{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"160338","rtpr_id":"nACSDsz73a-20261005","ticker":"SAG","exchange":"","all_tickers":["SAG"],"title":"Sterling Extends Higher Grade Core of MEPS Copper Zone Intersecting 44.1m of 1.02% CuEq within 187m Near-Surface Interval of Continuous Copper Mineralization","author":"ACCESSWIRE","published_at":"2026-10-05T11:30:00.509Z","article_body":"TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire (https://www.accessnewswire.com/) / October 5,\n2026 / Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) (\"Sterling\" or the\n\"Company\") is pleased to report assay results from drill holes SC-26-27 and\nSC-26-28 at the MEPS Zone (\"MEPS\"), part of the Company's ongoing drill\nprogram at the Soo Copper Project (\"Soo Copper\" or the \"Project\"), near\nBatchewana Bay, Ontario. SC-26-27 extends the continuous higher-grade\nmineralization across the MEPS Copper Zone 6 returning 44.1m of 1.02% CuEq\nwithin a near-surface longer interval of 187m grading 0.34% CuEq (Figure 2).\nCopper mineralization continues to expand with continued drilling.\n\nHighlights:\n* SC-26-27 extended the near surface zone of continuous, higher-grade\nmineralization returning 44.1m grading 1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu) including 18.2m\nof 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu) within a longer, near-surface interval of 187m\ngrading 0.34% CuEq (0.32% Cu).\n* Intersected discrete zones of very copper-rich mineralization, including\nthose developed in association with strong hydrothermal breccias, which are\nclearly characteristic of the MEPS system and occur across a broad continuous\nfootprint of copper mineralization.\n* Sterling has now completed 53 holes totaling more than 22,000m in 2026,\nexceeding the Company's minimum 20,000m drill program. Given the cost\nadvantages and lack of drill seasonality, drilling continues with no current\nplans to stop.\nJeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation,\ncommented, \"SC-26-27 is another encouraging result from a system that\ncontinues to get larger as we drill it. The hole returned 44.1 metres grading\n1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu), including 18.2 metres grading 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu),\nextending the continuous, higher-grade core zone of MEPS to the west within a\nbroad, coherent envelope of copper mineralization. We are particularly excited\nby the continuity we are seeing from hole to hole and, importantly, the system\nremains open along strike in both directions. We have now drilled more than\n22,000 metres this year and the results continue to give us compelling reasons\nto keep drilling and expanding the system. Our great cost advantages and the\nlack of shutdowns due to seasonality allow us to keep drilling.\"\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/231027d0-562f-4732-ba7d-97d5cab97b73/1232609/sterling-fig1-100426.jpg?v=1)\nFigure 1. Plan map of the MEPS Zone showing SC-26-27 and SC-26-28 within the\nbroader copper-mineralized footprint.\n\nWatch the VRIFY Presentation: CEO Mathew Wilson discusses today's drill\nresults.\nClick the link https://youtu.be/rXDI59pvtbI or the image below.\n(https://pr.report/s1bt)\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/d96971af-86ae-46c8-8198-35dd58676067/1232609/sterling-fig2-100426.jpg)\nFigure 2. East-west section through the MEPS Zone showing SC-26-27 and the\ncontinuity of the higher-grade zone across the MEPS discovery with previously\nreported holes.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/87e67727-8979-4b67-b31a-84f5d18827e1/1232609/sterling-fig3-100426.jpg)\nFigure 3. High-grade, high-tenor copper sulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization\nin hole SC-26-27 from 163.70m to 164.15m depth grading 5.64% CuEq (5.35% Cu).\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/da2fb6a3-efd5-4978-8606-ae2ac835f363/1232609/sterling-fig4-100426.jpg)\nFigure 4. High-grade, high-tenor copper sulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization\nin hole SC-26-27 from 169.00m to 169.50m depth grading 6.65% CuEq (6.36% Cu).\nCopper-rich mineralization in association with strong hydrothermal breccia\ndevelopment.