Riversgold Ltd Exploration Project Canada Commences Advanced Helicopter Survey

Riversgold Partner Initiates Advanced Survey at High-Grade Canadian Project

Riversgold Limited (ASX: RGL) has announced that their Canadian partner A.I.S Resources Limited is commencing a comprehensive helicopter-borne magnetic survey this week across the Saint John Gold/Copper/Silver/Antimony Project in New Brunswick, Canada. This Riversgold Ltd exploration project Canada represents a significant operational milestone as the partnership moves toward drilling activities later in 2026, with the project showing exceptional surface grades including 17.6% copper, 70.4 g/t gold, and 1,500 g/t silver.

The 2,125 line-kilometre survey represents the next phase of systematic exploration across this 101 km² project area, where Riversgold retains a 25% free-carried interest while AIS can earn up to 75% by spending C$4.4 million over four years.

Strategic Partnership Drives Exploration Forward

Under the farm-out agreement announced in September 2025, A.I.S Resources Limited (TSXV:AIS) has taken operational control of exploration activities while Riversgold maintains significant upside exposure. Furthermore, the partnership structure provides several investor advantages through risk-sharing whilst preserving meaningful equity participation.

Partnership Terms:

• AIS Investment Commitment: C$4.4 million over 4 years
• Riversgold Interest: 25% free-carried through to decision to mine
• AIS Earn-In: Up to 75% through exploration expenditure
• Project Size: 101 km² across multiple prospects

A.I.S Resources has engaged Quebec-based Geo Data Solutions GDS Inc. to conduct the survey using Geometrics G822 sensor technologies, designed for high-resolution, low-noise magnetic data collection across varied terrain. Moreover, the survey will utilise 50-metre line spacing across selected polygons within the broader project area.

Chairman David Lenigas commented:
"We are pleased to report that AIS are now fully engaged in advancing their exploration efforts at the St John Project. This Project offers considerable potential for numerous high-grade gold, copper, antimony, silver and rare-earth maiden discoveries across its 101 km² area."

The systematic approach reflects industry best practices for IOCG-style targets, where magnetic surveys help identify structural controls and alteration patterns that guide subsequent drilling programs. In addition, the high-resolution specifications suggest AIS is prioritising data quality to support precise target definition.

Exceptional Surface Sampling Results Set Stage for Drilling

Previous surface rock chip sampling has delivered remarkable grades that underscore the project's discovery potential. However, the results demonstrate the presence of multiple high-value commodities across the project area, establishing geological confidence ahead of the planned drilling campaign.

Recent Surface Sampling Highlights:

• Copper: Up to 17.6%
• Antimony: Up to 10.8%
• Gold: Up to 70.4 g/t
• Silver: Up to 1,500 g/t

These surface results provide strong geological confidence for the upcoming magnetic survey and subsequent drilling programme. Consequently, the combination of precious metals (gold, silver) with energy transition metals (copper) and critical minerals (antimony) creates multiple value drivers within a single project.

Key Statistics:
Surface sampling has identified multi-commodity mineralisation across the project area, with copper grades reaching industrial ore levels and precious metal values significantly exceeding exploration thresholds. The 70.4 g/t gold result represents approximately 2.3 ounces per tonne.

The magnetic survey will be critical in refining drill targets, with interpretation expected shortly after survey completion. Therefore, this data will guide ground-based geophysics, detailed mapping, and ultimately drill hole positioning for the planned 2026 drilling campaign.

Understanding IOCG Mineralisation: A Primer for Investors

What is IOCG?

IOCG stands for Iron Oxide Copper Gold, a type of mineral deposit characterised by the association of iron oxides with copper and gold mineralisation. Furthermore, these deposits form in large-scale hydrothermal systems and can host significant quantities of multiple metals, making them attractive exploration targets for diversified commodity exposure.

IOCG systems typically develop in tectonically active regions where deep-sourced fluids interact with favourable host rocks. For instance, the iron oxide minerals (magnetite, hematite) serve as pathfinder indicators for the associated copper and gold mineralisation, which is why magnetic surveys are particularly effective for target identification.

Why IOCG Matters to Investors

IOCG deposits are particularly attractive because they typically contain multiple commodities within the same geological system. However, this diversification reduces commodity price risk whilst potentially increasing overall project value. The Saint John Project's IOCG-style mineralisation provides exposure to:

• Precious Metals: Gold and silver for portfolio diversification and inflation protection
• Energy Transition Metals: Copper for electrification and renewable energy infrastructure
• Critical Minerals: Antimony and rhenium for strategic technology applications

The multi-commodity nature of IOCG deposits can significantly enhance project economics, as revenue streams from multiple metals provide natural hedging against individual commodity price volatility. In addition, major IOCG deposits globally include Olympic Dam (Australia) and Candelaria (Chile), which have demonstrated the long-term value creation potential of these systems.

For exploration companies, IOCG targets offer the possibility of discovering large-scale, long-life mining operations that can support decades of production across multiple commodity cycles.

Upcoming Catalysts and Timeline

The commencement of the magnetic survey represents the first of several planned exploration milestones that could provide regular news flow for investors throughout 2026. Furthermore, the systematic progression reflects industry-standard exploration methodology designed to maximise discovery potential whilst optimising expenditure efficiency.

