Uncategorized
Minco Extends High-Grade Zinc and Lead Across Multiple Zones at Rapla
17.89% Zn, 6.41% Pb and 57 g/t Ag over 5.0 metres, including 32.1% Zn, 11.8% Pb and 105 g/t Ag over 1.9 metres
Minco Exploration PLC is pleased to announce further significant drilling results from its 100%-owned Rapla Project in County Laois. The Project is located within the Rathdowney Trend, which is host to the Lisheen and Galmoy Mines and the Ballywire Project. Results are reported for drilling completed since the announcement of the Rapla discovery on 19 December 2025 (drillhole 3312-82: 16.5m grading 10.99% Zn, 3.07% Pb, 1.39% Cu and 294 g/t Ag).
2026 Drilling Programme Extends High-Grade Mineralization at the Main, Aghmacart and Eastern Extension Zones
Main Zone
- 5.0m grading 17.89% Zn, 6.41% Pb and 57 g/t Ag from 595.9m in hole 3312-104 at the base of the Waulsortian Limestone, circa 120m north-west of discovery hole 3312-82, including:
- 1.9m grading 32.08% Zn, 11.84% Pb and 105 g/t Ag from 598.7m – among the highest grades drilled at Rapla to date
- 20.5m grading 5.12% Zn, 2.35% Pb and 21 g/t Ag from 599.0m in hole 3312-106, circa 80m north-east of 3312-82, including
- 1.5m grading 14.37% Zn, 3.67% Pb, 0.56% Cu and 41g/t Ag and
- 1.5m grading 10.82% Zn, 9.68% Pb and 57 g/t Ag
- 17.00m grading 8.34% Zn, 2.48% Pb, 0.82% Cu, 114g/t Ag from 586.5m in hole 3312-107, circa 15m west-northwest of 3312-82, including
- 7.0m grading 14.98% Zn, 4.52% Pb, 1.47% Cu, 237g/t Ag, 0.29% Sb, 0.13% Ni and 0.04% Co
Aghmacart Zone
- Aghmacart Zone, circa 200m north of the Main Zone expanded with
- 6.0m grading 5.45% Zn, 2.58% Pb, 0.14% Cu and 28 g/t Ag, including
- 0.65m grading 24.80% Zn, 18.25% Pb and 122 g/t Ag in hole 3312-102
- Second mineralized horizon confirmed in the Lisduff Oolite, circa 200m below the base of the Waulsortian Limestone
- 3.0m grading 6.65% Zn, 1.88% Pb and 14 g/t Ag in hole 3312-89
Eastern Extension Zone
- Base metal sulphides intersected at the base of the Waulsortian Limestone in wide-spaced drilling in the Eastern Extension Zone up to 1km east of the Main Zone including
- 1.50 m @ 4.58% Zn, 0.38% Pb in hole 3312-108
Approximately 18,000m drilled since August 2025 – 28 holes completed and four in progress, with four rigs operating and permits in place for a further 38 holes.
“Seven months ago we reported one of the highest-grade drill holes seen in Ireland in decades. The drilling since then has demonstrated that hole 3312-82 was not an isolated result – every hole drilled in the Main Zone has intersected mineralization, with grades of up to 32% zinc in step-out drilling,” stated John Kearney, Chairman.
“With the Aghmacart Zone upgraded, a second mineralized horizon in the Lisduff Oolite, and sulphides now intersected more than a kilometre to the east, Rapla is emerging as a mineral system of significant scale,” stated John Clifford, Director – Exploration. “The programme for the second half of 2026 is designed to build on the results to date, test for a connection between the Main and Aghmacart zone and continue to test a growing mineralized footprint. We now have four rigs turning and permitting in place for more than 38 holes, with ten new Prospecting Licences granted along the Rathdowney Trend. Momentum at Rapla continues to build.”
A Proven Zinc District
The Rapla Project is situated within the mineral endowed Rathdowney Trend 15km northeast of the historically mined Lisheen deposit (22.2M tonnes grading 11.5% Zn, 1.9% Pb). The anticipated reopening of Galmoy mine (10.9M tonnes grading 12.4% Zn and 1.6% Pb), occurs 5km to the southwest of Rapla, and is being brought back into production by Shanoon Resources Limited. At Ballywire, 70km to the southwest along the Trend, Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV:ZNG) is drilling a new discovery yielding high-grade massive sulphides over significant widths within a 6km by 2km prospective corridor.