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/001a6f8d-7647-4967-9ed4-b94aa94ce3cd/1232609/sterling-fig5-100426.jpg)\nFigure 5. High-grade, high-tenor copper sulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization\nin hole SC-26-27 from 169.50m to 169.85m depth grading 5.04% CuEq (4.8% Cu).\nCopper-rich mineralization in association with strong hydrothermal breccia\ndevelopment.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/1d60eff3-b3e4-482f-bb13-1d061e878669/1232609/sterling-fig6-100426.jpg)\nFigure 6. Higher grade zone of Sc-26-27 from 158m-174.5.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/44418deb-6b52-4367-93dc-966f8787173d/1232609/sterling-fig7-100426.jpg)\nFigure 7. Continuation of higher grade zone in Sc-26-27 from 174.5 to ~192m.\n\nTechnical Discussion\n\nThe MEPS porphyry copper system is characterized by broad, near-surface copper\nmineralization hosted predominantly in altered Neoarchean mafic volcanic rocks\nintruded by multiple phases of Mesoproterozoic felsic porphyry. Previous\ndrilling has demonstrated that stronger copper grades commonly occur adjacent\nto early \"GFP\" felsic dykes and sills and associated magnetite-rich veining,\nwhile deeper portions of the system contain more molybdenum-rich\nmineralization within the host basalts, hydrothermal breccias, and granite\nporphyry stock. More recent drilling, including hole SC-26-27 reported here,\nhas also confirmed that very high-grade, very high copper-tenor sulphide\nmineralization is present across this system and can also be found in\nassociation with strongly developed hydrothermal breccias.\n\nSC-26-27 and SC-26-28 were drilled from the same pad as previously reported\nSC-26-26, on the western side of MEPS. SC-26-27 is a nearly vertical hole (85\ndegrees dip) drilled on the same section as previously reported holes\nSC-26-26, SC-26-10, SC-26-13 and SC-26-16. The hole intersected a broad\nmineralized envelope beginning at bedrock and strengthening downwards,\nreturning 187.36m grading 0.34% CuEq (0.32% Cu) from 18.64m to 206.0m,\nincluding 44.1m grading 1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu) from 161.9m to 206.0m, and\nincluding 18.2m grading 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu) from 162.8m to 181.0m. These\nresults further support continuity of the higher-grade parts of the MEPS\nCopper Zone to the west along this section.\n\nHigh-grade sample intervals within SC-26-27 include 163.70m to 164.15m grading\n5.64% CuEq (5.35% Cu), 169.0m to 169.5m grading 6.65% CuEq (6.36% Cu), and\n169.50m to 169.85m grading 5.04% CuEq (4.8% Cu); see Figures 3 to 5. These\ncore photographs illustrate the high grade and high copper tenor nature of the\nsulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization that was formed in this case in\nassociation with strong hydrothermal breccia development.\n\nSC-26-28 intersected 271.0m grading 0.21% CuEq (0.19% Cu) from 24.0m to 295.0m\nwithin the anticipated broader mineralized zone. The hole encountered a\ngreater proportion of gabbro, a tighter and less favourable host for copper\nsulphide accumulation, and intersected the upper and lower GFP felsic sills in\npositions where sulphide abundance is interpreted to be lower. The relatively\nshallow dip of the hole also resulted in the hole trajectory stepping\nlaterally away from the higher-grade copper corridor as it progressed.\nTogether, these observations are helping refine the geological and geometric\ncontrols on mineralization across the western portion of the MEPS system\nSterling has now completed 53 holes totalling more than 22,000m during the\n2026 program, exceeding the Company's stated minimum 20,000m drill program.\nDrilling remains active and continues to test the geometry, continuity, grade\ndistribution and expansion potential of the MEPS porphyry copper system. The\nCompany has developed great cost efficiencies and enjoys great cost advantages\ndue to its location and access which have allowed for a prolonged drill\ncampaign and consequently has no current plans to stop drilling.