Northern Lights Resources Initiates First Drill Campaign at Yukon’s Pup Copper Project

First-Ever Drill Program to Directly Test Copper Mineralization

Northern Lights Resources has commenced its first drilling program at the Pup Copper Project, transitioning from surface exploration to direct subsurface evaluation. The campaign is designed to test bedrock beneath copper-in-soil anomalies and copper oxide mineralization identified across multiple zones. According to the company, this marks the first direct drill test of these targets following extensive surface exploration during the 2025 field season.

The program plans up to 10 shallow reverse-circulation scout holes totaling approximately 600 metres. These scout holes were prioritized through a rigorous, data-driven exploration process integrating soil geochemistry, hand-trenching, prospecting, and ground magnetic surveys. Preparatory work included excavator trenching, drill pad construction, trail building, and surface prospecting, with samples submitted for analysis prior to drilling.

Petal Zone Exhibits Extensive Copper Anomaly Spanning Over 400,000 Square Metres

The Petal Zone stands out as a key exploration target at Pup, described as an open-ended area roughly 1,000 metres long by 400 metres wide. Surface sampling has revealed significant copper mineralization, with rock grab samples grading up to 3.799% copper and soil samples reaching 2,962.9 ppm copper. The zone’s open-ended nature suggests potential for further mineralization beyond current boundaries.

As one of the two main drill targets, the Petal Zone’s geological characteristics resemble those of the Minto Copper Belt in British Columbia, a recognized copper-producing region, supporting the company’s exploration strategy at Pup.

Gismo Zone Features Widespread Multi-Element Copper Anomalies

The Gismo Zone, the second primary drill target, is an open-ended zone approximately 100 metres wide. It displays widespread anomalous copper mineralization accompanied by molybdenum, gold, and silver detected through surface sampling and geochemical surveys. This multi-element signature suggests a complex mineral system warranting direct subsurface investigation.

Both Petal and Gismo Zones lie within the Yukon-Tanana Terrane, a mineral-rich geological setting hosting significant copper-gold porphyry systems, volcanogenic massive sulphide (VHMS) base metal targets, and orogenic gold deposits. This favorable geology underpins the company’s decision to prioritize these drill targets.

Permitting and Accessibility Support Efficient Exploration at Pup

The Pup Copper Project benefits from favorable permitting and infrastructure that facilitate exploration. Covered by a Class 3 exploration permit issued on April 29, 2026, valid for ten years, the permit authorizes drilling, trenching, trail construction, and limited road building, providing regulatory clearance for the program.

Road access is available via gravel roads connecting to two active placer gold operations nearby. The project encompasses 90 quartz claims totaling approximately 1,820 hectares, located about 10 kilometres west of Dawson City, Yukon’s regional administrative centre. This proximity to infrastructure and mining activity may reduce logistical challenges and operational costs.

2025 Surface Exploration Informed Drill Target Selection

The current drill targets result from systematic surface exploration conducted during the 2025 field season. The company’s workflow integrated soil geochemistry sampling, hand-trenching, prospecting, and ground magnetic surveys to identify and prioritize scout drill locations.

CEO Guy Mahaffy emphasized the importance of commencing drilling, stating, "Every stage of our work to date, including soil geochemistry, hand trenching, prospecting, and ground magnetics, has led us to the same conclusion: we are dealing with a near-surface copper system across multiple zones that has never been drill tested." He added that the reconnaissance drill program is "designed to provide the first direct test of those targets and we do so from a position of knowledge rather than speculation." Mahaffy also noted that drilling is underway at Pup while exploration continues at the Horetzky and Secret Pass projects, making 2026 "the most active exploration year in the Company's history."

Diversified Portfolio Across Three Jurisdictions

The Pup Copper Project is one of three major properties advanced by Northern Lights Resources Corp. The company also operates the Horetzky Copper Project in the Babine Porphyry belt of central British Columbia and the Secret Pass Gold Project, a wholly owned property in Arizona. This geographic and commodity diversification exposes the company to multiple exploration stages and mineral systems across different jurisdictions.

Northern Lights is listed on several exchanges: the Canadian Securities Exchange under ticker "NLR," the U.S. over-the-counter market under "NLRCF," and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under "0ZH0," offering investors multiple trading options.

Pending Analytical Results from Recent Surface Sampling

Preparatory activities at Pup included excavator trenching, drill pad construction, trail building, and surface prospecting. Samples collected have been submitted for analysis, with results to be reported once received and interpreted by the technical team.

These analytical results may provide further insight into mineralization characteristics and support the rationale for scout drill hole placements. Investors will likely monitor these updates as confirmation of the surface geochemical anomalies driving the drill program.

Qualified Person Ensures Technical Accuracy

Steven McMullan, P.Geo., supervised the preparation of the technical content in the company’s announcement and approved the scientific and technical information. As a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, McMullan’s involvement assures investors that the data has been reviewed by a professional with expertise in mineral exploration and resource evaluation.

Exploration Timeline and Future Updates

The company anticipates providing updates as the drilling advances but has not disclosed specific timelines for completing the 10 scout holes or releasing results. The program’s duration will depend on drilling progress, weather, and laboratory turnaround times.

With 2026 set to be the company’s most active exploration year, investors can expect periodic updates from the Pup project alongside news from the Horetzky and Secret Pass projects. The outcomes of this reconnaissance drilling may guide future exploration and potential expansion at Pup.