Westward Gold Launches Phase 1 Drilling at El Segundo Target on Nevada’s Toiyabe Hills Property

Two Years of Extensive Target Development Precede Drilling Launch

Over two field seasons, Westward Gold has systematically developed the El Segundo Target using a multi-disciplinary greenfield exploration approach. Situated approximately 4 kilometres south-southeast of the SSD Target and 3 kilometres south of the Campfire Target, El Segundo lies in the footwall of the district-scale, north-striking Hilltop Structural Corridor. The area exposes favourable lower-plate carbonate host rocks of the Wenban Formation, aligning with the company’s exploration model.

This extended preparatory period underscores Westward’s measured strategy in defining targets before allocating drilling capital. Integration of multiple data sets—including surface geochemistry, geophysical surveys, and geological mapping—has established a robust technical foundation to support the 2026 drilling investment at El Segundo, enabling a focused and efficient test of identified targets.

Carlin-Suite Geochemical Anomalies and Rock-Chip Assay Highlights

Surface geochemical surveys have delineated a plume of elevated Carlin-suite elements, especially arsenic, over and adjacent to the target area, as indicated by gridded soil data. Rock-chip assays reveal anomalous gold values reaching 1.6 grams per tonne. Additionally, El Segundo hosts the highest antimony concentrations on the property, with rock-chip samples up to 589 ppm. These geochemical signatures are classic indicators of Carlin-style gold systems and strongly justify drilling.

The combined presence of arsenic, antimony, and gold in surface samples corresponds with elemental associations typical of Carlin-trend mineralization. The spatial distribution of these anomalies, defined through gridded soil surveys, forms a clear exploration target for subsurface testing. Rock-chip results further confirm mineralized or altered surface material, validating the exploration model guiding El Segundo’s target selection.

Comprehensive Geophysical Surveys Define Alteration Zones

Westward has completed three major geophysical surveys: a gravity survey in 2024, an airborne magnetic survey in 2025, and a controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) survey in 2026. Collectively, these datasets reveal gravity-interpreted alteration features such as decalcification in lower-plate carbonate rocks, along with strong silicification and argillic alteration indicated by CSAMT data, enhancing confidence in the subsurface structural and alteration model.

The CSAMT survey, conducted by Zonge Geosciences Inc. over 10 line-kilometres in May 2026 along two east-west lines spaced 500 metres apart, identified high and extremely high resistivity zones (exceeding 1,000 ohm-metres). These are interpreted as silica alteration zones, potentially including argillic alteration and jasperoid development. Drill holes have been strategically positioned to test these alteration zones alongside gravity-interpreted decalcification features in lower-plate carbonates. The interpretation was performed by Jim Wright of J.L. Wright Geophysics, a geophysicist with over 40 years’ experience in Nevada’s Carlin and Cortez Districts.

Structural Mapping Reveals Favorable Compression Features

Westward’s detailed 1:5000-scale mapping has identified surface alteration patterns such as decalcification and silicification, northeast-striking dike-filled fault corridors, and syncline-anticline pairs indicative of compressional regimes favourable for Carlin-style gold mineralization. Approximately 15 square kilometres have been mapped to date, marking the company’s most extensive annual mapping effort ever. These geological observations provide direct support for drill target selection at El Segundo.

The structural framework resembles controls seen in major Nevada gold camps. Robert Edie, Vice President of Exploration, highlighted similarities to the northern Carlin Trend where the Post-Gen Fault governs mineralization at multiple mines. Westward now holds 13 kilometres of strike length along the Hilltop Structural Corridor, offering a substantial exploration footprint.

Drilling Program Details and Design Strategy

Eight drill pads at El Segundo have been permitted, with construction on the final eastern pads nearing completion. The program will drill approximately 6,000 metres combining reverse circulation and core holes. Drill depths are designed to test significant vertical extents of the Wenban Formation and the underlying Roberts Mountains Formation, key host strata in the Cortez District. Real-time analysis of drill chips and core will guide final hole depths.

The campaign targets two mineralization styles: classic Carlin-style laterally disseminated gold within Wenban sub-units and higher-grade gold associated with dike margins and fault corridors. Drill hole azimuths and dips have been adjusted to intersect subsurface silica alteration zones identified by the recent CSAMT survey and decalcification zones interpreted from gravity anomalies. Most holes will start in lower-plate carbonate rocks for efficient testing of regional host strata. One hole is planned to traverse the Hilltop Corridor, providing a novel test of this major structural feature.

Current Drilling Progress and Field Season Operations

At the time of the announcement, core drilling was underway at El Segundo. The core rig was relocated from the SSD Target after completing two shallow test holes (T2601 and T2602) designed to refine the 3D geological model and enhance structural vectoring tools. The first El Segundo hole, ES2601, collared on pad ES26-B, reached 145 metres depth targeting a gravity-interpreted alteration zone in lower-plate carbonates, with a design depth exceeding 600 metres pending core analysis.

A second reverse circulation rig was expected within weeks. Concurrent activities at Toiyabe Hills included ongoing mapping, surface geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys. Trenching at the SSD Target progressed with all three trenches mapped and assays pending. By the announcement date, 476 of 744 planned soil samples had been collected across three grids, and over 100 rock-chip samples submitted for assay from a target of up to 1,000. A final step-out gravity survey over a recent northern land acquisition was scheduled for completion in the announcement month.

Company Overview and Project Portfolio

Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing the Toiyabe Hills Project in Nevada’s Cortez Trend, alongside the Coyote and Rossi Projects on the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. The company employs systematic, multi-disciplinary exploration approaches targeting greenfield prospects in established Nevada gold districts. The Toiyabe Hills Property includes three targets—El Segundo, SSD, and Campfire—planned for reverse circulation and core drilling in 2026, enabling simultaneous advancement of multiple prospects.

Westward Gold trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange under ticker WG, on the OTCQB as WGLIF, and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as IM50. Its exploration activities focus on prolific Nevada gold districts with extensive historical mining and exploration, providing strong geological frameworks and precedents. The company also evaluates potential acquisitions to expand its portfolio as opportunities arise.

Investor Relations and Marketing Partnerships

In the 2026 field season, Westward Gold engaged Emerging Markets Consulting LLC (EMC) for investor relations services over 90 days at a fee of US$150,000. EMC’s role includes boosting awareness via social media and facilitating engagement with financial communities, shareholders, prospective investors, and stakeholders. EMC and affiliates held no Westward shares at engagement start but disclosed potential market transactions. EMC operates at arm’s length with no other company ties.

Additionally, Westward retained Hillside Consulting and Media Inc., based in British Columbia, for a one-week marketing and investor relations engagement at C$45,000 plus taxes. Hillside provides digital marketing services such as SEO, email, social media outreach, and content creation. Like EMC, Hillside held no shares at engagement start and may trade securities based on market conditions. Hillside is also at arm’s length with no other relationships with Westward.

Exploration Risks and Technical Considerations in Carlin-Trend Development

Westward’s forward-looking statements emphasize the speculative nature of exploration at El Segundo and other Toiyabe Hills targets. Key risks include the need for additional capital, which may not be secured; the early-stage status of properties; commodity price volatility impacting economic feasibility; and regulatory risks related to social or environmental acceptance.

Operational risks include equipment and personnel availability, potential delays, and the possibility that current geological models may be inaccurate. Ongoing results may shift exploration priorities. Success depends partly on senior management’s expertise. Investors are advised to review the company’s latest management discussion and analysis under "Risks and Uncertainties" on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a detailed risk assessment.