\n\nTable 1. Significant Assay Intervals\n\n Drillhole ID  From   To     Length   Cu     Au       Ag       Mo       CuEq   \n                (m)    (m)    (m)      (%)    (g/t)    (g/t)    (ppm)    (%)   \n SC-26-27      18.64  206.0  187.36   0.32   0.01     1.13     6        0.34   \n including     161.9  206.0  44.1     0.96   0.03     2.55     7        1.02   \n including     162.8  181.0  18.2     1.92   0.05     4.92     10       2.02   \n SC-26-28      24.0   295.0  271.0    0.19   0.02     0.42     7        0.21   \n\nIntervals may not represent true widths, which are not yet known, and capping\nhas not been applied to grades. Copper Equivalent (CuEq) for drill\nintersections is calculated based on a three-year trailing average for each\ncommodity (2023, 2024 and 2025), which equates to US$4.18/lb Cu, US$2,600/oz\nAu, US$30.54/oz Ag and US$21.46/lb Mo, with 80% metallurgical recoveries\nassumed for all metals. The formula is: CuEq % = Cu % + (0.907 × Au g/t) +\n(0.0107 × Ag g/t) + (0.00051 × Mo ppm).\n\nTable 2. Hole Locations, Directions and Final Depths\n\n Hole number  Easting  Northing  Elevation  Depth  Dip     Azimuth  \n SC-26-27     680740   5212464   419        363.0  -85.00  75.0     \n SC-26-28     680740   5212464   419        297.0  -50.00  30.0     \n\nSampling Procedures - Quality Assurance/Quality Control\n\nAnalytical services were provided by Actlabs, which is an independent, CALA-\nand SCC-accredited analytical services firm registered to ISO 17025 and ISO\n9001 standard. Drill core samples were logged and split in half with a diamond\ncore saw. Half-core samples were securely stored at the core logging facility\nuntil being delivered to Actlabs Thunder Bay lab by commercial transport.\n\nSamples were crushed (< 7 kg) up to 90% passing 2mm (10 mesh), riffle split to\n250 g and pulverized by mild steel to 95% passing 105μm (150 mesh). Samples\nsplits underwent a 4-acid near total digestion followed by a multi-element\nanalysis, including base metals, using an ICP method for 35 elements.\n\nSelected sample pulps were then analyzed for gold using a 30 g aliquot mixed\nwith fire assay fluxes and Ag as a collector, placed in a fire clay crucible,\ngradually heated to 1060ºC for 60 min, and followed with an AA finish.\n\nLaboratory QA/QC for the ICP analysis was 14% for each batch, including 5\nmethod reagent blanks, 10 in-house controls, 10 samples duplicates, and 8\ncertified reference materials. An additional 13% QA/QC was performed as part\nof the instrumental analysis to ensure quality in the areas of instrumental\ndrift. Laboratory quality control for the gold fire assay included two blanks\nper 42 samples, three sample duplicates and 2 certified reference materials,\none high and one low (QC 7 out of 42 samples).\n\nIn-house QA/QC included the systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates, and\ncertified reference materials (CRM).\n\nQualified Person\n\nJeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation for\nSterling Metals has reviewed and approved the technical information presented\nherein.\n\nAbout the Soo Copper Project\n\nThe Soo Copper Project sits just 20 minutes off the Trans-Canada Highway, one\nhour north of Sault Ste. Marie, and 20km from rail and deep-water access. With\nnear-surface copper mineralization, demonstrated scale and grade, and\nproximity to existing infrastructure, Sterling believes Soo Copper has the\npotential to emerge as a critical Canadian copper project.\n\nAbout Sterling Metals\n\nSterling Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on large-scale\nCanadian copper exploration opportunities. The Company's flagship Soo Copper\nProject in Ontario comprises a 35,000+ hectare land position across the\nBatchewana Copper Belt, which hosts past production and multiple breccia and\nporphyry targets strategically located near robust infrastructure. Sterling\nalso holds the Adeline Project in Labrador, which covers an extensive\nsediment-hosted copper belt with significant silver credits. Both projects\nhave demonstrated potential for important new copper discoveries, underscoring\nSterling's commitment to pioneering exploration in mineral-rich Canada.\n\nSterling Metals acknowledges that its exploration activities within the Soo\nCopper project are conducted on the traditional lands of the First Nations of\nthe North Shore of Lake Superior. We recognize and respect the longstanding\nand diverse relationships Indigenous Peoples have with the land and are\ncommitted to engaging in a manner that is respectful, transparent, and\ninclusive.\n\nFor more information, please contact:\n\nSterling Metals Corp.