{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"182491","rtpr_id":"nACSmYLk5a-20261028","ticker":"SAG","exchange":"","all_tickers":["SAG"],"title":"Sterling Expands Mineralized Footprint to 2km With Near Surface Intercept in 850m Eastern Step Out ","author":"ACCESSWIRE","published_at":"2026-10-28T11:30:00.866Z","article_body":"TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire (https://www.accessnewswire.com/) / October 28,\n2026 / Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) (\"Sterling\" or the\n\"Company\") is pleased to report assay results from initial drilling on a new\neastern pad at its Soo Copper Project (\"Soo Copper\" or the \"Project\"), near\nBatchewana Bay, Ontario (Figures 1 and 2). The new holes were collared\napproximately 850 metres east of SC-26-16, the previous eastern limit of the\nMEPS copper zone (\"MEPS\").\n\nSC-26-20 returned 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from 49.8m to 256.0m, including\nprogressively higher-grade intervals of 100.5m grading 0.40% CuEq, 38.6m\ngrading 0.65% CuEq and 20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq. Within the higher-grade\nportion of the hole, stronger copper is locally associated with massive to\nsemi-massive magnetite containing abundant chalcopyrite and locally covellite.\nThe scale of the step-out, the broad mineralized interval and the early-stage\nnature of the eastern target create a substantial follow-up opportunity across\nthe intervening and surrounding ground.\n\nHighlights:\n* Initial drilling from a new eastern pad, located approximately 850m east of\nthe current MEPS limit, expands Soo Copper's drilled mineralized footprint to\napproximately 2km east-west. Substantial ground between MEPS and the new pad,\nand around the eastern target, remains untested.\n* SC-26-20 Intersected 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq (0.22% Cu) from 49.8m to\n256.0m, including 100.5m grading 0.40% CuEq (0.31% Cu), 38.6m grading 0.65%\nCuEq (0.49% Cu), and 20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq (0.76% Cu). The highest-grade\nportion of SC-26-20 is locally associated with massive to semi-massive\nmagnetite and bornite.\n* All drill holes contain chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite and molybdenum with\nvery low pyrite content suggesting eastern continuity of the same underlying\nporphyry copper system responsible for the 2km mineralized footprint\n* Register for the upcoming webinar on November 4 at 12:00 pm ET, where CEO\nMathew Wilson will walk through the latest results, what they could mean for a\nnew domestic source of critical copper, and the milestones investors should\nwatch in the months ahead:\nhttps://6ix.com/event/sterling-metals-or-critical-canadian-copper\nMathew Wilson, CEO, commented, \"In just 18 months of drilling the MEPS\ndiscovery has demonstrated scale, near-surface bulk tonnage potential, the\ncapacity for tremendous grades, and the 2km mineralized footprint suggests\nthis is only going to get better. Such a continuous and robust copper system,\nlocated in an extremely well-accessed area capable of year-round exploration\nand exceptional cost efficiency makes Soo Copper a unique project. The Soo\nCopper Project shows all the signs that it has the potential to deliver the\ncopper that Canada and Ontario needs, at a time when the need has never been\ngreater.\"\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/357e6572-9aa8-4bd3-a414-424fb1049a4f/1242849/picture16.jpg)\nFigure 1. Plan map of 2026 drilling over LiDar data showing SC-26-19, SC-26-20\nand SC-26-21 on the new eastern drill pad, approximately 850m east of\nSC-26-16, the current eastern limit of the MEPS copper system. The drilled\nmineralized footprint now spans approximately 2km east-west\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/55aa1e79-c04c-465d-99f6-6ebc05ad8414/1242849/fig2.jpg)\nFigure 2. Long section looking north-west showing SC-26-19, SC-26-20 and\nSC-26-21 relative to previously reported drilling, the approximately 850m\neastern step-out from SC-26-16 and the substantial intervening and surrounding\narea that remains largely untested.\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/01274dfc-0795-4b12-b39a-00e2839f0ee5/1242849/three.jpeg)\nFigure 3. SC-26-20 at approximately 222.2m depth. Semi-massive magnetite with\nchalcopyrite and covellite (circled in yellow), illustrating the local\nassociation between stronger copper grades and magnetite. Sample interval\n221.90m to 222.75m returned 0.85m grading 5.42% CuEq (4.74% Cu, 0.531 g/t Au,\n17.7 g/t Ag and 19 ppm Mo).