VTen Metals Initiates First RC Drilling Campaign at Tanami Ni-Cu-PGE Project in Australia's Northern Territory

Overview of VTen's Tanami Property: Location, Size & Mineral Targets

The Tanami Property comprises four semi-contiguous granted exploration licences—EL 23848, EL 31402, EL 23874, and EL 23875—covering a total of 1,237 square kilometres. Located in the Tanami Desert approximately 450 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs, Northern Territory, the property lies within the historically mineral-rich Tanami District.

VTen's exploration focus includes nickel, copper, platinum group elements (PGE), and gold. The property is strategically positioned about 30 kilometres east of Newmont's Granites Mine, as noted by CEO Blair Way. The company also holds a farm-in joint venture targeting gold prospects within the property.

Details of the Initial Reverse Circulation Drilling Program

United Drilling Services of Sarina, Queensland, has been engaged to perform the RC drill program, which will consist of 6 to 10 holes totaling roughly 2,150 metres. Mobilisation is expected in the first half of August 2026.

This marks the first deep drilling effort on the Tanami Property. The program aims to evaluate high-priority nickel-copper-PGE targets identified through historical Aircore geochemistry and integrated magnetic and HeliTEM geophysical anomalies from previous exploration campaigns. This initial drilling phase is designed to guide a more extensive follow-up campaign.

Geological Objectives and Targeting Strategy for the Drill Program

The drill campaign aims to confirm sulphide mineralisation within fresh bedrock, validate existing geophysical models, and delineate geological controls and mineralisation continuity. The primary focus is a northeast-trending mineralised corridor.

Target prioritisation is based on combining historical Aircore geochemical data with magnetic and HeliTEM geophysical anomaly datasets collected over several years. Specific drill hole locations, depths, and expected grades have not been disclosed at this stage.

Government Funding to Support Exploration Activities

VTen announced receipt of two grants from the Northern Territory Department of Mining’s Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations program, funded through the Resourcing the Territory Program and administered by the Northern Territory Geological Survey. The total grant funding amounts to $139,393.

The $115,000 grant (inclusive of GST) is allocated for drilling on EL23875, while the $24,393 grant supports geochemical assessment on EL23848. The currency denomination was not specified, and the company did not disclose what portion of total program costs these grants cover.

CEO Blair Way Comments on the Significance of the Drill Program

Blair Way, CEO, President, and Director of VTen, described the upcoming drill program as a major milestone, emphasizing that the property has never been tested to depth before. He highlighted the success of multi-year grassroots exploration efforts in identifying key nickel-copper-PGE targets.

Way noted that this initial drilling phase will help orient a more aggressive follow-up campaign aimed at unlocking the property’s significant potential and enhancing shareholder value. No production targets, resource estimates, or financial forecasts were provided.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Compliance

The technical information in the announcement was prepared under the supervision of D. Blair Way, B.Sc., P.Geo., who serves as CEO, President, and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 standards governing mineral project disclosures in Canada.

Way assumes responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the technical data disclosed. The release does not detail specific data verification or sampling methodologies.

Company Profile and Exploration Experience

VTen is a Canadian mining exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VTEN. Its flagship asset is the Tanami Ni-Cu-PGE-Au Project covering approximately 1,235 square kilometres in Australia's Northern Territory. The company also holds a farm-in joint venture targeting gold within the property.

Management is described as highly experienced with a successful global exploration track record. As an exploration-stage company, VTen does not report mineral production revenue. Financial metrics such as cash position or market capitalization were not disclosed.

Background: Grassroots Exploration Leading to Drilling

The planned RC drill program follows a multi-year grassroots exploration campaign that generated the geochemical and geophysical datasets underpinning target selection. Integration of historical Aircore geochemistry with magnetic and HeliTEM geophysical data was key to identifying priority targets.

The release does not specify the timeline or total expenditure of prior exploration activities. These efforts establish the rationale for first-pass depth testing at this stage.

TSX Venture Exchange Listing and Regulatory Considerations

VTen is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as VTEN. The release includes standard disclaimers that neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the disclosure, consistent with junior exploration company requirements.

The company is subject to ongoing Canadian securities disclosure obligations. Forward-looking statements are included with cautionary notes regarding risks such as funding availability. The immediate market reaction was not evident at the time of publication.

Importance of First Depth Drilling on Untested Property

A key highlight of VTen’s announcement is that the Tanami Property has never before been drill-tested at depth. This underscores the early-stage exploratory nature of the 6-to-10 hole program. Investors should note that the geophysical and geochemical indications of mineralisation remain unconfirmed by subsurface sampling.

The company’s goal of confirming sulphide mineralisation in fresh bedrock and validating geophysical models represents a critical step in advancing the project. Results from this inaugural drill program will provide the first direct geological data from depth and inform future drilling strategies at Tanami.