Despite the incomplete dataset, intervals exceeding 50 meters of mineralization have been intersected in core, emphasizing the scale and continuity of the system and reinforcing the need for systematic follow-up drilling (see Table 1). Ongoing exploration continues to underscore the strong potential for resource expansion both within and along strike of the conceptual open pit. Recent drilling has identified previously unrecognized, near-surface bulk-tonnage zones, in addition to high-grade gold lenses containing visible gold. Importantly, these broader mineralized zones locally host exceptional high-grade intervals, including 21.7 metres grading 35.2 g/t Au (
see press release dated February 25, 2025) for details. Such results highlight the significant upside embedded within the extensive near-surface mineralized envelope.
Emperor is targeting a multi-million-ounce gold resource through a combination of conceptual open-pit and underground mining scenarios. The Property currently hosts an updated inferred mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 26.9 Million Tonnes (Mt) containing 1.46 million ounces (Moz) of gold at an average grade of 1.69 g/t Au (see press release dated July 9, 2025). Sensitivity table in MRE shows various grade scenarios for a higher-grade open pit and for an underground mining scenario.
Drill hole Discussion:
The 2025–2026 drilling program continues to validate both low-grade bulk-tonnage mineralization and higher-grade zones within and beyond the limits of the current conceptual open-pit shell. Drill holes DQ25-01 and DQ25-02 were strategically designed to infill sparsely tested areas within the pit where limited historical data existed, with the objective of strengthening continuity and adding meaningful ounces to the overall deposit (see Table 1 Results).
Historically, exploration efforts concentrated primarily on the higher-grade core of the system and did not systematically evaluate the surrounding mineralized envelope. As a result, both peripheral extensions and internal gaps within the broader mineralized body remained underexplored. These untested areas represent significant exploration upside and have the potential to materially enhance the project’s overall ounce profile—particularly in the context of gold prices trading near historic highs.
By maintaining a disciplined focus on near-surface drilling aligned with a potential open-pit mining scenario, Emperor aims to strategically expand its resource base through the inclusion of lower-grade material that may be economically viable under open-pit parameters, rather than applying the higher cut-off grades typically associated with underground mining. Comparable open-pit operations in the region have demonstrated economic viability at cut-off grades of approximately 0.30 g/t Au (see Agnico Eagle press release dated February 15, 2024; Detour Lake Deposit cut-off grade, p. 52).
DQ25-01
Drill hole DQ25-01 continues to confirm the presence of broad, bulk-tonnage gold mineralization within the conceptual open-pit shell, highlighted by a substantial 107.7-metre interval grading 0.5 g/t Au. Positioned in an area historically characterized by limited and incomplete sampling within the wider mineralized corridor, the hole points to a more expansive and less discrete sub-gram gold system than previously recognized (see Exhibit 1).
This broad zone of mineralization, characterized by disseminated pyrite, is hosted within and along the margins of a sizable quartz–feldspar porphyry intrusion. The surrounding mafic volcanic rocks are strongly sheared and mineralized along the intrusive contact, underscoring the structural influence of emplacement. Shearing concentrated along lithologic boundaries exhibits both brittle and ductile deformation fabrics, creating permeable structural pathways that facilitated the introduction and deposition of gold-bearing fluids.
DQ25-02
Partial Results are reported. Current results intersected a significant zone of low-grade gold mineralization, with 42.8 meters grading 0.3 g/t Au. This broad zone of mineralization is like DQ25-01. It is hosted within and along the margins of a sizable quartz–feldspar porphyry intrusion. characterized by disseminated pyrite in veins and host rock. The surrounding mafic volcanic rocks are strongly sheared and mineralized along the intrusive contact, underscoring the structural influence of emplacement
Emperor Strategic Plan for Duquesne West
The 2026 drilling campaign at Emperor’s Duquesne West Gold Project in Quebec continues to identify extensive low-grade bulk tonnage zones surrounding the previously known high grade areas. These latest results further solidify the project’s immense potential and underscore the Company’s commitment to unlocking substantial value for its shareholders.
The 2026 season is focused on leveraging advanced exploration techniques to test several scenarios to add ounces and/or expand the footprint:
These latest results continue to build on the strong momentum generated by Emperor’s 2025 drilling program and seem to confirm the presences of extensive low-grade bulk tonnage zones surrounding the known high-grade regions.
For more detailed information on Emperor’s drilling campaign on the Duquesne west project please refer to the February 24, 2026 press release.