Mr. Darcy Marud reports

WESTERN EXPLORATION PROVIDES DOBY GEORGE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Western Exploration Inc. has provided an update on the continued advancement of its 100-per-cent-owned Doby George gold project, part of the broader Aura property in Elko county, Nevada. The continuing activities outlined below will ultimately advance the company's mine plan of operations (MPO) for submission to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and continue to derisk Doby George toward a future construction decision.

"The activities we are announcing today reflect the steady, disciplined progress we are making at Doby George," said Darcy Marud, chief executive officer of Western Exploration. "Our drill contractor is in place, hydrology fieldwork has begun, we are now in dialogue with a power provider on the grid connection options and baseline biology work is advancing." Mr. Marud went on to add, "Each of these workstreams is essential to moving Doby George from a positive PEA into a permitted, construction-ready project and we look forward to delivering on additional milestones throughout 2026."

Drilling contract secured for 2026 program

The company has entered into a drilling contract in support of the planned 2026 Doby George program. Securing the contract locks in rig availability and provides the operational platform needed to execute the holes needed for infill, stepout, geotechnical and hydrological drilling at the project, including the installation of the monitor wells described below.

Energy supplier on grid power connection

Western has initiated discussions with the regional electric utility regarding a potential grid power connection for Doby George. The parties are working toward commencing a formal feasibility study in the third quarter of 2026 to evaluate the routing, infrastructure requirements, timing and cost of connecting the project to the grid. A grid-tie option, if advanced, is expected to support lower long-term operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint relative to stand-alone power generation.

Hydrology study initiated; monitor wells to be completed with the drill program

A site-specific hydrology study at Doby George is now in progress. As part of this study, groundwater monitor wells will be installed in conjunction with the upcoming drill program, allowing the company to efficiently sequence groundwater data collection alongside resource and geotechnical drilling. The information generated will inform mine design, water management planning and the environmental documentation required to advance the project through permitting.

Environmental baseline biology studies under way

Baseline biology studies at Doby George commenced in February, 2026, and the first round of biological studies are complete. The studies are now actively progressing in the field and will be ongoing as the Doby George project is advanced. The program -- being conducted by independent qualified environmental consultants -- is designed to characterize wildlife, vegetation, and other ecological conditions in and around the proposed project footprint. Data collected through these studies will be directly incorporated into the environmental review materials supporting the planned MPO submission.

We seek Safe Harbor.