Canagold Completes Successful Taku River Landing Craft Trials for New Polaris Gold-Antimony Mine Logistics

Landing Craft Trial Validates Alternative Freight Route for New Polaris

Canagold Resources Ltd. confirmed the successful completion of landing craft trials on the Taku River, a pivotal step for the New Polaris Gold-Antimony Mine development. The shallow-draft, self-propelled landing craft demonstrated safe and reliable navigation from Juneau, Alaska, to the Tulsequah River confluence near the proposed mine site in northwestern British Columbia. This method addresses environmental and community concerns previously raised about conventional tug-and-barge operations.

CEO Catalin Kilofliski described the trials as "an important step in de-risking the logistics plan for New Polaris." The successful navigation offers "additional flexibility" in finalizing freight transportation strategy, responding directly to concerns from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and other river users about environmental and operational impacts.

Vessel Details and Trial Execution

The Inlet Raider, a 98-foot-long, 23-foot-wide landing craft with a shallow four-foot draft and 100-ton cargo capacity, was chosen to minimize environmental and community impacts by accessing waterways unsuitable for conventional tug-and-barge vessels. This selection reflects Canagold’s focus on operational efficiency combined with environmental stewardship.

Between June 11 and June 19, 2026, multiple voyages were conducted along the Taku River to the Tulsequah River confluence. A guide boat equipped with sonar continuously measured water depths to optimize navigation routes. An independent monitoring vessel carried environmental consultants and Taku River Tlingit First Nation representatives who observed operations throughout the trial.

Extensive Environmental and Operational Data Collection

The trial gathered critical data for project planning and environmental assessments, including navigation routes, river bathymetry, tidal water depths, noise measurements above and below water, shoreline wake heights, water quality, and drone footage. This comprehensive approach underscores Canagold’s commitment to thorough environmental evaluation and operational planning.

Environmental monitoring was conducted collaboratively by independent specialists and Taku River Tlingit First Nation monitors, ensuring transparency and fostering community trust. This dual oversight provided assurance that environmental impacts were carefully assessed and documented.

Preliminary Environmental Results Indicate Minimal Impact

Initial observations indicate the landing craft operations caused no significant negative effects on water quality, noise, or shoreline wake—key concerns that motivated the evaluation of this alternative to conventional barge transport. A detailed environmental report is underway following data compilation from independent consultants.

These positive preliminary findings could be instrumental in advancing the New Polaris Project’s permitting and community engagement. If confirmed, the landing craft method may strengthen Canagold’s environmental and social case for project approval. Investors should anticipate the detailed report for further insights.

Responding to Indigenous and Community Concerns

The landing craft trials were specifically designed to address concerns from the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and other local users regarding conventional tug-and-barge operations. By exploring an alternative transport method, Canagold aims to reduce environmental and operational disruptions and build collaborative relationships essential for project progress.

The company expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of all participants, highlighting a shared commitment to responsible development. The active involvement of Taku River Tlingit First Nation monitors throughout the trials reflects Canagold’s integration of community oversight into operational planning, aligning with expectations from investors and regulators in Canada’s resource sector.

Incorporating Trial Findings into Logistics Strategy

Data from the trials will inform ongoing evaluations of the landing craft’s suitability and support further studies for the New Polaris Project. While no specific timeline has been provided for final logistics decisions, the successful trials and favorable preliminary environmental results establish the landing craft as a credible logistics option.

This methodical data-driven approach reduces operational and environmental uncertainties, supporting engineering design, environmental assessments, and regulatory submissions. Such detailed information will be valuable during permitting reviews where transportation plans undergo close scrutiny.

Impact on New Polaris Project Development Timeline

The completion of the landing craft trials represents a significant advancement toward construction and operations for the New Polaris Project. Confirming an alternative freight corridor mitigates a major development risk. However, the announcement does not specify timelines for other milestones such as feasibility study completion or permitting applications.

Investors should note that resolving logistics risks is typically required before progressing to detailed engineering and permitting stages. Although no dates have been disclosed, the company is finalizing its long-term logistics strategy, indicating ongoing strategic planning.

Qualified Person Certification and Industry Standards

Garry Biles, P.Eng, President and COO, serves as Canagold’s Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, having prepared, validated, and approved the technical content of this release. The company adheres strictly to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in project activities, ensuring technical accuracy and reliability.

The involvement of a qualified engineer and compliance with recognized industry standards provide investors with confidence that the trial was conducted and reported following professional protocols.

Next Steps and Investor Outlook

A detailed environmental report will be issued once all consultant data is received, offering further clarity on the environmental impacts of landing craft operations and aiding evaluation of this transportation method. Investors should monitor for this forthcoming analysis to inform Canagold’s final logistics strategy decisions.

No timelines have been provided for future announcements on logistics finalization, feasibility progress, or permitting milestones. Canagold aims to advance the New Polaris Project through feasibility, permitting, and production phases, with updates expected through quarterly communications and investor briefings.