Drilling Programme Update
Following the December 2025 discovery, Minco has continued systematic drilling of the 3.6km mineralized corridor, with four drill rigs currently operating. Since the programme commenced in August 2025, approximately 18,000m have been drilled in 32 holes (27 completed, one abandoned and four in progress). Drilling has focused on three areas: the Main Zone, which includes discovery hole 3312-82; the Aghmacart Zone, circa 200m to the north; and the Eastern Extension Zone, testing the mineralized system 1.0 to 1.25km east of the Main Zone.
Concurrent structural and stratigraphic studies have confirmed that the mineralization is spatially associated with a major fault system with displacements of 400-450m downthrowing to the north and have identified a sub-parallel structure (the “Northern Fault”), interpreted circa 800m to the north of the Main Zone, on which mineralized intercepts are located at its eastern and western extents and represents circa 2.5km of untested strike length. Compilation of historic analytical data further suggests that the footprint of the mineralizing system may extend significantly further east than previously interpreted, and the system remains open.
Also refer to table of 2025-2026 Rapla drill intersections, below.
Main Zone
Step-out drilling around discovery hole 3312-82 has intersected mineralization in every hole drilled to date in the Main Zone:
- 3312-107 (circa 15m west-northwest of 3312-82) 17.00m grading 8.34% Zn, 2.48% Pb, 0.82% Cu, 114g/t Ag from 586.5m circa 15m west-northwest of 3312-82, including 7.0m grading 14.98% Zn, 4.52% Pb, 1.47% Cu, 237g/t Ag, 0.29% Sb, 0.13% Ni and 0.04% Co.
- 3312-104 (circa 120m north-west of 3312-82): 5.0m grading 17.89% Zn, 6.41% Pb and 57 g/t Ag, including 1.9m grading 32.08% Zn, 11.84% Pb and 105 g/t Ag – massive sulphides, with banded sphalerite, circa 9m above the base of Waulsortian Limestone
- 3312-106 (circa 80m north-east of 3312-82): 20.5m grading 5.12% Zn, 2.35% Pb and 21 g/t Ag within a 23m mineralized interval of fracture- and vein-hosted, disseminated, semi-massive and massive sulphides, including 1.5m grading 14.37% Zn, 3.67% Pb, 0.56% Cu and 41g/t Ag and 1.5m grading 10.82% Zn, 9.68% Pb and 57g/t Ag
- 3312-103 (circa 80m east of 3312-82, proximal to the Rapla Fault): 7.35m grading 3.51% Zn, 1.26% Pb and 76 g/t Ag, including 3.05m grading 6.25% Zn, 1.58% Pb and 84 g/t Ag, within a 22.55m mineralized interval
- 3312-99 (circa 90m west of historic hole 3312-71): 4.9m grading 5.43% Zn and 0.99% Pb, including 0.9m grading 14.67% Zn and 3.36% Pb
- 3312-95: 11.9m grading 4.98% Zn and 0.67% Pb, including 2.0m grading 9.00% Zn and 1.81% Pb
- 3312-89 (circa 100m north of 3312-82): 2.0m grading 4.05% Zn, 0.30% Pb, 1.08% Cu and 51 g/t Ag within a broader 22m mineralized envelope
Drillhole 3312-100, 150m north-east of 3312-82, intersected narrow fracture- and vein-hosted mineralized intervals interpreted to reflect the eastern margin of the Main Zone.
Aghmacart Zone
A second mineralized area, the Aghmacart Zone, has been established circa 200m north of the Main Zone, where all four holes drilled to date have intersected zinc-lead mineralization:
- 3312-102: 9.55m grading 5.06% Zn and 0.58% Pb, including 2.1m grading 13.14% Zn and 1.75% Pb; and 6.0m grading 5.45% Zn, 2.58% Pb, 0.15% Cu and 28 g/t Ag, including 0.65m grading 24.80% Zn, 18.25% Pb and 122 g/t Ag – extending the zone by at least 80m to the south
- 3312-91: 2.75m grading 9.60% Zn, 4.44% Pb and 38 g/t Ag
- 3312-94: 4.0m grading 4.74% Zn, 3.41% Pb and 18 g/t Ag
- 3312-98: 3.0m grading 5.19% Zn and 4.18% Pb, including 1.0m grading 6.43% Zn, 11.22% Pb and 30 g/t Ag
The presence of copper with anomalous nickel and antimony in hole 3312-102 (including 0.4m grading 1.65% Cu) is interpreted to suggest proximity to a feeder structure that has yet to be identified. Drilling is commencing from a platform midway between the Main and Aghmacart zones to test for mineralization between the two zones.
