be
homogeneous across the interpreted structur es. Higher -purity and laterally continuous salt would
generally reduce uncertainty associated with solution mining and potential cavern development, while
mudstone interbeds, insoluble material and structural variability may affect dissolution behaviour, cavern
geometry, operating performance and development risk.
The study concludes that the western block appears to contain salt of moderate quality and that additional
drilling may improve confidence in the geological model without necessarily identifying materially better
salt. The eastern target may contain cleane r salt; however, this interpretation remains based on gravity
data and is unverified. The study further noted that, relative to certain regional analogues, the currently
available information indicates less favourable conditions for commercial viability and funding confidence
at Robinsons River, and that encountering cleaner salt alone may not materially improve overall project
confidence.
Study Recommendations
Figure 3 presents three conceptual target locations. The study identified the eastern target as the highest-
priority conceptual exploration target because it offers the opportunity to confirm the depth, thickness
and quality of the untested eastern structure. The western gravity anomaly represents a secondary target
that is closer to infrastructure but has weaker seismic support and may contain salt of comparable or lower
quality than the established western block. Additional drilling within the western blo ck could improve
confidence in the geological and gravity models but is considered unlikely to materially improve the
currently interpreted salt quality.
Before advancing further drilling, the report recommends a staged technical program using the existing
core and datasets. Initial work would include detailed description and analysis of the VTX -24-W-02 core,
representative density measurements, determinati on of salt percentage by volume, and evaluation of
freshwater availability and disposal capacity. If the Company elects to proceed toward additional drilling
or cavern evaluation, subsequent work could include detailed well design and risk planning, an upd ated
geological and geophysical model, geomechanical and cavern-suitability studies, and a field and storage-
capacity assessment.
Figure 3. Conceptual exploration target locations identified in the study, including NL1-A, NL1-B and NL2-
A, shown in relation to modelled gross salt -interval thickness, modelled depth -to-top-of-salt contours,
existing drill holes, seismic coverage, mapped roads and Vortex claim boundaries. The locations are
approximate planning concepts and do not represent approved drill sites. NL2 -A is located within the
untested eastern exploration target.
The Company notes that it has not completed a preliminary economic assessment, pre -feasibility study,
feasibility study or comparable economic evaluation for the Project. There is no assurance that the
interpreted salt structures will support commercial salt extraction, brine produ ction, hydrogen storage,
compressed-air energy storage or any other underground-storage application.
“Lonquist’s work has provided Vortex with a much clearer and more disciplined framework to advance the
Robinsons River Project,” said Paul Sparkes, Chief Executive Officer of Vortex. “The study has reinforced
confidence that a substantial salt -bearing system is likely located in the western block and identified
meaningful exploration potential to the east. We now have an outline of practical steps that can be taken
to reduce technical uncertainty before committing to another major drilling campaign. Our immediate
focus will be on extracting the maximum value from the existing core and technical datasets.”
Company’s Next Steps
The Company will continue to review the Lonquist study and complete additional technical and
commercial evaluation before determining whether to proceed with further work. This review will focus
on the VTX -24-W-02 core, salt density and composition, water and disposal requirements, model
refinement and land-package optimization. Any decision to advance drilling or development will remain
subject to technical results, commercial considerations, fin ancing, permitting and contractor availability.
No storage cavern, brine-production facility or salt mine has been approved.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jared Suchan,
Ph.D., P .Geo., Vice President of Exploration of the Company and a “Qualified Person” as defined by
National Instrument 43-101.
The Qualified Person’s review included the final technical study by Lonquist, and the geological,
geophysical, drilling and interpretive information presented therein. The Qualified Person has not
independently reprocessed all legacy seismic and gravity da tasets underlying the study and has relied
upon the work and interpretations of Lonquist and the specialist contractors identified in the study for
those components.
For additional information concerning the Project and the Company’s data -verification and quality -
assurance procedures, readers are referred to the Company’s technical report entitled Independent
Technical Report on the Robinsons River Salt Property, dated July 31, 2023, available under the Company’s
profile on SEDAR+.
Technical Disclosure and Limitations
The work performed by Lonquist is a technical and planning study, and is not an independent technical
report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43 -101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects. It does not contain a mineral -resource or mineral -reserve estimate, preliminary economic
assessment, pre-feasibility study or feasibility study.
Gravity and seismic interpretations are indirect exploration methods and do not establish the composition,
quality, continuity, recoverability or economic value of an interpreted salt structure. The gravity inversion
is sensitive to assumed subsurface geom etry and density values, and the eastern and western gravity
anomalies remain untested exploration targets. References to potential salt production, brine production,
hydrogen storage, compressed-air energy storage or other cavern applications are conceptu al, and the
suitability of the Project for any such application has not been demonstrated.
About Vortex Energy Corp.
Vortex Energy Corp. is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration,
and development of mineral properties in North America. The Company is currently advancing its
Robinson River Salt Project comprised of a total of 942 claims covering 23,500 hectares located
approximately 35 kilometres south of the town of Stephenville in the Province of Newfoundland &
Labrador. The Robinson River Salt Project is prospective for both salt and hydrogen salt cavern storage.
The Company is also currently advancing its Fire Eye Uranium Property in the Athabasca Basin, a region
renowned for its uranium deposits.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Paul Sparkes
Chief Executive Officer, Director
+1 (778) 819-0164
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward -looking information within the
meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward -looking information relates to future events or
future performance and is often, but not always, ide ntified by words such as “could”, “intend”, “expect”,
“believe”, “will”, “may”, “potential”, “planned”, “estimated”, “interpreted”, “conceptual”, “target”,
“advance”, “continue”, “evaluate”, “assess”, “determine” and similar words or statements that certai n
actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking
information in this press release includes, among other things, statements relating to: the Company’s
interpretation of the Robinsons River Salt P roject and the final Lonquist technical study; the presence,
thickness, geometry, continuity, quality and potential extent of salt -bearing structures; the potential
significance of the western block, the Cloverleaf step -out, the western gravity anomaly and the eastern
exploration target; the possibility that the eastern target may be deeper or contain cleaner salt; the
Company’s proposed or potential technical work, including core review, density measurements, salt -
percentage determinations, source -water and disposal studies, model refi nement, land -package
optimization, drilling, well design, geomechanical work, cavern-suitability work and storage -capacity or
field assessments; the potential for the Project to support commercial salt extraction, brine production,
hydrogen storage, compressed -air energy storage or other underground -storage applications; the
Company’s ability to reduce technical uncertainty, make decisions regarding additional drilling or
development, obtain financing, permits, approvals, contractors, equipment and services, and advance the
Project in the manner currently contemplated.
Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others: the risk
that the Lonquist study, gravity inversion, seismic interpretation and other technical work may not
accurately identify the location, thickness, geometry, continuity, composition, purity, recoverability or
economic value of any salt structure; the risk that modelled or int erpreted salt thicknesses, depth
estimates, target locations, gravity anomalies or seismic features may not be confirmed by future drilling,
logging, sampling, testing or analysis; the risk that the eastern or western targets do not contain salt of
the depth, thickness, quality, continuity or configuration currently interpreted, or at all; risks associated