TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / July 13, 2026 / Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV:SAG)(OTCQB:SAGGF) ("Sterling" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from three additional drill holes completed as part of its ongoing 2026 drilling program at the Soo Copper Project ("Soo Copper" or the "Project"), located near Batchewana Bay, Ontario. Each hole intersected broad intervals of continuous copper mineralization beginning near surface, further defining the scale of the MEPS Zone ("MEPS") and reinforcing Sterling's interpretation of a large, copper-dominant system with significant expansion potential. Holes SC-26-07, SC-26-08 and SC-26-09 tested the northwest and west extents of MEPS, intersecting 248.0 m to 323.0 m grading 0.30% to 0.34% CuEq (Copper Equivalent). The results also refine the Company's understanding of the structural controls on mineralization, providing important information to guide future drilling (Figures 1 and 2).

Highlights:

• Drilling continues to support Sterling's interpretation of a large copper system with widespread mineralization. Higher-grade copper zones appear to be associated with favourable host rocks, providing a clear framework for targeting additional high-grade mineralization.

Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation, commented, "These results reflect the methodical exploration approach we are taking at Soo Copper. SC-26-07, SC-26-08 and SC-26-09 each intersected thick mineralized intervals within the first few metres of bedrock, extending continuous mineralization to the northeast and reinforcing our interpretation of a large, copper-dominant system. The shallow nature of mineralization further enhances the project's potential as we continue to define its scale and geometry. With each hole, we are refining our understanding of the geological and structural controls on copper mineralization, expanding the footprint of the system and vectoring toward more concentrated, higher-grade zones."

Watch the VRIFY Presentation: CEO Mathew Wilson and Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation, Jeremy Niemi, discuss today's drill results and how they continue to refine the geological model and expand the scale of the MEPS discovery. Click the link https://youtu.be/8Lhd_IOFZ0I or the image below to view the presentation

Figure 1. Plan map of 2026 drilling over Lidar data showing reported holes and MEPS Zone highlighted.

Figure 2. Cross-section of MEPS area highlighting reported copper intervals (in blue) for holes SC-26-07/08/09 (in blue); background image is IP Chargeability from 2024 survey.

Technical Discussion

Copper-dominant sulphide mineralization is expansive and largely hosted by potassically altered Neoarchean mafic volcanic rocks that have been intruded by a multiphase complex of Mesoproterozoic "Keweenawan" felsic porphyry intrusions, clustered across the MEPS Zone. The highest-grade copper mineralization is commonly found adjacent to strongly altered and veined felsic dykes that appear to have acted as conduits for the copper-rich magmatic hydrothermal fluids. Thin basaltic flows, especially pillowed flow tops, and tuffs are the best host rocks for copper mineralization, in contrast to more massive less permeable gabbroic rocks that likely form the cores of thicker flows and perhaps also subvolcanic feeder intrusions.

It is clear that the copper-rich magmatic hydrothermal event was robust and widespread, the fluids having pervasively permeated the mafic host rock package. Importantly grade is primarily determined by host rock permeability, both primary lithologic permeability and secondary, structurally imposed permeability, and so very high-grade intervals are consistently found in areas of very high host rock permeability, particularly in proximity to syn-mineral felsic dykes. Broad intervals of continuous yet modest copper grades are a product of lower host rock permeability rather than a weak hydrothermal system or a narrow copper zone. Holes SC-26-07, 08 and 09 while extensively mineralized were generally less permeable than other areas within the MEPS discovery area both in past and in future drilling.

Figure 3. Mineralized core in hole SC-26-07 at 134.64m grading 6.57% CuEq, Ribbon vein (quartz+magnetite+chalcopyrite+bornite)

Figure 4. Mineralized core in hole SC-26-09 at 134.64m grading 6.08% CuEq, Ribbon vein (quartz+magnetite+chalcopyrite+bornite

Table 1. Significant Assay Intervals

Intervals may not represent true widths, which are not yet known, and capping has not been applied to grades. Copper Equivalent (CuEq) for drill intersections is calculated based on a three-year trailing average for each commodity (2023, 2024 and 2025), which equates to US$4.18/lb Cu, US$2,600/oz Au, US$30.54/oz Ag and US$21.46/lb Mo, with 80% metallurgical recoveries assumed for all metals. The formula is: CuEq % = Cu % + (0.907 x Au g/t) + (0.0107 x Ag g/t) + (0.00051 x Mo ppm).