Eastern Extension Zone
Wide-spaced drilling is on-going to confirm results from historic drilling along the interpreted eastern extension of the mineralized system, 1.0 to 1.25km east of the Main Zone.
- 3312-97 intersected an extensive zone of variably developed fracture-controlled base metal sulphides, with twelve mineralized intervals through a 112m section of the basal Waulsortian Limestone.
- 3312-108, 1.0km east of 3312-82, intersected fracture-hosted and disseminated sulphides, with a 1.50m interval assaying 4.58% Zn, 0.38% Pb at the base of Waulsortian Limestone circa 150m north of the projected trace of the Rapla Fault. A follow-up hole, angled to the south towards the Fault, is in progress.
- 3312-105, on the most easterly traverse of the current programme intersected 2m grading 2.40% Zn and 0.29% Pb confirming continuity of the mineralizing system. A follow-up hole, angled to the south from the 3312-105 platform will test the base of the Waulsortian closer to the Rapla Fault.
Second Mineralized Horizon – Lisduff Oolite
Drillhole 3312-89 was extended to test the Lisduff Oolite, a second prospective horizon circa 200 metres below the base of the Waulsortian Limestone, and intersected 3.0m grading 6.65% Zn and 1.88% Pb. This intersection supports the geological interpretation that a second prospective horizon is present within the Rapla area.
Mineralogy and Critical Raw Materials
Mineralogical studies confirm that the upper part of the 3312-82 drillhole intersection is representative of classic stratabound Irish-type mineralization, closely resembling Lisheen- and Galmoy-style mineralization. The lower copper-silver intercept records a multi-stage hydrothermal system with a distinctive antimony-rich, silver-bearing tetrahedrite overprint. Research in collaboration with the Critical Minerals Challenge Centre (Camborne School of Mines / University of Exeter) is examining the gallium, germanium and indium contents of the mineralization and the amenability of the tetrahedrite to recovery by flotation. Copper, antimony, nickel, cobalt, arsenic, gallium and germanium are included on the European Union’s list of Critical Raw Materials as critical and/or strategic metals.
Photo of part of sulphide intercept in 3312-104 showing banded sphalerite. Part of an assay interval of 1.90m grading 32.08% Zn, 11.84% Pb, 105g/t Ag.
| Summary of Intersections – 2025-2026 Drilling Programme | ||||||||||||
| Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Length (m) | Zn % | Pb % | Cu % | Ag g/t | As % | Sb % | Co % | Ni % | |
| 3312-82 Main Zone |
576.50 | 593.00 | 16.50 | 10.99 | 3.07 | 1.39 | 295.6 | 0.74 | 0.56 | 0.05 | 0.12 | |
| incl | 576.50 | 581.00 | 4.50 | 8.99 | 1.49 | 0.00 | 10.5 | 0.22 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 577.00 | 580.00 | 3.00 | 12.56 | 1.95 | 0.00 | 14.5 | 0.30 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 583.50 | 593.00 | 9.50 | 14.68 | 4.61 | 2.41 | 508.4 | 1.18 | 0.98 | 0.09 | 0.21 | |
| incl | 584.00 | 592.00 | 8.00 | 17.03 | 5.47 | 2.80 | 595.1 | 1.37 | 1.14 | 0.10 | 0.25 | |
| incl | 588.00 | 592.50 | 4.50 | 19.45 | 8.18 | 5.05 | 1028.4 | 2.19 | 2.05 | 0.17 | 0.41 | |
| 600.00 | 611.00 | 11.00 | 2.20 | 0.64 | 0.16 | 18.8 | 0.07 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.01 | ||
| 3312-89 Main Zone |
603.00 | 625.00 | 22.00 | 1.89 | 0.21 | 0.14 | 6.2 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 605.00 | 611.00 | 6.00 | 3.01 | 0.53 | 0.02 | 3.0 | 0.10 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |
| incl | 619.50 | 621.50 | 2.00 | 2.61 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.9 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 622.50 | 624.50 | 2.00 | 4.05 | 0.30 | 1.08 | 50.9 | 0.33 | 0.28 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |
| incl | 623.50 | 624.50 | 1.00 | 5.36 | 0.31 | 2.15 | 100.5 | 0.63 | 0.55 | 0.01 | 0.02 | |
| 827.00 | 830.00 | 3.00 | 6.65 | 1.88 | 0.03 | 14.2 | 0.13 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 3312-91 Aghmacart Zone |
