Mr. Simon Delander reports

RUA GOLD SUBMITS FAST-TRACK REFERRAL APPLICATION FOR AULD CREEK PROJECT IN THE REEFTON goldfIELD, NEW ZEALAND

Rua Gold Inc. has submitted its fast-track referral application for the Auld Creek project in the Reefton goldfield, marking a key milestone in the company's transition from explorer to mine developer.

If successful, the ability to utilize the fast-track process has the potential to significantly accelerate development timelines and streamline permitting for the Auld Creek project.

Highlights:

• In December, 2024, the New Zealand government introduced legislation establishing a one-stop-shop fast-track approvals regime to accelerate nationally significant projects.

• Rua Gold engaged a dedicated project team in late 2025 to advance permitting activities and support the fast-track application.

• The company has now submitted its application for the Auld Creek project to be considered under the fast-track process as a starter mine in the Reefton goldfield.

• If successful, the fast-track process would enable Rua Gold to secure all key approvals, including mining permits, resource consents, water use permissions and wildlife approvals, through a streamlined pathway.

• The company acknowledges the strong support of Ngati Waewae, the Reefton and West Coast communities and government stakeholders.

• Rua Gold also thanks OceanaGold for its support and provision of environmental baseline data, which was instrumental in meeting submission timelines.

• A decision on the application is anticipated over the coming three months.

Simon Delander, vice-president, commented: "The team has worked diligently to compile the technical reports and initial baseline studies required to support the Auld Creek project's referral application for inclusion in the fast-track approvals process. The Reefton project has the potential to become a significant gold and antimony operation, positioning the region as an important global source of antimony, a critical mineral of increasing geopolitical significance. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with government and local stakeholders to advance the project."

Fast-track application process

The company has completed a referral submission of the Auld Creek project application under the Fast-Track Approvals Act. The referral application includes a suite of technical reports and baseline studies, which will be further expanded ahead of the substantive Fast track application to ensure the project meets and exceeds regulatory and environmental standards.

These studies incorporate extensive consultation with local stakeholders and input from leading environmental, social and technical experts across multiple disciplines, including water quality, ecology, landscape and visual effects, air quality, socio-economic impacts, heritage, infrastructure and mine closure planning.

In parallel, Rua Gold is advancing a preliminary economic assessment (PEA), expected to be completed in May, 2026, with progression to a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Auld Creek project is proposed as an underground mining operation with an expected initial mine life of up to eight years. The project is anticipated to employ approximately 200 people and contribute an estimated $240-million (New Zealand) to the regional economy. It also has the potential to establish a processing hub to support future mining developments in the region.

About Rua Gold Inc.

Rua Gold is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, the team has successfully taken major discoveries into producing world-class mines across multiple continents. The team is now focused on maximizing the asset potential of Rua Gold's two highly prospective high-grade gold projects.

We seek Safe Harbor.