Table 2. Hole Locations, Directions and Final Depths

Exploration Update

Drilling continues at Soo Copper. Sterling is currently drilling the 30th hole of its 2026 program and has completed approximately 15,000m of a minimum 20,0000m campaign and has surpassed the 25,000m mark since initiating drilling in spring 2025. The Company's objectives are to continue defining the scale of the near-surface copper system and to prioritize targets with potential for large zones of higher-grade copper mineralization within that system.

Sampling Procedures - Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Analytical services were provided by Actlabs, which is an independent, CALA- and SCC-accredited analytical services firm registered to ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 standard. Drill core samples were logged and split in half with a diamond core saw. Half-core samples were securely stored at the core logging facility until being delivered to Actlabs Thunder Bay lab by commercial transport. Samples were crushed (< 7 kg) up to 90% passing 2mm (10 mesh), riffle split to 250 g and pulverized by mild steel to 95% passing 105μm (150 mesh). Samples splits underwent a 4-acid near total digestion followed by a multi-element analysis, including base metals, using an ICP method for 35 elements. Selected sample pulps were then analyzed for gold using a 30 g aliquot mixed with fire assay fluxes and Ag as a collector, placed in a fire clay crucible, gradually heated to 1060ºC for 60 min, and followed with an AA finish.

Laboratory QA/QC for the ICP analysis was 14% for each batch, including 5 method reagent blanks, 10 in-house controls, 10 samples duplicates, and 8 certified reference materials. An additional 13% QA/QC was performed as part of the instrumental analysis to ensure quality in the areas of instrumental drift. Laboratory quality control for the gold fire assay included two blanks per 42 samples, three sample duplicates and 2 certified reference materials, one high and one low (QC 7 out of 42 samples). In-house QA/QC included the systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials (CRM).

Qualified Person

Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration and Evaluation for Sterling Metals has reviewed and approved the technical information presented herein.

About the Soo Copper Project

The Soo Copper Project sits just 20 minutes off the Trans-Canada Highway, one hour north of Sault Ste. Marie, and 20km from rail and deep-water access. With near-surface copper-one of the most critical of all critical metals-alongside gold, and with the project now demonstrating both scale and grade, Sterling sees the potential for Soo Copper to become a nationally significant asset as Canada accelerates its efforts to secure strategic copper resources. Prime Minister Carney's recent designation of copper as one of Canada's first five strategic assets underscores the importance of this discovery and its potential to emerge as a key project of national interest.

About Sterling Metals

Sterling Metals is a mineral exploration company focused on large scale and high-grade Canadian exploration opportunities. The Company is advancing the 25,000-hectare Soo Copper Project in Ontario which has past production, and multiple breccia and porphyry targets strategically located near robust infrastructure and the 29,000-hectare Adeline Project in Labrador which covers an entire sediment-hosted copper belt with significant silver credits. Both opportunities have demonstrated potential for important new copper discoveries, underscoring Sterling's commitment to pioneering exploration in mineral rich Canada.

Sterling Metals acknowledges that its exploration activities within the Soo Copper project are conducted on the traditional lands of the First Nations of the North Shore of Lake Superior. We recognize and respect the longstanding and diverse relationships Indigenous Peoples have with the land and are committed to engaging in a manner that is respectful, transparent, and inclusive.

For more information, please contact:

Sterling Metals Corp.
Mathew Wilson, CEO and Director
Tel: (416) 643-3887
Email: info@sterlingmetals.ca
Website: www.sterlingmetals.ca

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SOURCE: Sterling Metals Corp.