Mr. Guy Le Bel reports

XXIX APPOINTS ERIC DESAULNIERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

XXIX Metal Corp. has appointed Eric Desaulniers, MSc, PGeo, to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Mining entrepreneur and industry builder, Mr. Desaulniers discovered the Matawinie graphite deposit and led Nouveau Monde from exploration through construction of a vertically integrated mining and battery materials business, securing more than $640-million (U.S.) in project financing'
• Extensive experience advancing mining projects in Quebec, including permitting, procurement, social acceptability initiatives and collaborative engagement with first nations communities;
• XXIX will leverage Mr. Desaulniers's experience and connections in-province, locally and federally as it advances its Quebec and Ontario copper assets.

Mr. Desaulniers is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., where he has led the discovery, development, financing and construction of one of North America's most advanced integrated graphite projects. A professional geologist and geophysicist, he discovered the Matawinie graphite deposit in Quebec and has guided Nouveau Monde's growth from exploration through construction of a vertically integrated graphite mining and battery materials business.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Desaulniers has led major exploration, permitting, engineering and financing initiatives, including the advancement of the Matawinie mine and Becancour battery material plant. Under his leadership, Nouveau Monde has secured strategic partnerships, long-term offtake agreements and more than $640-million (U.S.) in project financing.

Of particular relevance to XXIX, Mr. Desaulniers brings extensive first-hand experience permitting, developing and procuring for mining projects in the province of Quebec, including navigating social licence considerations and building durable, collaborative relationships with first nations communities. The company intends to leverage his experience and his deep network of relationships in-province, locally and federally, as it advances its Quebec copper assets.

"Eric has demonstrated an uncommon ability to take a mineral discovery from concept through development, financing and construction," said Guy Le Bel, chief executive officer of XXIX Metal. "His technical expertise, capital markets experience and track record of advancing large-scale projects in Quebec -- including his success in permitting, procurement, social licence and first nations engagement -- will be extremely valuable as we continue to advance and unlock value from our copper assets. We are pleased to welcome him to the board and look forward to drawing on his experience and connections at the provincial, local and federal levels."

Mr. Desaulniers commented: "XXIX has assembled a compelling portfolio of copper projects with significant exploration and development potential. I look forward to working with the board and management team as the company advances its projects and pursues opportunities to create long-term value for shareholders."

The appointment remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The company also announces that, subject to TSX-V approval, the board of directors has granted stock options to Mr. Desaulniers in connection with his appointment to the board of directors allowing for the acquisition of up to 750,000 shares of the company. The options are exercisable at a price of 11 cents per share for five years from the date of grant, vest one year from the date of grant, and are subject to regulatory policies and approvals. The grant aligns his interests with those of shareholders and reflects the board's confidence in his ability to contribute to the company's long-term growth.

The grant of options to certain directors is a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The company relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party matters as the company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of nor the fair market value of the consideration for the transaction, insofar as it involves the related parties, exceeded 25 per cent of the company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

About XXIX Metal Corp.

XXIX is advancing its Opemiska and Thierry copper projects, two significant Canadian copper assets. The Opemiska project, one of Canada's highest-grade open-pittable copper deposits, spans 21,333 hectares in Quebec's Chapais-Chibougamau region, with strong infrastructure and nearby access to the Horne smelter. An October, 2025, preliminary economic assessment outlined a 12,500-tonne-per-day open-pit operation over a 17-year mine life, generating an after-tax net present value (discounted at 8 per cent) of $505-million, an internal rate of return of 27.2 per cent and a 2.3-year payback period (copper price of $4.35 per pound, gold price of $3,000 per ounce and silver price of $30 per ounce). The Thierry project hosts the K1 (near surface) and the past-producing K2 (underground and surface) zones (see XXIX news release dated Oct. 1, 2024, for details regarding resources). Thierry has significant infrastructure in place, including an all-season road, an airport within five kilometres, a provincial power grid within eight kilometres and nearby rail. With these two high-potential projects, the company has solidified its position as a key player in the Canadian copper sector and has established itself as one of Eastern Canada's largest copper developers. With demand for critical minerals continuing to accelerate, XXIX is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the North American copper opportunity. Investors are encouraged to follow the company's progress as it advances a portfolio of high-potential assets with the guidance of two of Canada's accomplished mine builders.

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