576.78 | 579.53 | 2.75 | 9.60 | 4.44 | 0.02 | 38.3 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.02 | |
| incl | 577.42 | 579.53 | 2.11 | 12.10 | 5.56 | 0.02 | 49.7 | 0.18 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.03 | |
| 3312-94 Aghmacart Zone |
589.25 | 593.25 | 4.00 | 4.74 | 3.41 | 0.03 | 18.1 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |
| 3312-95 Main Zone |
575.60 | 587.50 | 11.90 | 4.98 | 0.67 | 0.00 | 1.3 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |
| incl | 577.80 | 581.50 | 3.70 | 7.11 | 0.72 | 0.00 | 2.3 | 0.26 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |
| incl | 585.00 | 587.00 | 2.00 | 9.00 | 1.81 | 0.01 | 0.8 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.02 | |
| 3312-97 Eastern Extension |
529.00 | 529.50 | 0.50 | 1.26 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 535.00 | 535.50 | 0.50 | 1.46 | 0.17 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 572.50 | 573.00 | 0.50 | 1.17 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 574.50 | 575.05 | 0.55 | 3.50 | 0.43 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 609.50 | 610.00 | 0.50 | 1.15 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 622.50 | 623.00 | 0.50 | 1.71 | 0.45 | 0.00 | 1.0 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 640.50 | 641.00 | 0.50 | 1.51 | 0.11 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 3312-98 Aghmacart Zone |
584.00 | 589.50 | 5.50 | 2.24 | 0.17 | 0.00 | 0.9 | 0.04 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 586.00 | 586.50 | 0.50 | 9.66 | 0.84 | 0.01 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 590.50 | 591.00 | 0.50 | 1.05 | 0.13 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.04 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 597.00 | 603.00 | 6.00 | 3.18 | 2.10 | 0.01 | 6.5 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| incl | 599.50 | 602.50 | 3.00 | 5.19 | 4.18 | 0.02 | 12.3 | 0.07 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | |
| incl | 601.00 | 602.00 | 1.00 | 6.43 | 11.22 | 0.04 | 30.0 | 0.10 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 3312-99 Main Zone |
580.60 | 585.50 | 4.90 | 5.43 | 0.99 | 0.00 | 0.9 | 0.12 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 581.10 | 582.00 | 0.90 | 14.67 | 3.36 | 0.01 | 2.4 | 0.28 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 583.50 | 584.40 | 0.90 | 11.32 | 1.67 | 0.00 | 0.7 | 0.31 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.01 | |
| 587.50 | 588.50 | 1.00 | 0.82 | 0.06 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | ||
| 589.50 | 590.00 | 0.50 | 1.50 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.02 | ||
| 608.00 | 609.00 | 1.00 | 1.04 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 609.50 | 610.00 | 0.50 | 1.91 | 0.06 | 0.00 | 3.0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 614.50 | 615.00 | 0.50 | 2.13 | 0.68 | 0.01 | 4.0 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 3312-100 Main Zone |
607.50 | 609.50 | 2.00 | 1.29 | 0.13 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 612.10 | 613.10 | 1.00 | 1.06 | 0.13 | 0.01 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 615.60 | 617.60 | 2.00 | 1.02 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.5 | 0.04 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 624.60 | 625.10 | 0.50 | 1.29 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 626.10 | 626.60 | 0.50 | 1.23 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | ||
| 630.60 | 631.20 | 0.60 | 1.72 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.06 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||
| 797.60 | 798.60 | 1.00 | 1.54 | 1.84 | 0.03 | 19.5 | 0.40 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 3312-102 Aghmacart Zone |