\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/dbafd79a-5158-4b4b-8a42-bb0288e41338/1242849/four.jpeg)\nFigure 4. SC-26-20 at approximately 223m depth. Semi-massive magnetite with\nchalcopyrite. Sample interval 222.75m to 223.65m returned 0.90m grading 4.53%\nCuEq (3.64% Cu, 0.557 g/t Au, 34.8 g/t Ag and 20 ppm Mo).\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/33b81a4f-9fe4-4eac-a054-44711ff955c1/1242849/robust-molybdenite.png)\nFigure 5. Robust molybdenite and chalcopyrite veining with traces of bornite\nand covellite in hole SC-26-19 from 216m depth to 247m depth\n\nTechnical Discussion\n\nThe three holes reported here were drilled from the same new pad approximately\n850m east of SC-26-16, the current eastern limit of the MEPS copper system.\nSC-26-19 was drilled west-northwest toward MEPS, while SC-26-20 and SC-26-21\nwere drilled southeast at different dips. This first-pass program tested\nwhether mineralization continued beyond MEPS. Together with previously\nreported drilling, the new eastern holes expand the drilled mineralized\nfootprint at Soo Copper to approximately 2km east-west.\n\nSC-26-20 was drilled to a final depth of 512.23m at a dip of -70 degrees and\nazimuth of 132 degrees. The hole intersected 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from\n49.8m to 256.0m. Mineralization strengthens downward, with 100.5m grading\n0.40% CuEq from 155.5m to 256.0m, including 38.6m grading 0.65% CuEq from\n186.7m to 225.3m and 20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq from 205.3m to 225.3m. The\nstrongest mineralization occurs at approximately 218m to 225m depth and is\nassociated with massive to semi-massive magnetite containing abundant\nchalcopyrite and locally covellite.\n\nWithin the magnetite-rich portion of SC-26-20, two adjacent samples between\n221.90m and 223.65m returned 5.42% and 4.53% CuEq, respectively (Figures 3 and\n4). The association between stronger copper grades and massive to semi-massive\nmagnetite provides a distinctive feature for follow-up targeting. The eastern\ndrilling also shows alteration and geological characteristics that differ from\nMEPS, including a relative lack of porphyry observed to date. Sterling plans\nto compare core-scanning and alteration data from the eastern holes with MEPS\nto refine vectors toward the strongest parts of the eastern system.\n\nSC-26-19 was drilled to a final depth of 321.0m at a dip of -45 degrees and\nazimuth of 280 degrees. The hole returned 62.4m grading 0.29% CuEq from 202.6m\nto 264.9m, including 31.3m grading 0.42% CuEq with an average of 566.94 ppm\nMo. A shallower interval returned 20.1m grading 0.20% CuEq from 31.9m to\n52.0m. The interval from 77.5m to 114.0m was not sampled for assay after\nGeologicAI scanning indicated that this portion of the hole did not contain\ncopper above approximately 0.1%. The bottom part of this hole consistently\ncontains the higher Mo grades encountered in this hole in addition to a narrow\naltered felsic porphyry dyke suggesting the approach of a mineralized stock as\nwas intercepted in the bottom of SC-26-16 located 850m to the west.\n\nSC-26-21 was drilled to a final depth of 402.0m at a dip of -48 degrees and\nazimuth of 132 degrees. It returned 59.3m grading 0.20% CuEq from 156.0m to\n215.3m, including 4.1m grading 0.52% CuEq from 211.2m to 215.3m. Collectively,\nthese first three eastern holes materially expand the area of known copper\nmineralization. With substantial ground still untested, Sterling is focused on\ndefining the geometry, scale and higher-grade portions of this emerging\neastern zone and its relationship to the MEPS discovery zone.\n\nTable 1. Significant Assay Intervals\n\n                                                                 \n SC-26-19   31.9   52.0   20.1   0.18  0.01  1.37  2.48    0.20  \n SC-26-19   202.6  264.9  62.4   0.10  0.01  0.50  346.28  0.29  \n including  216.6  247.8  31.3   0.11  0.02  0.68  566.94  0.42  \n SC-26-20   49.8   256.0  206.2  0.22  0.03  1.72  40.34   0.28  \n including  155.5  256.0  100.5  0.31  0.04  1.73  59.02   0.40  \n including  186.7  225.3  38.6   0.49  0.07  3.01  111.96  0.65  \n including  205.3  225.3  20.0   0.76  0.10  4.81  176.33  0.98  \n SC-26-21   156.0  215.3  59.3   0.13  0.03  0.62  80.43   0.20  \n including  211.2  215.3  4.1    0.39  0.08  3.59  21.86   0.52  \n\nIntervals may not represent true widths, which are not yet known, and capping\nhas not been applied to grades. CuEq is calculated using the same metal\nprices, recoveries and formula used in Sterling's October 5, 2026 news\nrelease: CuEq % = Cu % + (0.907 × Au g/t) + (0.0107 × Ag g/t) + (0.00051 ×\nMo ppm).