Mr. Tyrone Docherty reports

FIRST TELLURIUM MOURNS PASSING OF DRILLING CONTRACTOR JOHN "PHIL" MCLEAN

First Tellurium Corp.'s long-time drilling contractor John (Phil) McLean has died following an accident at Ootsa Lake in west-central British Columbia, near the company's Deer Horn property.

Mr. McLean was a highly respected and experienced drilling contractor who had worked extensively in British Columbia and was known within the mineral exploration community.

First Tellurium president and chief executive officer Tyrone Docherty had known Mr. McLean for approximately 50 years.

"Phil was one of those rare people you never forget," said Mr. Docherty. "I can say without hesitation that he was the most generous person I have ever met. He would do anything for anyone. This is a devastating loss, not only for those of us who knew him personally, but for the drilling and exploration community in British Columbia."

Mr. Docherty added: "Phil was a legend in the drilling business. He had decades of knowledge and experience, but, more importantly, he had an enormous heart. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of working with him."

As a result of the accident, First Tellurium has suspended all further exploration activity at the Deer Horn property for the rest of 2026.

The company extends its deepest condolences to Mr. McLean's family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched during his long career.

About First Tellurium Corp.

First Tellurium's unique business model is to generate revenue and value through the development of tellurium-based technologies, as well as mineral discovery, project development and project generation.

First Tellurium is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol FTEL and on the OTC under the symbol FSTTF.

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