Mr. J. Malcolm Bell reports

NOVA PACIFIC METALS TO COMMENCE 8,500-METRE PHASE 1 DRILL PROGRAM AT LARA VMS PROJECT

Nova Pacific Metals Corp.'s phase 1 diamond drill program at the Lara volcanogenic massive sulphide project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, will commence in early May, 2025. The company's phase 1 plans include the drilling of a minimum 39 holes over approximately 8,500 metres of drilling.

As recommended in the technical report dated July 15, 2024, prepared by Wetherup Geological Consulting, the phase 1 exploration program is intended to verify a significant portion of historical drilling along the Coronation trend and collect additional data to support planned resource estimation activities. The Coronation trend covers only a small portion of the Lara project's 4,671-hectare land package. The verification program was designed by Greg Mosher, PGeo, of Mineit Consulting, who also compiled and digitized historical records into a new geospatial data set to support this program.

J. Malcolm Bell, Nova Pacific's chief executive officer, commented: "This initial program marks an important milestone in the revitalization of the Lara VMS project. With a recently completed independent analysis of historical drilling and a systematic approach for validation of the historical resource base, we're laying the groundwork to advance Lara from a historical resource into a current and valuable deposit. It's the beginning of a long-awaited new chapter for the Lara deposit, our company and our shareholders."

Background

The Lara project comprises 19 mineral claims totalling 4,670.74 hectares, centred about 70 kilometres northwest of Victoria, B.C. The claims encompass a 17-kilometre-long, highly prospective belt of bimodal metavolcanic rocks assigned to the McLaughlin Ridge formation, the uppermost unit of the Paleozoic Sicker group. These rocks are correlative with the Myra formation, host to the Myra Falls VMS deposit and the associated past-producing Myra Falls mine, situated in a similar geological setting approximately 142 kilometres to the west-northwest.

The Lara deposit comprises precious-metal-enriched, stratiform sulphide mineralization in three zones (collectively known as the Coronation trend) along two stratigraphic intervals over a strike length of approximately 1.5 kilometres. The Coronation and Coronation extension zones are composed of bands and stringers of sulphide mineralization (mainly sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and tetrahedrite, the latter being the preferred host for gold) in a strongly silicified rhyolite host, whereas the Hangingwall zone is typified by stringer mineralization.

To date, the Coronation trend has been tested by 323 diamond drill holes totalling 58,263 metres, from which a historical resource estimate of 1,146,700 tonnes at 3.01 per cent zinc, 32.97 grams per tonne silver, 1.05 per cent copper, 0.58 per cent lead and 1.97 g/t gold and an inferred resource of 669,600 tonnes at 2.26 per cent Zn, 32.99 g/t Ag, 0.90 per cent Cu, 0.44 per cent Pb and 1.90 g/t Au at a 1-per-cent zinc equivalent cut-off were reported. Previous operators also undertook 679 metres of preproduction underground development in an early effort to advance the project. The historical estimate was prepared by Kelso and Wetherup in 2008. The company cautions that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource or mineral reserve, and the company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resource or mineral reserve.

While the Coronation trend has seen the bulk of historical exploration to date, at least six other underexplored mineralized zones (Anita, Randy/Randy North, Silver Creek, 262, Lady A and Lady C) exist on or adjacent to the property. As mineralized zones in VMS deposits tend to cluster as lenses at discrete stratigraphic intervals, the potential for the discovery of additional mineralization, which could potentially expand any established resource, is believed by management to be excellent.

Corporate update

Effective April 16, 2025, Dal Brynelsen has retired from the board of directors of the company to balance his collective business responsibilities. Mr. Brynelsen has generously agreed to continue to support Nova Pacific and is expected to become an active member of the company's advisory board. The board extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Brynelsen for his valuable contributions and continuing support.

Qualified person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Nelles, PGeo, who is a consultant to the company and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects).

Rights of indigenous community statement

Nova Pacific operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Stz'uminus and Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group, a politically unified group that represents six Hul'qumi'num-speaking first nations: Cowichan, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt and Lake Cowichan. The company's team is committed to establishing lasting relationships with local communities by fostering inclusion and contributing to a shared prosperity.

About Nova Pacific Metals Corp.

Nova Pacific is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on the Lara volcanogenic massive sulphide project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Nova Pacific holds an option to acquire a 100-per-cent interest in the Lara project. The project boasts a significant historical resource rich in critical and precious metals situated in a prime location near excellent infrastructure. Nova Pacific's forward-looking strategy includes verification and exploration drilling, and completion of an updated mineral resource estimate, with additional technical and exploration studies to be considered following these milestones. The company is committed to creating value for its shareholders while supporting environmental responsibility and strong community relationships.

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