Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 10, 2026) - Mercado Minerals Ltd. (CSE: MERC) ("Mercado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received an exploration drill permit for its Copalito Project ("Copalito" or the "Project") in Sinaloa, Mexico. The Company has been preparing for its inaugural 3,000-metre diamond drill program at Copalito, which is expected to commence in the first quarter of this year.

Drilling Permit
The permit authorizes the Company to utilize both existing and newly constructed drill pads on the Project. The initial 3,000-metre diamond drill program is designed to test extensions of known veins, conduct infill drilling, evaluate targets at depth, and drill newly identified targets. This program will build on the 81 historical diamond drill holes and extensive prospecting completed by the previous operator.

Geophysics Surveys
Mercado and its LiDAR contractor have completed the drone-based LiDAR survey. Data compilation and interpretation are now underway. A high-resolution UAV magnetic survey is currently in progress and is expected to be completed within the coming week.

Field Exploration Program
Mercado's geological team in Mexico continues to advance fieldwork, including re-logging and re-sampling selected historic drill core. The team has been actively mapping and prospecting previously un-explored areas of the Project. Approximately 30% of the surface exploration program is complete. A soil sampling program has commenced to support the geochemical characterization of the known mineralized vein field and to investigate previously un-explored areas of the project to aid in the identification of new drill targets.

About Mercado Minerals Ltd.
Mercado Minerals Ltd. (CSE: MERC) is a silver-focused exploration company targeting the next world-class discovery in Mexico's emerging Western Silver Belt, part of the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental mining district. With a proven team boasting extensive experience in Mexican exploration, Mercado is actively advancing multiple projects across more than 3,000 hectares. The Company is committed to creating shareholder value through disciplined exploration, strategic growth, and discovery-driven results.

Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement):
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate," "plan," "continue," "expect," "estimate," "objective," "may," "will," "project," "should," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements because the Company cannot provide assurance that they will prove correct. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283364