Immediate Phase (Q2 2026):

1. Complete 2,125 line-kilometre helicopter magnetic survey
2. Data processing and interpretation
3. Integration with existing geological and geochemical data

Next Phase (H2 2026):

1. Ground-based geophysical surveys on priority targets
2. Detailed geological mapping of anomalous areas
3. Drill target refinement and permitting
4. Maiden drilling campaign initiation

Key Timeline Drivers:

• Survey Completion: Expected within weeks of commencement
• Data Interpretation: Shortly after survey completion
• Drilling Programme: Targeted for later in 2026

The systematic approach ensures that drilling activities will be precisely targeted based on comprehensive geophysical and geological understanding, maximising discovery potential whilst optimising exploration expenditure. Consequently, each phase builds upon previous results, creating multiple catalyst opportunities for market updates.

Investment Thesis: Multi-Commodity Discovery Potential in Stable Jurisdiction

The Saint John Project represents compelling investment exposure through several converging factors that distinguish it from typical early-stage exploration opportunities. Moreover, the combination of proven surface grades, strategic partnership structure, and jurisdiction stability creates a risk-adjusted discovery proposition for this Riversgold Ltd exploration project Canada.

Strategic Location Advantages

• New Brunswick, Canada: Stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction with established regulatory frameworks
• Established Infrastructure: Accessible location in southeastern Canada with proximity to processing facilities
• Regulatory Environment: Well-established permitting and operational framework reducing development risk

Geological Upside

• Proven Mineralisation: Surface sampling confirms high-grade, multi-commodity potential across 101 km²
• Large-Scale System: Project area suggests significant discovery scope for multiple deposits
• IOCG Target: Proven deposit type with multi-metal potential and large-scale characteristics

Partnership Structure Benefits

• Funded Exploration: C$4.4 million committed by AIS over four years eliminates funding risk
• Free-Carried Interest: Riversgold retains 25% with no funding obligation through to mining decision
• Operational Expertise: AIS brings Canadian market knowledge and established exploration capabilities

Commodity Diversification

• Energy Transition Exposure: Copper demand driven by electrification trends and infrastructure development
• Precious Metals Security: Gold and silver provide portfolio stability and inflation protection
• Critical Minerals Strategy: Antimony and rhenium offer strategic value in technology applications

The combination of exceptional surface grades, systematic exploration approach, and strategic partnership positioning creates multiple pathways for value creation across different commodity cycles and market conditions.

Why Investors Should Follow Riversgold

The commencement of advanced exploration at the Saint John Project reinforces several compelling reasons for investor attention, particularly for those seeking exposure to multi-commodity discovery potential with reduced exploration risk through strategic partnerships. Furthermore, this Riversgold Ltd exploration project Canada offers unique advantages in the current market environment.

Near-Term Catalyst Rich

With the magnetic survey beginning this week and drilling planned for later in 2026, investors can expect regular news flow and potential discovery announcements over the coming months. However, the systematic exploration approach creates multiple update opportunities as each phase progresses.

Leveraged Exploration Exposure

The farm-out structure provides Riversgold shareholders with significant upside exposure to a well-funded exploration programme without dilution risk from capital requirements. Consequently, the 25% free-carried interest ensures meaningful participation in any discoveries whilst AIS bears the exploration costs and risks.

Multi-Commodity Discovery Potential

The project's IOCG-style mineralisation targets multiple high-value commodities, providing diversified exposure to both traditional precious metals and critical minerals essential for energy transition. For instance, this diversification reduces single-commodity price risk whilst potentially increasing overall project value.

Canadian Jurisdiction Advantage

Operating in New Brunswick provides political stability, established mining laws, and infrastructure access that reduces operational and jurisdictional risk compared to many emerging market opportunities. In addition, the regulatory environment supports efficient project development and permitting processes.

Proven Management Team

With Chairman David Lenigas leading strategic direction and the operational expertise of partner A.I.S Resources, the project benefits from experienced leadership in both Australian and Canadian markets. Furthermore, the partnership combines Riversgold's project generation capabilities with AIS's Canadian operational expertise.

Key Takeaway:
Riversgold has positioned itself for significant discovery upside through a strategic partnership that funds comprehensive exploration whilst maintaining substantial free-carried interest. With exceptional surface grades already confirmed and systematic exploration now underway, the Saint John Project represents one of the more compelling multi-commodity discovery opportunities in a stable jurisdiction. The commencement of advanced geophysical surveys marks the beginning of an intensive exploration phase that could deliver multiple catalysts throughout 2026.

Could Riversgold's Canadian Discovery Potential Transform Your Portfolio?

With advanced geophysical surveys now underway and exceptional surface grades of up to 70.4 g/t gold and 17.6% copper already confirmed, Riversgold Limited presents a compelling multi-commodity discovery opportunity in stable Canadian jurisdiction. The company's strategic partnership structure eliminates funding risk whilst preserving meaningful upside through a 25% free-carried interest in this 101 km² project. As systematic exploration progresses toward the planned 2026 drilling campaign, investors seeking exposure to energy transition metals, precious metals, and critical minerals within a single project should explore Riversgold's comprehensive project portfolio and strategic vision at www.riversgold.com.au.