\n\nNote: The interval from 77.5m to 114.0m in SC-26-19 was not submitted for\nassay after GeologicAI scanning indicated that the interval did not contain\ncopper above approximately 0.1%.\n\nTable 2. Hole Locations, Directions and Final Depths\n\n                                                          \n SC-26-19  682016  5212945  426.96  321.0   -45.0  280.0  \n SC-26-20  682013  5212945  426.96  512.23  -70.0  132.0  \n SC-26-21  682013  5212945  426.96  402.0   -48.0  132.0  \n\nSampling Procedures - Quality Assurance/Quality Control\n\nAnalytical services were provided by Actlabs, an independent accredited\nanalytical laboratory. Drill core was logged, split with a diamond saw and\nhalf-core samples were securely stored prior to shipment to the laboratory.\n\nSamples were prepared by crushing, splitting and pulverizing before\nmulti-element analysis following a near-total four-acid digestion. Selected\nsample pulps were analyzed for gold by fire assay. The laboratory program\nincluded blanks, controls, duplicates and certified reference materials,\nsupplemented by Sterling's systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates and\ncertified reference materials as part of the Company's internal QA/QC program.\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-expands-mineralized-footprint-to-2km-with-near-surface-intercept-in-850m-1242849)\non ACCESS Newswire\n\n\nCopyright 2026 ACCESS Newswire. All Rights Reserved.","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nACSmYLk5a-20261028","title":"Sterling Expands Mineralized Footprint to 2km With Near Surface Intercept in 850m Eastern Step Out ","author":"ACCESSWIRE","ticker":"SAG","created":"2026-10-28T11:30:00.866Z","tickers":["SAG"],"exchange":"","article_body":"TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire (https://www.accessnewswire.com/) / October 28,\n2026 / Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) (\"Sterling\" or the\n\"Company\") is pleased to report assay results from initial drilling on a new\neastern pad at its Soo Copper Project (\"Soo Copper\" or the \"Project\"), near\nBatchewana Bay, Ontario (Figures 1 and 2). The new holes were collared\napproximately 850 metres east of SC-26-16, the previous eastern limit of the\nMEPS copper zone (\"MEPS\").\n\nSC-26-20 returned 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from 49.8m to 256.0m, including\nprogressively higher-grade intervals of 100.5m grading 0.40% CuEq, 38.6m\ngrading 0.65% CuEq and 20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq. Within the higher-grade\nportion of the hole, stronger copper is locally associated with massive to\nsemi-massive magnetite containing abundant chalcopyrite and locally covellite.\nThe scale of the step-out, the broad mineralized interval and the early-stage\nnature of the eastern target create a substantial follow-up opportunity across\nthe intervening and surrounding ground.\n\nHighlights:\n* Initial drilling from a new eastern pad, located approximately 850m east of\nthe current MEPS limit, expands Soo Copper's drilled mineralized footprint to\napproximately 2km east-west. Substantial ground between MEPS and the new pad,\nand around the eastern target, remains untested.\n* SC-26-20 Intersected 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq (0.22% Cu) from 49.8m to\n256.0m, including 100.5m grading 0.40% CuEq (0.31% Cu), 38.6m grading 0.65%\nCuEq (0.49% Cu), and 20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq (0.76% Cu). The highest-grade\nportion of SC-26-20 is locally associated with massive to semi-massive\nmagnetite and bornite.\n* All drill holes contain chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite and molybdenum with\nvery low pyrite content suggesting eastern continuity of the same underlying\nporphyry copper system responsible for the 2km mineralized footprint\n* Register for the upcoming webinar on November 4 at 12:00 pm ET, where CEO\nMathew Wilson will walk through the latest results, what they could mean for a\nnew domestic source of critical copper, and the milestones investors should\nwatch in the months ahead:\nhttps://6ix.com/event/sterling-metals-or-critical-canadian-copper\nMathew Wilson, CEO, commented, \"In just 18 months of drilling the MEPS\ndiscovery has demonstrated scale, near-surface bulk tonnage potential, the\ncapacity for tremendous grades, and the 2km mineralized footprint suggests\nthis is only going to get better. Such a continuous and robust copper system,\nlocated in an extremely well-accessed area capable of year-round exploration\nand exceptional cost efficiency makes Soo Copper a unique project. The Soo\nCopper Project shows all the signs that it has the potential to deliver the\ncopper that Canada and Ontario needs, at a time when the need has never been\ngreater.