Maximus Metals Initiates Phase 1 Exploration at Gaspard Gold-Silver Project and Appoints Santiago Suarez as CEO

Scope of Phase 1 Geochemical Exploration at Gaspard Project

The Phase 1 exploration at the Gaspard Project focuses on a comprehensive, property-wide geochemical survey, described as the first of its kind at this site. The program includes a full-suite multi-element geochemical analysis of approximately 550 soil samples collected throughout the property, coupled with extensive gold analysis via fire assay. This dual approach aims to enhance geochemical resolution over previously identified anomalous zones from the mobile metal ion survey while providing systematic gold coverage across the entire project area.

Located in the Cariboo Plateau region of south-central British Columbia, about 60 kilometres west of Williams Lake, the Gaspard Project is under option to Maximus Metals, which can earn a 100% interest subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty. This option agreement was executed on July 25, 2025, with Rattler Exploration Ltd., Northex Capital Partners Inc., and Jasper Mowatt (collectively the Optionors). Maximus Metals retains the right to purchase half of the royalty, reducing it from 2% to 1%, within five years after exercising the option for a cash payment of $1,000,000.

Three Main Target Zones and 2025 NI 43-101 Report Basis

The Phase 1 program builds directly on the 2025 NI 43-101 Technical Report, which identified three primary target zones labeled Areas A, B, and C. The current exploration is designed to advance and prioritize these areas, expanding on prior auger soil sampling and MMI orientation geochemistry conducted across the property. These earlier surveys uncovered multiple polymetallic anomalies that underpin the expanded geochemical campaign underway.

Maximus Metals intends this analytical program to refine and rank exploration targets for future focused work. Director Nader Vatanchi commented, "Following an assessment of existing geochemistry at the Project, including the 2025 MMI survey, multiple polymetallic anomalies were identified. By initiating the first property-wide polymetallic exploration campaign at Gaspard, the Company will develop a comprehensive dataset to prioritize areas for follow-up activities, which may include trenching and drill permit applications." This indicates the Phase 1 program serves as a foundational data-gathering step guiding more capital-intensive exploration phases.

Expected Timeline for Results and Planned Next Steps

Maximus Metals expects to receive analytical results from the Phase 1 geochemical program within the coming weeks. Upon interpreting these results, the company plans to disclose findings and outline subsequent exploration steps. The announcement does not specify the exact date for results delivery or identify the laboratory processing the samples.

Potential follow-up activities mentioned include trenching and drill permit applications, subject to results interpretation, permitting, and other factors detailed in the company’s forward-looking statements. The company has not disclosed the Phase 1 program budget or estimated costs for future exploration phases in this release.

Santiago Suarez Named CEO Effective June 30, 2026

Alongside the exploration update, Maximus Metals announced a key executive appointment. Santiago Suarez assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on June 30, 2026. Mr. Suarez previously served as Vice President, Corporate Development at Denarius Metals from October 2022, where he was part of the management team that advanced the Zancudo Project into production. The release does not specify when his tenure at Denarius Metals ended.

Before Denarius Metals, Mr. Suarez was Latam Operations Manager at Renergetica, a renewable energy company listed on the Milano Stock Exchange, leading development of a 200 MW solar project in Colombia. He currently serves as a renewable energy director at Qvartz Capital Partners, a private equity fund. Mr. Suarez holds a degree in International Business Administration from the University of la Sabana. The announcement does not disclose his CEO compensation details.

Nader Vatanchi Moves from CEO to Director

Concurrent with Mr. Suarez’s appointment, Nader Vatanchi resigned as CEO but remains on the board as a director. The release does not mention any changes to his shareholding or provide details on the reasons behind the leadership transition beyond describing it as a positive development.

Mr. Vatanchi stated, "I am pleased to welcome Santiago to the Maximus Metals team. His experience and leadership will be a great asset to the Company as we move forward. I look forward to continuing to support the Company in my capacity as a director." His ongoing board involvement may ensure continuity in project oversight, especially given his prior role in evaluating existing geochemistry at Gaspard.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Compliance

The technical content of this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Jasper Mowatt, MIMMM (Membership No. 0486653) and MAusIMM (Membership No. 3178851), a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 standards. Mr. Mowatt is not independent under NI 43-101 as he is one of the Optionors and a shareholder of Maximus Metals. This disclosure is standard under Canadian securities regulations.

The technical information is based on, and partly extracted from, the NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Gaspard Project, British Columbia, NTS 93O/10, 51.62° North, -122.55° West," dated and effective October 24, 2025, prepared by Derrick Strickland, P.Geo. The report is filed on SEDAR+ under the company’s profile. Readers are directed to the Technical Report for data verification procedures and quality assurance and control measures related to this work.

Gaspard Project Location and Strategic Importance in British Columbia’s Cariboo Plateau

The Gaspard Gold-Silver Property lies within the Cariboo Plateau region of south-central British Columbia, a geologically active corridor with a history of mineral exploration. Situated about 60 kilometres west of Williams Lake, the project benefits from regional logistical access. Its focus on gold and silver aligns with the polymetallic mineralization systems commonly found in central British Columbia exploration activities.

Maximus Metals is engaged in acquiring, exploring, and evaluating resource properties, with the Gaspard Project representing its primary disclosed asset. The Phase 1 program aims to establish a comprehensive baseline dataset to prioritize areas for more advanced and capital-intensive exploration. No other properties or projects were disclosed in this announcement.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

The company’s release includes extensive forward-looking information as required by Canadian securities laws. Statements cover expected timing and results of the Phase 1 program, target prioritization, potential future activities such as trenching, surveys, permit applications, drilling, and Mr. Suarez’s anticipated contributions as CEO.

Maximus Metals cautions that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including exploration outcomes, timing and availability of data, financing, weather, permitting, management changes, and regulatory approvals. The company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking information except as legally required. Investors should consider these risks carefully when evaluating the disclosed milestones.

CSE Listing and Exchange Disclaimer

Maximus Metals Inc. is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol MM. This announcement was released via the CSE on June 30, 2026. As standard for CSE-listed companies, the release includes a disclaimer stating that neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the news release.

The immediate market reaction to the combined announcement of the Phase 1 exploration start and CEO appointment was not evident from public data. Investors may look to the upcoming Phase 1 analytical results, expected in the coming weeks, as a potential near-term catalyst for further updates on the Gaspard Project’s exploration direction.