
Mineralization Extends Beyond Known Resource Near Existing Underground Infrastructure
Drillhole BHE26-02 returns:
Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (TSX: BNKR) (OTCQB: BHLL) is pleased to announce additional assay results from the ongoing underground exploration drill program on the Cate-Eight Vein Target at the Bunker Hill Mine. This program is designed to test high-grade silver targets near recently constructed mine infrastructure in the upper area of the mine, with the potential to be incorporated into the near-term production plan and expand the current mineral resources and mineral reserves.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Drillhole BHE26-02
CEO COMMENTARY
“These second set of results indicate the emergence of a new high-grade silver-lead zone in an area of the upper mine that has seen limited historical exploration,” said Sam Ash, Chief Executive Officer of Bunker Hill Mining. “What is particularly encouraging is the potential scale indicated by these early holes, with mineralization open in all directions and extending well beyond historic interpretations.”
Table 1: Significant drill assay intervals from Cate Eight Target
| Hole ID | From feet |
To feet |
From meter |
To meter |
Ag opt |
Ag g/t |
Pb% | Zn% | AgEq opt |
AgEq g/t |
| BHE26-01 | 163.70 | 184.20 | 49.90 | 56.14 | 1.37 | 47.00 | 2.70 | 0.63 | 2.24 | 76.48 |
| including | 176.00 | 176.80 | 53.64 | 53.89 | 11.90 | 408.00 | 29.30 | 0.05 | 18.82 | 642.68 |
| And | 202.80 | 206.30 | 61.81 | 62.88 | 7.91 | 271.25 | 20.55 | 0.04 | 12.77 | 435.91 |
| including | 202.80 | 205.10 | 61.81 | 62.51 | 11.10 | 380.57 | 28.40 | 0.04 | 17.81 | 607.93 |
| ; | ||||||||||
| BHE26-02 | 453.00 | 481.60 | 138.07 | 146.79 | 3.02 | 103.39 | 7.44 | 0.85 | 5.08 | 173.50 |
| including | 464.50 | 481.60 | 141.58 | 146.79 | 4.19 | 143.64 | 10.67 | 0.73 | 6.97 | 238.05 |
| which includes | 471.00 | 473.10 | 143.56 | 144.20 | 7.95 | 272.60 | 22.18 | 1.05 | 13.56 | 462.97 |
| and includes | 477.30 | 481.60 | 145.48 | 146.79 | 8.84 | 303.09 | 23.20 | 0.73 | 14.57 | 497.59 |
Note: True thickness is not currently known; drill intervals are estimated at 75% of true thickness. (AgEq is calculated using CIBC long-term metal prices of $76.36/oz silver, $0.89/lb lead, $1.41/lb zinc, with recovery rates of 91.6% for silver, 88.6% for lead and 86.8% for zinc for PFS metallurgical data for Bunker Hill mineralization here)

Figure 1: Galena-siderite veins with lead-silver mineralization from BHE26-02. Left photo is 477.3-481.6’: 4.3 ft at 8.84 oz/ton (303.09 g/t) Ag, 23.2% Pb, 0.73% Zn (499.7 g/t AgEq). Right photo is 464.5-465.1’: 0.6 ft at 5.21 oz/ton (143.64 g/t) Ag, 4.61% Pb, 0.6% Zn (188 g/t AgEq)
INITIAL RESULTS – “CATE-EIGHT VEIN” TARGET
The “Cate-Eight Vein” is the first target to be tested in the 2026 exploration drill program. This target was previously intercepted by three historic drill holes in the mid-1970s as part of a strategic geological survey, but these were not followed up on before the mine closed. It is interpreted as a vein segment offset within the Cate Fault Zone.
The Cate-Eight Vein is considered to belong to the silver-rich Galena-Quartz (GQ) series of veins, previously mined on the lower levels of the Bunker Hill Mine. This group of veins was historically underexplored and largely unexploited in the upper levels of the Mine and represents highly attractive, potentially high-grade silver exploration targets adjacent to mine infrastructure, which could be brought into the near-term mine plan (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Oblique section of Cate-Eight Vein Target and Bunker Hill Mine workings showing intercepts from historic drill holes and BHE26-01 and BHE26-02 (this press release)
BHE26-02 is the second hole drilled into the Cate-Eight target, intersecting 28.6 ft of continuous galena mineralization starting at 453 ft downhole. A 17.1 ft-thick higher-grade zone within this broader interval grades 4.19 oz/ton silver (143.64 g/t), 10.67% lead and 0.73% zinc (238.05 g/t AgEq). Two distinct high-grade galena-siderite veins were cut within the 17.1 ft mineralized zone (Table 1).
The first hole into the Cate-Eight target (BHE26-01) intercepted 52.3 feet of continuous visible galena mineralization (silver-bearing lead sulfide) starting at 154 feet downhole, with two distinct veins from 163.7-184.2 feet and 203-206.3 feet, both of which had internal zones of high-grade silver-lead mineralization (0.8 feet at 11.9 oz/ton silver (408 g/t) and 29.3% lead (642.68 g/t AgEq) and 2.3 feet at 11.1 oz/ton silver (380.57 g/t) and 28.4% lead (607.93 g/t AgEq)) (see News Release dated May 4, 2026).
The results confirm and extend mineralization beyond historic drill intercepts and support modelling of historic mapping and drill data, showing a mineralized structure (Cate-Eight) that may be included in future mine plans with continued encouraging drill intercepts.
ONGOING EXPLORATION PLANS
Six drillholes are planned to test the Cate-Eight Target, totalling ~2,200 feet. The third hole (BHE26-03) was completed on May 7, 2026, ending in historic mine workings after cutting a mineralized vein and breccia zone. BHE26-03 is currently being logged with samples highlighted for delivery to the Silver Valley Laboratory (“SVL Lab”) in the second week of May 2006.
Three additional drillholes will test the emerging Cate-Eight Vein zone from the current drill station on the 8 Level (Figure 2).
QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL
The Company has implemented rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control (“QA/QC”) protocols, including the insertion of blanks and standards into all sample batches. QA samples inserted into the batch of samples for BHE26-01 all passed the analyses for blanks and certified reference standards. Core sample intervals were selected based on visual geology and mineralization, and were cut, bagged and delivered to the lab by BHMC geologists. Samples were split and cut on a core saw where necessary, following a cut line placed by the geologist dividing visible mineralization into equal proport ions. Samples were prepared and analyzed at SVL, using standard industry grind, split, and pulp preparation, followed by microwave digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry analysis, with overlimit samples assayed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish for silver. SVL’s quality assurance program meets the quality requirements set forth in the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard, as evidenced by the inclusion and reporting of internal quality control samples with all results.
QUALIFIED PERSON
Sam Bourque (AIPG CPG #11775), Chief Geologist of Bunker Hill, is the Company’s designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Bourque has reviewed and appro ved the technical information contained herein.
ABOUT BUNKER HILL MINING CORP.
Bunker Hill Mining Corp. is a U.S.-based exploration and development company focused on the restart of its flagship asset—the historic Bunker Hill Mine in northern Idaho’s prolific Coeur d’Alene mining district. This renowned silver, zinc, and lead deposit is being advanced using modern exploration techniques and responsible development practices to unlock its full potential.
The Company’s strategy is centered on efficiently revitalizing this high-quality asset to deliver long-term value, while upholding strong environmental and operational standards. Bunker Hill is committed to maximizing shareholder returns through the disciplined redevelopment of one of North America’s most storied mining operations.
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