593.95 | 603.50 | 9.55 | 5.06 | 0.58 | 0.00 | 4.1 | 0.06 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 594.40 | 602.00 | 7.60 | 6.18 | 0.69 | 0.00 | 4.7 | 0.08 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 594.40 | 596.50 | 2.10 | 13.14 | 1.75 | 0.00 | 10.4 | 0.22 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 607.00 | 613.00 | 6.00 | 5.45 | 2.58 | 0.15 | 27.8 | 0.11 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.02 | ||
| incl | 609.40 | 612.55 | 3.15 | 9.85 | 4.87 | 0.24 | 49.5 | 0.19 | 0.05 | 0.01 | 0.04 | |
| incl | 609.80 | 610.20 | 0.40 | 8.43 | 2.21 | 1.65 | 91.0 | 1.00 | 0.35 | 0.03 | 0.19 | |
| incl | 611.00 | 611.65 | 0.65 | 24.80 | 18.25 | 0.05 | 122.0 | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | |
| 3312-103 Main Zone |
568.50 | 569.50 | 1.00 | 1.17 | 0.12 | 0.00 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 571.00 | 571.50 | 0.50 | 1.05 | 1.12 | 0.00 | 2.0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 578.50 | 580.50 | 2.00 | 1.62 | 0.55 | 0.01 | 6.4 | 0.04 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | ||
| 588.00 | 589.00 | 1.00 | 2.87 | 2.24 | 0.04 | 37.5 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 594.50 | 601.85 | 7.35 | 3.51 | 1.26 | 0.02 | 75.7 | 0.19 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| incl | 598.00 | 601.05 | 3.05 | 6.25 | 1.58 | 0.03 | 84.0 | 0.28 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 599.85 | 600.35 | 0.50 | 12.55 | 3.08 | 0.05 | 168.0 | 0.60 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 | |
| 3312-104 Main Zone |
595.90 | 600.90 | 5.00 | 17.89 | 6.41 | 0.01 | 57.0 | 0.21 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.03 | |
| incl | 596.40 | 597.40 | 1.00 | 17.18 | 3.05 | 0.00 | 31.5 | 0.35 | 0.00 | 0.03 | 0.05 | |
| incl | 598.70 | 600.60 | 1.90 | 32.08 | 11.84 | 0.01 | 105.3 | 0.21 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.05 | |
| 3312-105 Eastern Extension |
588.00 | 590.00 | 2.00 | 2.40 | 0.29 | 0.00 | 1.3 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 3312-106 Main Zone |
599.00 | 619.50 | 20.50 | 5.12 | 2.35 | 0.05 | 20.8 | 0.13 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |
| incl | 599.50 | 602.00 | 2.50 | 6.13 | 1.75 | 0.00 | 17.6 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 603.00 | 605.00 | 2.00 | 3.24 | 0.60 | 0.00 | 35.0 | 0.25 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 607.00 | 611.50 | 4.50 | 8.27 | 2.08 | 0.21 | 22.1 | 0.26 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.02 | |
| incl | 608.50 | 610.00 | 1.50 | 14.37 | 3.67 | 0.56 | 41.3 | 0.46 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.04 | |
| incl | 615.00 | 616.50 | 1.50 | 10.82 | 9.68 | 0.02 | 57.0 | 0.06 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | |
| 3312-107 Main Zone |
586.50 | 603.50 | 17.00 | 8.34 | 2.48 | 0.82 | 113.90 | 0.47 | 0.18 | 0.02 | 0.07 | |
| incl | 588.00 | 589.50 | 1.50 | 15.13 | 3.46 | 0.00 | 8.67 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| incl | 591.50 | 598.50 | 7.00 | 14.98 | 4.54 | 1.47 | 237.50 | 0.86 | 0.29 | 0.04 | 0.13 | |
| incl | 596.50 | 598.50 | 2.00 | 22.60 | 11.30 | 5.12 | 593.75 | 2.06 | 0.99 | 0.08 | 0.38 | |
| incl | 598.00 | 598.50 | 0.50 | 8.95 | 9.15 | 10.85 | 852.00 | 5.49 | 1.81 | 0.19 | 1.24 | |
| 3312-108 Eastern Extension |
589.00 | 590.50 | 1.50 | 4.58 | 0.38 | 0.00 | 5.0 | 0.22 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.03 | |
Notes: Intervals are downhole lengths; true widths have not been determined. Further assays are awaited for holes 3312-107 and 3312-108. “incl” = including. Bolded intersections correspond to the results highlighted elsewhere in this release; shading distinguishes each drill hole; a horizontal rule marks the start of a separate intersection within the same hole.
Future Exploration
The current programme is continuing with four drill rigs operating and 38 drill holes permitted across the mineralized corridor. The programme for the second half of 2026 is being designed to include infill drilling between the Main and Aghmacart zones, together with “brownfield” drill testing of the Eastern Extension and other targets within the interpreted footprint of the mineralizing system.