\nMathew Wilson, CEO and Director\nTel: (416) 643-3887\nEmail: info@sterlingmetals.ca\nWebsite: www.sterlingmetals.ca\n\nNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that\nterm is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts\nresponsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release\ncontains certain \"forward-looking information\" within the meaning of\napplicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently\ncharacterized by words such as \"plan\", \"expect\", \"project\", \"intend\",\n\"believe\", \"anticipate\", \"estimate\", \"may\", \"will\", \"would\", \"potential\",\n\"proposed\" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or\nconditions \"may\" or \"will\" occur. These statements are only predictions.\nForward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of\nmanagement at the date the information is provided and is subject to a variety\nof risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or\nresults to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking\ninformation. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the\nCompany and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's\nManagement's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to\nupdate forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates\nor opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not\nto place undue reliance on forward-looking information.\n\nSOURCE: Sterling Metals Corp.\nView the original press release\n(https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/sterling-extends-higher-grade-core-of-meps-copper-zone-intersecting-44.1m-of-1.02-1232609)\non ACCESS Newswire\n\n\nCopyright 2026 ACCESS Newswire. All Rights Reserved.","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nACSDsz73a-20261005","title":"Sterling Extends Higher Grade Core of MEPS Copper Zone Intersecting 44.1m of 1.02% CuEq within 187m Near-Surface Interval of Continuous Copper Mineralization","author":"ACCESSWIRE","ticker":"SAG","created":"2026-10-05T11:30:00.509Z","tickers":["SAG"],"exchange":"","article_body":"TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire (https://www.accessnewswire.com/) / October 5,\n2026 / Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) (\"Sterling\" or the\n\"Company\") is pleased to report assay results from drill holes SC-26-27 and\nSC-26-28 at the MEPS Zone (\"MEPS\"), part of the Company's ongoing drill\nprogram at the Soo Copper Project (\"Soo Copper\" or the \"Project\"), near\nBatchewana Bay, Ontario. SC-26-27 extends the continuous higher-grade\nmineralization across the MEPS Copper Zone 6 returning 44.1m of 1.02% CuEq\nwithin a near-surface longer interval of 187m grading 0.34% CuEq (Figure 2).\nCopper mineralization continues to expand with continued drilling.\n\nHighlights:\n* SC-26-27 extended the near surface zone of continuous, higher-grade\nmineralization returning 44.1m grading 1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu) including 18.2m\nof 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu) within a longer, near-surface interval of 187m\ngrading 0.34% CuEq (0.32% Cu).\n* Intersected discrete zones of very copper-rich mineralization, including\nthose developed in association with strong hydrothermal breccias, which are\nclearly characteristic of the MEPS system and occur across a broad continuous\nfootprint of copper mineralization.\n* Sterling has now completed 53 holes totaling more than 22,000m in 2026,\nexceeding the Company's minimum 20,000m drill program. Given the cost\nadvantages and lack of drill seasonality, drilling continues with no current\nplans to stop.\nJeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation,\ncommented, \"SC-26-27 is another encouraging result from a system that\ncontinues to get larger as we drill it. The hole returned 44.1 metres grading\n1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu), including 18.2 metres grading 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu),\nextending the continuous, higher-grade core zone of MEPS to the west within a\nbroad, coherent envelope of copper mineralization. We are particularly excited\nby the continuity we are seeing from hole to hole and, importantly, the system\nremains open along strike in both directions. We have now drilled more than\n22,000 metres this year and the results continue to give us compelling reasons\nto keep drilling and expanding the system. Our great cost advantages and the\nlack of shutdowns due to seasonality allow us to keep drilling.