\"\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/357e6572-9aa8-4bd3-a414-424fb1049a4f/1242849/picture16.jpg)\nFigure 1. Plan map of 2026 drilling over LiDar data showing SC-26-19, SC-26-20\nand SC-26-21 on the new eastern drill pad, approximately 850m east of\nSC-26-16, the current eastern limit of the MEPS copper system. The drilled\nmineralized footprint now spans approximately 2km east-west\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/55aa1e79-c04c-465d-99f6-6ebc05ad8414/1242849/fig2.jpg)\nFigure 2. Long section looking north-west showing SC-26-19, SC-26-20 and\nSC-26-21 relative to previously reported drilling, the approximately 850m\neastern step-out from SC-26-16 and the substantial intervening and surrounding\narea that remains largely untested.\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/01274dfc-0795-4b12-b39a-00e2839f0ee5/1242849/three.jpeg)\nFigure 3. SC-26-20 at approximately 222.2m depth. Semi-massive magnetite with\nchalcopyrite and covellite (circled in yellow), illustrating the local\nassociation between stronger copper grades and magnetite. Sample interval\n221.90m to 222.75m returned 0.85m grading 5.42% CuEq (4.74% Cu, 0.531 g/t Au,\n17.7 g/t Ag and 19 ppm Mo).\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/dbafd79a-5158-4b4b-8a42-bb0288e41338/1242849/four.jpeg)\nFigure 4. SC-26-20 at approximately 223m depth. Semi-massive magnetite with\nchalcopyrite. Sample interval 222.75m to 223.65m returned 0.90m grading 4.53%\nCuEq (3.64% Cu, 0.557 g/t Au, 34.8 g/t Ag and 20 ppm Mo).\n(https://app.accessnewswire.com/imagelibrary/33b81a4f-9fe4-4eac-a054-44711ff955c1/1242849/robust-molybdenite.png)\nFigure 5. Robust molybdenite and chalcopyrite veining with traces of bornite\nand covellite in hole SC-26-19 from 216m depth to 247m depth\n\nTechnical Discussion\n\nThe three holes reported here were drilled from the same new pad approximately\n850m east of SC-26-16, the current eastern limit of the MEPS copper system.\nSC-26-19 was drilled west-northwest toward MEPS, while SC-26-20 and SC-26-21\nwere drilled southeast at different dips. This first-pass program tested\nwhether mineralization continued beyond MEPS. Together with previously\nreported drilling, the new eastern holes expand the drilled mineralized\nfootprint at Soo Copper to approximately 2km east-west.\n\nSC-26-20 was drilled to a final depth of 512.23m at a dip of -70 degrees and\nazimuth of 132 degrees. The hole intersected 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from\n49.8m to 256.0m. Mineralization strengthens downward, with 100.5m grading\n0.40% CuEq from 155.5m to 256.0m, including 38.6m grading 0.65% CuEq from\n186.7m to 225.3m and 20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq from 205.3m to 225.3m. The\nstrongest mineralization occurs at approximately 218m to 225m depth and is\nassociated with massive to semi-massive magnetite containing abundant\nchalcopyrite and locally covellite.\n\nWithin the magnetite-rich portion of SC-26-20, two adjacent samples between\n221.90m and 223.65m returned 5.42% and 4.53% CuEq, respectively (Figures 3 and\n4). The association between stronger copper grades and massive to semi-massive\nmagnetite provides a distinctive feature for follow-up targeting. The eastern\ndrilling also shows alteration and geological characteristics that differ from\nMEPS, including a relative lack of porphyry observed to date. Sterling plans\nto compare core-scanning and alteration data from the eastern holes with MEPS\nto refine vectors toward the strongest parts of the eastern system.\n\nSC-26-19 was drilled to a final depth of 321.0m at a dip of -45 degrees and\nazimuth of 280 degrees. The hole returned 62.4m grading 0.29% CuEq from 202.6m\nto 264.9m, including 31.3m grading 0.42% CuEq with an average of 566.94 ppm\nMo. A shallower interval returned 20.1m grading 0.20% CuEq from 31.9m to\n52.0m. The interval from 77.5m to 114.0m was not sampled for assay after\nGeologicAI scanning indicated that this portion of the hole did not contain\ncopper above approximately 0.1%. The bottom part of this hole consistently\ncontains the higher Mo grades encountered in this hole in addition to a narrow\naltered felsic porphyry dyke suggesting the approach of a mineralized stock as\nwas intercepted in the bottom of SC-26-16 located 850m to the west.