In addition, ten new Prospecting Licences along the Rathdowney Trend to the south-west of Lisheen have been issued to Minco’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Westland Exploration Limited, and will be operated as part of the Rapla Project.
Historical Exploration
Rapla was discovered in the 1990s and has been previously explored by a series of operators.
The exploration programmes over four decades included soil geochemical sampling, ground and airborne geophysics and drilling of 83 holes (36,200m). The Prospecting Licences were surrendered by a previous operator in 2023.
The historical drilling across the area is widely spaced (170-700m, nominal 400 × 400m grid).
Significant intersections from the historical drilling were tabulated in the Company’s news release of 19 December 2025, which is available on the Company’s website.
Competent Person
Technical information in this news release has been approved by EurGeol John A Clifford PGeo, Director – Exploration of Minco Exploration PLC, and “Competent Person” as defined under the 2021 Pan-European Reporting Standard.
Sampling, Analytical Methods and QA/QC
All core drilled at Rapla is NQ (47.6mm) and is cut using a rock saw. Sampling is generally completed in 0.50 m intervals. The half-core samples are bagged, labelled and sealed at Minco’s core store facility in Kilclonagh, Co. Tipperary. Transport is via an accredited courier service and/or by BRG Limited staff to ALS Laboratories in Loughrea Co. Galway, Ireland.
Sample preparation at the ALS facility comprises fine crushing 70% < 2mm, riffle splitter, pulverise up to 250g 85% < 75um.
The primary analytical procedure adopted is ALS Protocol ME-ICPORE. This applies a strong oxidising digestion utilising HNO3 , KClO3, and HBr with aqua regia and ICP-AES finish.
Values reporting >1,500ppm Ag were re-analysed with 30gm sample subjected to fire assay and gravimetric finish as per the ALS Ag-GRA21 analytical protocol.
Trace multi-element analysis by sodium peroxide fusion and ICP-MS was also completed on selected mineralized samples from drill hole 3312-82 using the ALS ME-MS89 protocol. With this method, a prepared sample (0.2gm) is added to sodium peroxide flux, mixed well and then fused at 670°C. The resulting melt is cooled and then dissolved in 30% hydrochloric acid. This solution is analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with results corrected for spectral or isotopic interference.
Other than paying for a professional analytical service, Minco has no relationship with ALS.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Information
Minco inserts certified reference materials (“CRMs” or “Standards”) as well as blank material, to its sample stream as part of its industry-standard QA/QC programme. The QC results have been reviewed by the Competent Person, who is satisfied that all the results are within acceptable parameters. The Competent Person has validated the sampling and chain of custody protocols used by Minco.
ABOUT MINCO EXPLORATION PLC
Minco Exploration PLC is a mineral exploration company that holds interests in Prospecting Licences in Ireland considered highly prospective for the discovery of zinc-lead mineralisation. Minco has interests in four projects located within the Irish Midlands Orefield that are operated by Minco or in joint venture with Boliden Tara Mines.
Minco’s primary focus is its 100% owned Rapla Project, which is located approximately 5 km and 15 km northeast of the past producing Galmoy Mine (10.9Mt @ 12.4% Zn, 1.6% Pb) and Lisheen Mine (22 Mt @ 11.5% Zn, 1.9% Pb), respectively, and lies within the Rathdowney Trend, a highly prospective corridor of mineralization which contains the Lisheen and Galmoy deposits and the Ballywire project.
Minco also holds (i) a 100% interest in the Slieve Dart prospecting licence block in County Galway; (ii) a 20% joint venture interest with Boliden (80%) on Licence 1440R (Tatestown), which lies immediately adjacent to Boliden’s large 130M tonne Tara zinc-lead mine at Navan; and (iii) a joint venture interest with Boliden on Licence 3373 (Kells), contiguous to the west of Licence 1440R, where Minco can earn up to a 75% interest.