\"\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/231027d0-562f-4732-ba7d-97d5cab97b73/1232609/sterling-fig1-100426.jpg?v=1)\nFigure 1. Plan map of the MEPS Zone showing SC-26-27 and SC-26-28 within the\nbroader copper-mineralized footprint.\n\nWatch the VRIFY Presentation: CEO Mathew Wilson discusses today's drill\nresults.\nClick the link https://youtu.be/rXDI59pvtbI or the image below.\n(https://pr.report/s1bt)\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/d96971af-86ae-46c8-8198-35dd58676067/1232609/sterling-fig2-100426.jpg)\nFigure 2. East-west section through the MEPS Zone showing SC-26-27 and the\ncontinuity of the higher-grade zone across the MEPS discovery with previously\nreported holes.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/87e67727-8979-4b67-b31a-84f5d18827e1/1232609/sterling-fig3-100426.jpg)\nFigure 3. High-grade, high-tenor copper sulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization\nin hole SC-26-27 from 163.70m to 164.15m depth grading 5.64% CuEq (5.35% Cu).\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/da2fb6a3-efd5-4978-8606-ae2ac835f363/1232609/sterling-fig4-100426.jpg)\nFigure 4. High-grade, high-tenor copper sulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization\nin hole SC-26-27 from 169.00m to 169.50m depth grading 6.65% CuEq (6.36% Cu).\nCopper-rich mineralization in association with strong hydrothermal breccia\ndevelopment.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/001a6f8d-7647-4967-9ed4-b94aa94ce3cd/1232609/sterling-fig5-100426.jpg)\nFigure 5. High-grade, high-tenor copper sulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization\nin hole SC-26-27 from 169.50m to 169.85m depth grading 5.04% CuEq (4.8% Cu).\nCopper-rich mineralization in association with strong hydrothermal breccia\ndevelopment.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/1d60eff3-b3e4-482f-bb13-1d061e878669/1232609/sterling-fig6-100426.jpg)\nFigure 6. Higher grade zone of Sc-26-27 from 158m-174.5.\n\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/44418deb-6b52-4367-93dc-966f8787173d/1232609/sterling-fig7-100426.jpg)\nFigure 7. Continuation of higher grade zone in Sc-26-27 from 174.5 to ~192m.\n\nTechnical Discussion\n\nThe MEPS porphyry copper system is characterized by broad, near-surface copper\nmineralization hosted predominantly in altered Neoarchean mafic volcanic rocks\nintruded by multiple phases of Mesoproterozoic felsic porphyry. Previous\ndrilling has demonstrated that stronger copper grades commonly occur adjacent\nto early \"GFP\" felsic dykes and sills and associated magnetite-rich veining,\nwhile deeper portions of the system contain more molybdenum-rich\nmineralization within the host basalts, hydrothermal breccias, and granite\nporphyry stock. More recent drilling, including hole SC-26-27 reported here,\nhas also confirmed that very high-grade, very high copper-tenor sulphide\nmineralization is present across this system and can also be found in\nassociation with strongly developed hydrothermal breccias.\n\nSC-26-27 and SC-26-28 were drilled from the same pad as previously reported\nSC-26-26, on the western side of MEPS. SC-26-27 is a nearly vertical hole (85\ndegrees dip) drilled on the same section as previously reported holes\nSC-26-26, SC-26-10, SC-26-13 and SC-26-16. The hole intersected a broad\nmineralized envelope beginning at bedrock and strengthening downwards,\nreturning 187.36m grading 0.34% CuEq (0.32% Cu) from 18.64m to 206.0m,\nincluding 44.1m grading 1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu) from 161.9m to 206.0m, and\nincluding 18.2m grading 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu) from 162.8m to 181.0m. These\nresults further support continuity of the higher-grade parts of the MEPS\nCopper Zone to the west along this section.\n\nHigh-grade sample intervals within SC-26-27 include 163.70m to 164.15m grading\n5.64% CuEq (5.35% Cu), 169.0m to 169.5m grading 6.65% CuEq (6.36% Cu), and\n169.50m to 169.85m grading 5.04% CuEq (4.8% Cu); see Figures 3 to 5. These\ncore photographs illustrate the high grade and high copper tenor nature of the\nsulphide (chalcopyrite) mineralization that was formed in this case in\nassociation with strong hydrothermal breccia development.