\n\nSC-26-21 was drilled to a final depth of 402.0m at a dip of -48 degrees and\nazimuth of 132 degrees. It returned 59.3m grading 0.20% CuEq from 156.0m to\n215.3m, including 4.1m grading 0.52% CuEq from 211.2m to 215.3m. Collectively,\nthese first three eastern holes materially expand the area of known copper\nmineralization. With substantial ground still untested, Sterling is focused on\ndefining the geometry, scale and higher-grade portions of this emerging\neastern zone and its relationship to the MEPS discovery zone.\n\nTable 1. Significant Assay Intervals\n\n                                                                 \n SC-26-19   31.9   52.0   20.1   0.18  0.01  1.37  2.48    0.20  \n SC-26-19   202.6  264.9  62.4   0.10  0.01  0.50  346.28  0.29  \n including  216.6  247.8  31.3   0.11  0.02  0.68  566.94  0.42  \n SC-26-20   49.8   256.0  206.2  0.22  0.03  1.72  40.34   0.28  \n including  155.5  256.0  100.5  0.31  0.04  1.73  59.02   0.40  \n including  186.7  225.3  38.6   0.49  0.07  3.01  111.96  0.65  \n including  205.3  225.3  20.0   0.76  0.10  4.81  176.33  0.98  \n SC-26-21   156.0  215.3  59.3   0.13  0.03  0.62  80.43   0.20  \n including  211.2  215.3  4.1    0.39  0.08  3.59  21.86   0.52  \n\nIntervals may not represent true widths, which are not yet known, and capping\nhas not been applied to grades. CuEq is calculated using the same metal\nprices, recoveries and formula used in Sterling's October 5, 2026 news\nrelease: CuEq % = Cu % + (0.907 × Au g/t) + (0.0107 × Ag g/t) + (0.00051 ×\nMo ppm).\n\nNote: The interval from 77.5m to 114.0m in SC-26-19 was not submitted for\nassay after GeologicAI scanning indicated that the interval did not contain\ncopper above approximately 0.1%.\n\nTable 2. Hole Locations, Directions and Final Depths\n\n                                                          \n SC-26-19  682016  5212945  426.96  321.0   -45.0  280.0  \n SC-26-20  682013  5212945  426.96  512.23  -70.0  132.0  \n SC-26-21  682013  5212945  426.96  402.0   -48.0  132.0  \n\nSampling Procedures - Quality Assurance/Quality Control\n\nAnalytical services were provided by Actlabs, an independent accredited\nanalytical laboratory. Drill core was logged, split with a diamond saw and\nhalf-core samples were securely stored prior to shipment to the laboratory.\n\nSamples were prepared by crushing, splitting and pulverizing before\nmulti-element analysis following a near-total four-acid digestion. Selected\nsample pulps were analyzed for gold by fire assay. The laboratory program\nincluded blanks, controls, duplicates and certified reference materials,\nsupplemented by Sterling's systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates and\ncertified reference materials as part of the Company's internal QA/QC program.\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-expands-mineralized-footprint-to-2km-with-near-surface-intercept-in-850m-1242849)\non ACCESS Newswire\n\n\nCopyright 2026 ACCESS Newswire. All Rights Reserved."},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-10-28T11:30:00.938725362Z","server_sent_at_ms":1793187000938},"received_at":"2026-10-28T11:30:00.992Z","source_url":"https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/sterling-expands-mineralized-footprint-to-2km-with-near-surface-intercept-in-850m-1242849"},"analysis":{"id":"170283","press_release_id":"182491","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Metals & Mining","sector":"Materials"},"redFlags":["Early-stage exploration results — no resource estimate or economic study yet","Intervals may not represent true widths and no grade capping applied","37m interval (77.5m-114.0m) in SC-26-19 not assayed based on AI scanning"],"eventType":"operations_update","narrative":"Sterling Metals reported assays from three new eastern drill holes at the Soo Copper Project, expanding the drilled mineralized footprint to approximately 2km east-west.\n\nThe step-out hole SC-26-20, collared roughly 850m east of the prior MEPS limit, returned 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from 49.8m, including 20.0m at 0.98% CuEq and adjacent samples grading 5.42% and 4.53% CuEq near 222m depth.