Mr. Greg Isenor reports

KO GOLD ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF OTCQB TRADING

Following KO Gold Inc.'s news release dated March 16, 2026, the company's common shares commenced trading on the OTCQB Venture Market at the open of trading on March 20, 2026, under the symbol KOGDF. The OTCQB listing marks an important milestone for the company as it advances its district-scale land position in the Otago gold district on New Zealand's South Island and prepares for an active 2026 exploration and drilling season.

"Listing on the OTCQB marks a key milestone for KO Gold as we expand our market presence and improve accessibility for U.S. investors," said Greg Isenor, president and chief executive officer of KO Gold. "We believe this broader North American exposure will help grow our shareholder base and enhance the company's profile at a pivotal time, as we advance exploration in the Otago gold district in New Zealand and maintain a steady flow of news."

The OTCQB, operated by OTC Markets Group Inc., is a recognized United States public market for entrepreneurial and development-stage companies that meet current reporting standards. Trading on the OTCQB is expected to enhance the company's visibility among U.S. investors and provide greater accessibility for trading in U.S. dollars during U.S. market hours.

The company's common shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol KOG.

Qualified person statement

All scientific and technical information contained in this news release was prepared and approved by Paul Teniere, PGeo, vice-president of exploration and director of KO Gold, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About KO Gold Inc.

KO Gold is a Canadian junior exploration company listed on the CSE under KOG. The company's strategy is to acquire and explore highly prospective gold properties within the Otago gold district in New Zealand. KO Gold presently has four 100-per-cent-owned exploration permits within the Otago gold district for a combined land package of 400 square kilometres (including the Carrick Range exploration permit application). The company's Smylers Gold, Hyde and Glenpark EPs are located adjacent to OceanaGold's Macraes gold mine and the Carrick EP hosts the historic Carrick goldfield, which holds promise as a significant gold deposit near Santana Minerals' Bendigo-Ophir gold project. The company also has an NSR (net smelter return) on three additional permits, Garibaldi, Raggedy Range and Rough Ridge South, totalling 340 square kilometres. KO Gold has spent over $3-million in exploration and drilling on its permits in the Otago gold district over the past five years including RC (reverse circulation) and diamond drilling on its Smylers Gold EP.

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