Mr. Jason Barnard reports

RIO GRANDE RESOURCES ANNOUNCES RESULTS FROM ITS AIRBORNE SURVEY AT WINSTON GOLD/SILVER PROJECT, NEW MEXICO AND ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

Rio Grande Resources Ltd. has released results from its recently completed airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical surveys conducted at its Winston gold-silver project located in the Black Range Mountains of Sierra county, New Mexico. The survey grid and flight line layout was conducted by Precision GeoSurveys Inc., and included 384 line kilometres of survey lines at 50-metre spacing. It identified possible structural trends and areas of potential hydrothermal alteration that may suggest zones of mineralization. The results are being used by Rio Grande to refine surface sampling targets for a coming field program, as well as drill targets currently in the planning stage.

The magnetic survey suggests both shallow, near-surface structures and deeper alteration zones that require follow-up evaluation. The radiometric data, when used in conjunction with existing field observations and historical mining data, suggest areas of potential alteration that have not yet been tested by modern subsurface exploration. Ratio maps, including the uranium-to-thorium ratio, highlight areas that may indicate hydrothermal alteration when coupled with additional exploration data.

Survey highlights include:

• Multiple linear magnetic trends that may represent faults or structural corridors;
• Discrete zones of magnetic disruption that may reflect structural complexity;
• Radiometric responses that suggest areas of potential hydrothermal alteration;
• Areas that have not yet been tested by modern subsurface exploration;
• Geophysical features being evaluated in conjunction with previously reported high-grade surface sampling results.

"The results from our airborne survey provide an important new layer of data as we continue to refine our understanding of the Winston project," said Jason Barnard, chief executive officer of Rio Grande Resources. "The identification of possible structural trends and areas of potential alteration supports our ongoing work to prioritize targets and advance toward drill testing.

"I am pleased to transition the interim president role to Christina Barnard on a permanent basis," added Mr. Barnard. "Christina has been instrumental in the company's development from the outset, and I am confident this transition provides continuity, stability and strong operational leadership as we advance our exploration programs."

Integration with surface sampling

The airborne survey results build directly on the company's previously reported surface sampling program, which returned gold values up to 41.2 grams per tonne gold and silver values up to 1,435 g/t silver (see news release dated Feb. 19, 2026). Geophysical responses observed in the magnetic and radiometric data sets are being evaluated in conjunction with previously reported high-grade surface sampling results, including results from the Poverty Creek trend and historically developed zones at Ivanhoe, Emporia and Little Granite. The company is using these data sets to refine areas for follow-up field evaluation and drill target planning.

Next steps

The company will:

• Complete detailed interpretation of magnetic and radiometric data sets;
• Integrate results with existing geological, structural and geochemical data;
• Conduct targeted ground validation and follow-up sampling in priority areas;
• Refine drill targets focused on structurally favourable zones.

The objective is to define and prioritize drill targets that demonstrate structural continuity, association with known surface mineralization and favourable geometry for future testing.

New president appointment

Rio Grande Resources is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Barnard as its new president. Ms. Barnard has been closely involved with Rio Grande since its formation and was integral to the successful completion of the plan of arrangement with Foremost Clean Energy Ltd., creating Rio as a stand-alone public company focused on advancing the Winston gold and silver property.

Ms. Barnard brings extensive experience in public company administration, regulatory compliance, project management, corporate governance and multiexchange co-ordination. As acting chief operating officer of Foremost Clean Energy, being involved with the company since 2020, she has played a key behind-the-scenes role in executing complex corporate initiatives, including the company's successful Nasdaq listing in 2023. Her operational discipline, attention to detail, and experience co-ordinating legal, regulatory, exchange and corporate workflows position her well to lead Rio Grande through its next phase of development. Mr. Barnard has stepped down from his role as interim president and will remain as chief executive officer and director.

Qualified person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jacob Anderson, CPG, MAusIMM, a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Anderson is independent of Rio Grande Resources.

Historical results referenced in this news release have not been verified by a qualified person, and should not be relied upon as indicative of mineral resources or reserves. The qualified person has reviewed the sampling and mapping data disclosed herein, but has not independently verified the data. Verification included a review of field procedures, sample locations and consistency with historical records.

About Rio Grande Resources Ltd.

Rio Grande Resources is a burgeoning mineral exploration company focused on unlocking the high-grade gold and silver potential within its 3,000-acre drill-ready property in the Black Range of Sierra county, New Mexico. The company holds a 100-per-cent interest in the Winston project group, which includes the two patented historic Ivanhoe and Emporia claims, and Little Granite mines, all known for their past production of high-grade precious metals. Rio Grande Resources is led by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in mineral exploration and development, who are targeting large-scale precious metal discoveries within the property's well-documented low-sulphidation epithermal setting.

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