Posted September 16, 2026
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Aya Gold & Silver Reports High-Grade Silver Exploration Results Near Pit and at Depth at Zgounder
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New Break Resources Ltd. (CSE: NBRK) (OTCQB: NBRKF) (FSE: O91) has received results from the last four holes of a ten-hole, 1,996 metre summer drilling program in the Zavitz gold zone at the Company's 100% owned Moray gold project. In total, New Break has completed 5,372 metres of drilling in 32 drillholes in 2026. Moray is located 49 km southeast of Timmins, Ontario and 32 km northwest of the Young-Davidson gold mine operated by Alamos Gold Inc. Select results from the final four of ten holes drilled in the summer drilling program are presented below in Table 1, while drillhole collar locations are detailed in Table 2 in Appendix A. Table 1 – Moray Summer 2026 Final Drill Results Hole ID Length (m) From (m) To (m) Width (1) (m) Au Grade (2) (g/t) NBR-26-29 322.0 77.3 78.8 1.5 0.42 and 138.0 139.1 1.1 0.38 and 162.5 173.3 10.8 (3) 1.61 and 227.4 229.0 1.6 1.21 and 231.5 232.1 0.6 1.72 NBR-26-30 250.0 37.0 38.0 1.0 0.30 and 102.8 103.5 0.7 0.60 and 121.5 122.5 1.0 0.36 and 124.5 125.5 1.0 0.33 and 128.5 129.0 0.5 0.90 and 131.0 132.0 1.0 0.36 and 169.8 174.0 4.2 2.65 and 178.0 179.5 1.5 0.77 and 183.5 186.6 3.1 1.22 and 190.0 190.5 0.5 1.06 and 191.5 192.5 1.0 1.48 and 196.0 200.5 4.5 2.53 and 203.5 204.0 0.5 2.15 and 206.5 212.0 5.5 1.57 NBR-26-31 274.0 169.0 170.5 1.5 0.37 and 184.5 186.0 1.5 0.51 and 197.0 200.0 3.0 0.94 and 201.5 202.0 0.5 0.50 and 203.5 210.0 6.5 (3) 3.12 NBR-26-32 352.0 73.5 74.0 0.5 0.44 and 174.0 174.6 0.6 0.52 and 194.0 195.0 1.0 0.66 and 199.8 203.3 3.5 2.29 and 227.3 228.0 0.7 0.97 (1) Intervals are drill intersections and do not necessarily represent true widths. (2) All intervals are presented using a cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au and internal dilution of no more than 1.0 metres at grades less than 0.3 g/t Au and assays are not capped (see QA/QC Procedures). (3) Drill core photos shown in Appendix B. Figure 1 – Newly Reported Drillholes NBR-26-29, 30 Figure 2 – Newly Reported Drillholes NBR-26-30, 31, 32 Note: The bottom of NBR-26-30 deviated southeast and is represented in both sections. Figure 1: Section B-B1 incorporates drillholes NBR-26-06, 07, 08, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and part of 30. Gold mineralization extends southeast into the syenite as exhibited in NBR-26-29. NBR-26-30 is identified in both sections A-A1 and B-B1 as the drillhole was collared along section A-A1 but deviated southeast, intersecting gold mineralization in the mafic volcanics in section B-B1. Figure 2: A-A1 incorporates drillholes NBR-26-03, 04, 05, 23, 24, 30, 31 and 32. NBR-26-31 exhibits gold mineralization both within the syenite (at the contact) and within a "flow breccia" within the hematite altered mafic volcanic at the contact. NBR-26-32 is typified by blocky faulted ground with lamprophyre dykes and gold mineralization in the hematite altered mafic volcanics in a brecciated quartz vein with angular syenitic fragments. William Love, Chief Executive Officer of New Break commented, "Ongoing drilling this summer in the Zavitz gold zone continues to deliver significant gold values, with gold mineralization intercepted in every drillhole. As depicted in Figures 1 and 2, gold mineralization has been encountered predominantly within the mafic volcanics. Importantly, drillholes NR-26-29 and NR-26-32, the deepest drilled to date, demonstrate that gold mineralization extends into the syenite to the southeast at the contact with the mafic volcanics." He further noted, "The intrusive-mafic volcanic contact in the Zavitz gold zone has a distinctive magnetic high. This could be reflective of the higher proportion of iron in these mafic volcanics, which is associated with the higher gold values. This same magnetic and IP signature has been identified elsewhere in areas also believed to be along the intrusive-mafic volcanic contact. Drilling these never before tested targets with the goal of identifying gold mineralization similar to that encountered in the Zavitz zone represents the potential for significantly expanding the Moray gold discovery. There is also the belief that the Zavitz zone could represent the first of a series of stacked mineralized gold zones, which would point to the potential for a much larger gold system at depth. We plan to test this through deeper drilling directly into the Zavitz zone." About the Moray Gold Project The Moray property is located in the heart of the Ontario Abitibi greenstone belt, 49 km southeast of Timmins surrounded by a number of significant gold producing companies and existing mills (see Figure 3). The Young-Davidson gold mine