\n\nSC-26-28 intersected 271.0m grading 0.21% CuEq (0.19% Cu) from 24.0m to 295.0m\nwithin the anticipated broader mineralized zone. The hole encountered a\ngreater proportion of gabbro, a tighter and less favourable host for copper\nsulphide accumulation, and intersected the upper and lower GFP felsic sills in\npositions where sulphide abundance is interpreted to be lower. The relatively\nshallow dip of the hole also resulted in the hole trajectory stepping\nlaterally away from the higher-grade copper corridor as it progressed.\nTogether, these observations are helping refine the geological and geometric\ncontrols on mineralization across the western portion of the MEPS system\nSterling has now completed 53 holes totalling more than 22,000m during the\n2026 program, exceeding the Company's stated minimum 20,000m drill program.\nDrilling remains active and continues to test the geometry, continuity, grade\ndistribution and expansion potential of the MEPS porphyry copper system. The\nCompany has developed great cost efficiencies and enjoys great cost advantages\ndue to its location and access which have allowed for a prolonged drill\ncampaign and consequently has no current plans to stop drilling.\n\nTable 1. Significant Assay Intervals\n\n Drillhole ID  From   To     Length   Cu     Au       Ag       Mo       CuEq   \n                (m)    (m)    (m)      (%)    (g/t)    (g/t)    (ppm)    (%)   \n SC-26-27      18.64  206.0  187.36   0.32   0.01     1.13     6        0.34   \n including     161.9  206.0  44.1     0.96   0.03     2.55     7        1.02   \n including     162.8  181.0  18.2     1.92   0.05     4.92     10       2.02   \n SC-26-28      24.0   295.0  271.0    0.19   0.02     0.42     7        0.21   \n\nIntervals may not represent true widths, which are not yet known, and capping\nhas not been applied to grades. Copper Equivalent (CuEq) for drill\nintersections is calculated based on a three-year trailing average for each\ncommodity (2023, 2024 and 2025), which equates to US$4.18/lb Cu, US$2,600/oz\nAu, US$30.54/oz Ag and US$21.46/lb Mo, with 80% metallurgical recoveries\nassumed for all metals. The formula is: CuEq % = Cu % + (0.907 × Au g/t) +\n(0.0107 × Ag g/t) + (0.00051 × Mo ppm).\n\nTable 2. Hole Locations, Directions and Final Depths\n\n Hole number  Easting  Northing  Elevation  Depth  Dip     Azimuth  \n SC-26-27     680740   5212464   419        363.0  -85.00  75.0     \n SC-26-28     680740   5212464   419        297.0  -50.00  30.0     \n\nSampling Procedures - Quality Assurance/Quality Control\n\nAnalytical services were provided by Actlabs, which is an independent, CALA-\nand SCC-accredited analytical services firm registered to ISO 17025 and ISO\n9001 standard. Drill core samples were logged and split in half with a diamond\ncore saw. Half-core samples were securely stored at the core logging facility\nuntil being delivered to Actlabs Thunder Bay lab by commercial transport.\n\nSamples were crushed (< 7 kg) up to 90% passing 2mm (10 mesh), riffle split to\n250 g and pulverized by mild steel to 95% passing 105μm (150 mesh). Samples\nsplits underwent a 4-acid near total digestion followed by a multi-element\nanalysis, including base metals, using an ICP method for 35 elements.\n\nSelected sample pulps were then analyzed for gold using a 30 g aliquot mixed\nwith fire assay fluxes and Ag as a collector, placed in a fire clay crucible,\ngradually heated to 1060ºC for 60 min, and followed with an AA finish.\n\nLaboratory QA/QC for the ICP analysis was 14% for each batch, including 5\nmethod reagent blanks, 10 in-house controls, 10 samples duplicates, and 8\ncertified reference materials. An additional 13% QA/QC was performed as part\nof the instrumental analysis to ensure quality in the areas of instrumental\ndrift. Laboratory quality control for the gold fire assay included two blanks\nper 42 samples, three sample duplicates and 2 certified reference materials,\none high and one low (QC 7 out of 42 samples).\n\nIn-house QA/QC included the systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates, and\ncertified reference materials (CRM).\n\nQualified Person\n\nJeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation for\nSterling Metals has reviewed and approved the technical information presented\nherein.