Viridian Metals Inc. (CSE: VRDN) is pleased to report initial assay results from the first five holes of its 2025 drilling program at the Kraken Main Zone. The results confirm continuous, near-surface sulphide mineralization across 80 metres of strike (Figure 1), with assays from an additional 360 metres of drilled strike still pending. Several holes returned >20-metre mineralized intervals, including local high-grade copper zones such as 1.38% Cu (2.14% CuEq¹) over 0.7 metres from 4.45 metres depth. These strong early results reinforce Kraken as one of the shallowest and most laterally extensive magmatic sulphide systems in Canada.

Mineralized thickness continues to exceed expectations, with holes 23, 24, and 26 mineralized from surface or near-surface to end of hole, highlighting the consistency of the mineralized horizon.

• Hole VKS25-024 (Figure 2) ended in mineralization with final interval of 0.8m@ 1.44% CuEq¹ from 24.25-25.05m.
• Hole VKS25-026 ended in mineralization with 0.5m@ 0.89% CuEq¹ from 24.8m-25.3m.

With these latest results, Viridian has now drill-tested the mineralized unit across 674 metres of strike, confirming continuity over more than 600 metres of trend. Geophysical signatures and drilling completed to date indicate that this mineralized unit extends at least 5 kilometres (Figure 3).

“The results delivered by the first five holes of our 2025 program not only reinforce the exceptional grades we established last year but confirm the continuity and scale of this mineralizing system,” said Tyrell Sutherland, CEO of Viridian Metals. “We are encouraged by this strong start and look forward to continuing results from the remaining holes.”

Highlights from the newly released results are below.

Viridian’s initial drillholes show consistent sulphide mineralization, with sulfur analyses indicating approximately 5–30% sulphides and several massive intervals reaching up to 66% sulphides. This shallow and consistent style of mineralization is unusual among Canadian magmatic sulphide systems. When combined with mineralized drillholes spaced along the more than 5-kilometre EM-defined trend, it highlights the potential significance of the emerging Kraken discovery.

Viridian has completed specific gravity measurements and full multi-element geochemical analysis on all samples to support ongoing characterization of the Kraken system and advance preparation for an eventual mineral resource estimate.

Figure 1: Map of the Main Zone with 2025 drill hole locations and associated mineralization highlights. Pink circles are holes that encountered or ended in significant sulfide mineralization and yellow circles are holes that were abandoned in overburden.

Figure 2: Hole VKS25-024 24.05m of 0.77% Cu Eq from 1m. Ending in 1.44% CuEq¹ Net textured and Semi-massive sulfides for entire hole 1m to 24.05m

Upcoming Results

Assays for an additional 360 metres of drilled strike at the Kraken Main Zone are currently pending, with 17 of the 22 holes that reached bedrock intersecting significant visual sulphide mineralization. Viridian will release these results as they are received over the coming months, providing a steady pipeline of news as the broader mineralized horizon is evaluated. Several of the pending holes were drilled into areas where the EM response strengthens, offering potential for additional copper-rich sulphide zones like those reported today.

Next Steps

Planning has already begun for an expanded 2026 drilling program that will continue step-outs along the 5-kilometre anomaly, including deeper holes beneath the strongest conductivity responses. Additional drilling will also test newly identified structural splays where sulphide accumulation is considered likely based on 2025 results.

¹Copper Equivalent Calculation

CuEq represents CuEq calculated based on the following metal prices (USD): 4.0 $/lb Cu, 7.5 $/lb Ni and 15.0 $/lb Co., and a recovery grade of 80% for Ni and Co, consistent with comparable peers.

Figure 3: Local EM response outlining the mineralized horizon at the Kraken Main Zone, with 2025 drill collars displayed. The extent of the anomaly is shown alongside the Voisey’s Bay pit outline for scale reference.

QA/QC

On receipt from the drill site BTW-sized drill core was systematically logged for geological attributes, photographed and sampled at Viridian’s Core Shack at Kraken Camp. Sample lengths as small as 0.30 m were used to isolate features of interest, but most samples within moderate to strong mineralization were 0.5-1.0 m in length. Core was cut in half lengthwise along a pre-determined line, with one half (same half, consistently, dictated by cut line where present) collected for analysis and one half stored as a record. Standard reference materials and blanks were inserted by Viridian personnel at regular intervals into the sample stream. Bagged samples were sealed with security tags to ensure integrity during transport. They were delivered by expeditor to Activation Labs’ facility in Ancaster, ON.

Activation Labs is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Samples were dried, crushed (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm using riffle split (250 g) and pulverized to 95% passing 105 µm (code RX1). A four-acid near-total digest with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) finish was used for 35-element analysis on 25 g sample pulps (code 1F2). Samples that were over the analyses limit for Co, Cu and Ni were reanalyzed using sodium peroxide fusion ICP (code 8-peroxide-icp-oes).

Qualified Person

Tyrell Sutherland, P.Geo, President and CEO of Viridian Metals, who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Viridian Metals

Viridian Metals is a pioneer and leader in generative metal exploration with a focus on environmental responsibility and ethical practices. Founded with the intention of discovering new critical metals deposits with the potential to transform the metal supply chain. We leverage innovative technologies and methods to enhance efficiency and sustainability in jurisdictions eager to be leaders in supplying the energy transition. Viridian maintains expertise in a range of critical metals with a primary focus on copper, nickel and cobalt in the near term. Our commitment to integrity and transparency fosters strong partnerships with both local and global stakeholders.