operated by Alamos Gold Inc., with its 8,000 tonne per day mill is the closest and within a short trucking distance of approximately 45 km by road from Moray. The understanding of gold mineralization at Moray continues to evolve with each round of drilling. The occurrence of gold mineralization extending into the syenite to the southeast of the Zavitz zone and in the deepest drillholes is noteworthy given the presence of syenite-hosted mineralization at Young-Davidison. More recent examination of the drill core also suggests that the gold mineralization discovered to date may resemble an intrusion related style of deposit like Agnico Eagle's Upper Beaver gold deposit east of Kirkland Lake, as opposed to a structurally hosted gold system. Both Young-Davidson and Upper Beaver host multi-million ounce gold deposits. Figure 3 – Moray Location Map: Surrounding Gold Producers and Upper Beaver Gold Project Technical Content and Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Peter C. Hubacheck, P. Geo, consulting geologist to New Break, and an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Hubacheck certifies that this news release fairly and accurately reflects the technical information and data presented. New Break conducts its exploration activities in accordance with CIM Best Practices Guidelines. QA/QC Procedures QA/QC procedures were executed to ensure all work is conducted in accordance with best practices. All drill core was sawn in half with one half of the core prepared for shipment and the other half retained for future verification. All core is under watch from the drill site to the core processing facility. Drill core is BQTK size and sample intervals range from 0.5 metres to 1.0 metres in length. Commercially prepared certified reference material ("CRM") standards and blanks were inserted with each shipment at a rate of 1 QAQC sample in every 12 core samples. Samples from New Break's 2026 Moray drilling program were analyzed at Activation Laboratories in Timmins, Ontario, which is ISO 17025 certified, by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption finish. Any sample assaying greater than 10.0 g/t Au was re-assayed with fire assay gravimetric analysis. Grade composite intervals over core lengths are calculated using a weighted average grade with a cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au. Up to 1.0 m of internal dilution (consecutive interval below cut-off grade) are included within specific geologic domains and alteration assemblages, except as otherwise noted. The composites are constrained geologically by metasomatic alteration processes sourcing from the Fiset syenite intrusion and contact mafic volcanic rocks. Elevated gold values are coincident with hematite, silica, sericite and pyrite mineralization within structurally prepared brecciated corridors flanking the intrusion. Intervals are not true widths and no top cutting has been applied to the higher gold values. About New Break Resources Ltd. New Break is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on its Moray gold project located 49 km southeast of Timmins, Ontario, in a well-established mining camp within proximity to existing infrastructure, and 32 km northwest of the Young-Davidson gold mine, operated by Alamos Gold Inc. Shareholders are also leveraged to exploration success in Nunavut, Canada, through New Break's 20% carried interest in the Sundog gold project and ownership of 6.0 million shares of Guardian Exploration Inc. (TSXV: GX). The Company is supported by a highly experienced team of mining professionals. Appendix A – Drillhole Data and Locations Table 2 – Moray Summer 2026 Drillhole Collar Locations Hole ID Length (m) UTM Easting UTM Northing UTM Elevation Azimuth (degrees) Dip (degrees) NBR-26-29 322.0 492703 5320285 363 220 -70 NBR-26-30 250.0 492708 5320329 363 220 -47 NBR-26-31 274.0 492708 5320329 363 220 -60 NBR-26-32 352.0 492708 5320329 363 220 -70 Total 1,198.0 Coordinates are reported in UTM Zone 17 North, with units in metres. Figure 4 – Zavitz Gold Zone – Surface Traces of 2025 and 2026 Drillholes. All of the drilling at Moray has been completed by Enviro North Exploration Inc. out of Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. Drilling in the Zavitz gold zone is shown in figure 4, with the 1,996 metres in 10 holes drilled this summer depicted in red, the 2,807 metres in 20 holes drilled from January to April 2026 shown in blue and the 1,817 metres in 8 holes drilled in 2025 shown in black. In total, 6,620 metres in 38 drillholes have been completed in the Zavitz gold zone, while New Break has completed a total of 5,372 metres in 32 drillholes of our planned 2026, 10,000 metre drilling program. Appendix B – Drill Core Photos From NBR-26-29 and NBR-26-31
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