\n\nAbout the Soo Copper Project\n\nThe Soo Copper Project sits just 20 minutes off the Trans-Canada Highway, one\nhour north of Sault Ste. Marie, and 20km from rail and deep-water access. With\nnear-surface copper mineralization, demonstrated scale and grade, and\nproximity to existing infrastructure, Sterling believes Soo Copper has the\npotential to emerge as a critical Canadian copper project.\n\nAbout Sterling Metals\n\nSterling Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on large-scale\nCanadian copper exploration opportunities. The Company's flagship Soo Copper\nProject in Ontario comprises a 35,000+ hectare land position across the\nBatchewana Copper Belt, which hosts past production and multiple breccia and\nporphyry targets strategically located near robust infrastructure. Sterling\nalso holds the Adeline Project in Labrador, which covers an extensive\nsediment-hosted copper belt with significant silver credits. Both projects\nhave demonstrated potential for important new copper discoveries, underscoring\nSterling's commitment to pioneering exploration in mineral-rich Canada.\n\nSterling Metals acknowledges that its exploration activities within the Soo\nCopper project are conducted on the traditional lands of the First Nations of\nthe North Shore of Lake Superior. We recognize and respect the longstanding\nand diverse relationships Indigenous Peoples have with the land and are\ncommitted to engaging in a manner that is respectful, transparent, and\ninclusive.\n\nFor more information, please contact:\n\nSterling Metals Corp.\nMathew Wilson, CEO and Director\nTel: (416) 643-3887\nEmail: info@sterlingmetals.ca\nWebsite: www.sterlingmetals.ca\n\nNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that\nterm is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts\nresponsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release\ncontains certain \"forward-looking information\" within the meaning of\napplicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently\ncharacterized by words such as \"plan\", \"expect\", \"project\", \"intend\",\n\"believe\", \"anticipate\", \"estimate\", \"may\", \"will\", \"would\", \"potential\",\n\"proposed\" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or\nconditions \"may\" or \"will\" occur. These statements are only predictions.\nForward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of\nmanagement at the date the information is provided and is subject to a variety\nof risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or\nresults to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking\ninformation. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the\nCompany and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's\nManagement's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to\nupdate forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates\nor opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not\nto place undue reliance on forward-looking information.\n\nSOURCE: Sterling Metals Corp.\nView the original press release\n(https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/sterling-extends-higher-grade-core-of-meps-copper-zone-intersecting-44.1m-of-1.02-1232609)\non ACCESS Newswire\n\n\nCopyright 2026 ACCESS Newswire. All Rights Reserved."},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-10-05T11:30:00.60907082Z","server_sent_at_ms":1791199800609},"received_at":"2026-10-05T11:30:00.659Z","source_url":"https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/sterling-extends-higher-grade-core-of-meps-copper-zone-intersecting-44.1m-of-1.02-1232609"},"analysis":{"id":"148912","press_release_id":"160338","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Copper","sector":"Materials"},"redFlags":["intervals may not represent true widths and no grade capping applied","early-stage exploration results with no resource estimate yet"],"eventType":"operations_update","narrative":"Sterling Metals reported drill results from holes SC-26-27 and SC-26-28 at the MEPS Zone of its Soo Copper Project in Ontario, headlined by 44.1m grading 1.02% CuEq within a near-surface 187m interval of 0.34% CuEq.\n\nHole SC-26-27 extended the continuous higher-grade core west and included 18.2m at 2.02% CuEq, with individual samples up to 6.65% CuEq in association with hydrothermal breccias. SC-26-28 cut 271m of 0.21% CuEq in a less favorable gabbro-heavy section.