Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for Near-Surface Mineralization At Storm Copper Project

TORONTO - Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. reported an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the near-surface mineralization (<120 metres (m) depth) at the Storm Copper Project on Somerset Island, Nunavut. The MRE includes six near-surface copper (-silver) deposits within the greater Storm Copper area: Cyclone, Chinook, Corona, Cirrus, Lightning Ridge and Thunder.

The Storm Copper Project is a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture between Aston Bay and American West Metals Limited, the Project operator. Aston Bay maintains a free carried interest until a decision to mine is made upon completion of a Feasibility Study.

Storm Copper Initial Mineral Resource Estimate Key Highlights: 1) Indicated Mineral Resources: 8.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.47% copper (Cu) and 4.5 grams per tonne (g/t) silver (Ag), containing 266.3 million pounds (Mlbs) (121,000 tonnes) of copper and 1.185 million ounces of silver. 2) Inferred Mineral Resources: 3.3 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.30% Cu and 3.1 g/t Ag, containing 95.4 Mlbs (43,000 tonnes) of copper and 333,600 ounces of silver. 3) Low-cost development potential: Near-surface Mineral Resources accessed primarily with open-pit mining, accounting for over 90% of contained metal in the MRE; and 100% of MRE consists of fresh, chalcocite-dominant copper sulphide with metallurgical testwork, which confirms excellent beneficiation potential, including sorting. 4) Significant growth and expansion opportunities: MRE deposits remain open - All six deposits remain open, offering strong potential for rapid expansion of the Mineral Resource inventory; Cyclone Deeps discovery (2024) - Cyclone-style mineralization located immediately south and faulted down from the existing Cyclone Deposit (1.2% Cu over 10 m from 311 m down hole in drill hole ST24-01; New high-grade copper discoveries (2024) - The Gap (2.3% Cu over 20 m from 38 m down hole, including 5.3% Cu over 8 m in drill hole SR24-003), Squall and Hailstorm are located near surface and ready for Mineral Resource definition drilling. 5) Belt-scale exploration opportunity - <5% of the 110 kilometre ("km") long copper belt has been adequately explored. Priority targets include the Tempest, Tornado, Blizzard and Seabreeze Prospects, where surface copper-zinc gossans have been identified.

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are thrilled to announce our Initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the near-surface copper mineralization at the Storm Copper Project. This robust initial MRE, combined with obvious expansion targets and favorable metallurgical characteristics, reinforces our belief in the potential of Storm Copper to become a world-class asset. The near-surface nature of the deposits, combined with the excellent metallurgical characteristics of the chalcocite mineralization, strongly supports the potential for a low-cost, high-margin operation. In addition, the exceptional exploration upside potential along the broader Storm Copper Belt provides a clear path for continued growth. We look forward to advancing Storm with our partners at American West, as work continues toward unlocking its full potential."