\n\nMineralization strengthens with depth and is associated with massive to semi-massive magnetite, suggesting continuity of the same porphyry copper system, though substantial ground between MEPS and the eastern pad remains untested.\n\nCEO Mathew Wilson will host a webinar on November 4 to review the results and upcoming milestones.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":true,"suggestedAngle":"850m step-out confirms 2km-wide porphyry copper system at Soo Copper — watch follow-up drilling on the untested eastern ground."},"keyFigures":{"customDimensions":{"best_interval":"206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from 49.8m to 256.0m (SC-26-20)","step_out_distance":"850m east of prior MEPS limit (SC-26-16)","peak_sample_grades":"5.42% and 4.53% CuEq over 0.85m and 0.90m","high_grade_interval":"20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq (0.76% Cu)","mineralized_footprint":"~2km east-west"}},"quotedText":"In just 18 months of drilling the MEPS discovery has demonstrated scale, near-surface bulk tonnage potential, the capacity for tremendous grades, and the 2km mineralized footprint suggests this is only going to get better.","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Mathew Wilson","role":"CEO and Director"},{"name":"Jeremy Niemi","role":"Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation (Qualified Person)"}],"products":["Soo Copper Project","MEPS copper zone","Adeline Project"],"companies":[{"name":"Sterling Metals Corp.","ticker":"SAG","relationship":"filer"},{"name":"Actlabs","relationship":"assay laboratory"},{"name":"GeologicAI","relationship":"core-scanning service provider"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"materialImpact":{"score":3,"reasoning":"A successful 850m step-out hole (206.2m at 0.28% CuEq including 20m at 0.98% CuEq) materially expands the drilled footprint to ~2km at the flagship Soo Copper Project. Positive exploration news, but early-stage drill results without resource or economic studies cap the impact."},"tickerRelevance":{"others":[],"primary":"SAG"},"globalImportance":25,"audienceRelevance":18,"eventTypeSecondary":[],"importanceComponents":{"tickerTier":"micro-cap TSXV explorer","eventGravity":"successful step-out drilling results","issuerAuthored":true,"commodityWeight":"copper critical-minerals tailwind"}},"event_type":"operations_update","event_type_secondary":null,"sentiment":"bullish","material_impact_score":3,"narrative":"Sterling Metals reported assays from three new eastern drill holes at the Soo Copper Project, expanding the drilled mineralized footprint to approximately 2km east-west.\n\nThe step-out hole SC-26-20, collared roughly 850m east of the prior MEPS limit, returned 206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from 49.8m, including 20.0m at 0.98% CuEq and adjacent samples grading 5.42% and 4.53% CuEq near 222m depth.\n\nMineralization strengthens with depth and is associated with massive to semi-massive magnetite, suggesting continuity of the same porphyry copper system, though substantial ground between MEPS and the eastern pad remains untested.\n\nCEO Mathew Wilson will host a webinar on November 4 to review the results and upcoming milestones.","key_figures":{"customDimensions":{"best_interval":"206.2m grading 0.28% CuEq from 49.8m to 256.0m (SC-26-20)","step_out_distance":"850m east of prior MEPS limit (SC-26-16)","peak_sample_grades":"5.42% and 4.53% CuEq over 0.85m and 0.90m","high_grade_interval":"20.0m grading 0.98% CuEq (0.76% Cu)","mineralized_footprint":"~2km east-west"}},"named_entities":{"people":[{"name":"Mathew Wilson","role":"CEO and Director"},{"name":"Jeremy Niemi","role":"Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation (Qualified Person)"}],"products":["Soo Copper Project","MEPS copper zone","Adeline Project"],"companies":[{"name":"Sterling Metals Corp.","ticker":"SAG","relationship":"filer"},{"name":"Actlabs","relationship":"assay laboratory"},{"name":"GeologicAI","relationship":"core-scanning service provider"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"model_name":"glm-5.3-flashx","prompt_hash":"sha256:5c812bd9e28b810d","schema_hash":"sha256:05005c02d9cffac9","created_at":"2026-10-28T11:30:16.967Z","global_importance":25,"audience_relevance":18,"importance_components":{"tickerTier":"micro-cap TSXV explorer","eventGravity":"successful step-out drilling results","issuerAuthored":true,"commodityWeight":"copper critical-minerals tailwind"}},"durationMs":7437,"modelName":"glm-5.3-flashx"}}