\n\nThe company has completed 53 holes and more than 22,000m in 2026, exceeding its 20,000m minimum, and says the system remains open along strike in both directions with no plans to stop drilling.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":false,"suggestedAngle":"MEPS copper zone keeps growing near-surface -- watch for resource estimate and continued step-out drilling at Soo Copper."},"keyFigures":{"drugName":"","customDimensions":{"sc2628_interval":"271.0m @ 0.21% CuEq","highlight_interval":"44.1m @ 1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu)","holes_drilled_2026":53,"meters_drilled_2026":"22,000m+","best_sample_interval":"6.65% CuEq over 0.5m (169.0-169.5m)","high_grade_subinterval":"18.2m @ 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu)","broader_interval_sc2627":"187.36m @ 0.34% CuEq from 18.64m"}},"quotedText":"SC-26-27 is another encouraging result from a system that continues to get larger as we drill it.","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Jeremy Niemi","role":"Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation"},{"name":"Mathew Wilson","role":"CEO and Director"}],"products":["Soo Copper Project","MEPS Zone","Adeline Project"],"companies":[{"name":"Sterling Metals Corp.","ticker":"SAG","relationship":"filer/issuer"},{"name":"Actlabs","relationship":"assay laboratory"}],"dollarAmounts":[{"amount":"US$4.18/lb","context":"three-year trailing average copper price used in CuEq calculation"}]},"materialImpact":{"score":2,"reasoning":"Encouraging drill results extend the higher-grade MEPS copper zone (44.1m at 1.02% CuEq within 187m of 0.34% CuEq), but this is routine exploration assay news from a micro-cap explorer with no immediate revenue or resource conversion."},"tickerRelevance":{"others":[{"ticker":"SAGGF","relevance":"OTCQB listing of the same issuer"}],"primary":"SAG"},"globalImportance":12,"audienceRelevance":15,"eventTypeSecondary":[],"importanceComponents":{"tickerTier":"micro-cap TSXV explorer","eventGravity":"routine exploration assay update","issuerAuthored":true,"commodityRelevance":"copper/critical minerals theme"}},"event_type":"operations_update","event_type_secondary":null,"sentiment":"bullish","material_impact_score":2,"narrative":"Sterling Metals reported drill results from holes SC-26-27 and SC-26-28 at the MEPS Zone of its Soo Copper Project in Ontario, headlined by 44.1m grading 1.02% CuEq within a near-surface 187m interval of 0.34% CuEq.\n\nHole SC-26-27 extended the continuous higher-grade core west and included 18.2m at 2.02% CuEq, with individual samples up to 6.65% CuEq in association with hydrothermal breccias. SC-26-28 cut 271m of 0.21% CuEq in a less favorable gabbro-heavy section.\n\nThe company has completed 53 holes and more than 22,000m in 2026, exceeding its 20,000m minimum, and says the system remains open along strike in both directions with no plans to stop drilling.","key_figures":{"drugName":"","customDimensions":{"sc2628_interval":"271.0m @ 0.21% CuEq","highlight_interval":"44.1m @ 1.02% CuEq (0.96% Cu)","holes_drilled_2026":53,"meters_drilled_2026":"22,000m+","best_sample_interval":"6.65% CuEq over 0.5m (169.0-169.5m)","high_grade_subinterval":"18.2m @ 2.02% CuEq (1.92% Cu)","broader_interval_sc2627":"187.36m @ 0.34% CuEq from 18.64m"}},"named_entities":{"people":[{"name":"Jeremy Niemi","role":"Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation"},{"name":"Mathew Wilson","role":"CEO and Director"}],"products":["Soo Copper Project","MEPS Zone","Adeline Project"],"companies":[{"name":"Sterling Metals Corp.","ticker":"SAG","relationship":"filer/issuer"},{"name":"Actlabs","relationship":"assay laboratory"}],"dollarAmounts":[{"amount":"US$4.18/lb","context":"three-year trailing average copper price used in CuEq calculation"}]},"model_name":"glm-5.3-flashx","prompt_hash":"sha256:727b4b9429a443af","schema_hash":"sha256:05005c02d9cffac9","created_at":"2026-10-05T11:30:14.123Z","global_importance":12,"audience_relevance":15,"importance_components":{"tickerTier":"micro-cap TSXV explorer","eventGravity":"routine exploration assay update","issuerAuthored":true,"commodityRelevance":"copper/critical minerals theme"}},"durationMs":6999,"modelName":"glm-5.3-flashx"}}