Abitibi Metals Launches Large-Scale Phase 4 Drill Program Targeting up to 40,000 Metres at the B26 Project

London, January 13, 2026 - Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE: AMQ) (OTCQB: AMQFF) (FSE: FW0) ("Abitibi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of its Phase 4 drill program at the B26 Polymetallic Deposit, located in Québec's Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Phase 4 represents the largest and most comprehensive drill program in the Company's history, with up to 40,000 metres of drilling planned over the course of 2026, following the successful completion of the Phase 3 program with assays still pending. The Company currently owns 50% of the B26 Deposit and retains the option to earn an additional 30% from SOQUEM Inc. ("SOQUEM"), a subsidiary of Investissement Québec (see news release dated November 16, 2023).

The initial winter component of Phase 4 is planned to include approximately 15,000 to 20,000 metres of drilling, commencing with one drill rig and expanding to three drill rigs by mid-February 2026. The program has been designed to systematically advance the B26 Project through a balanced exploration strategy focused on resource improvement, resource expansion, and regional discovery drilling. This will mark the first regional drill program at the B26 Project since the Company optioned the asset.

"Phase 4 is a major catalyst for resource growth at B26," said Jonathon Deluce, CEO of Abitibi Metals. "Building on strong Phase 3 results, this expanded program targets resource expansion, improved quality, and new regional discoveries. With funding secured through 2027, we are positioned to move and quickly scale-up to create significant shareholder value."

Phase 4 Drill Program Objectives:

The Phase 4 drill program is structured around three complementary objectives intended to enhance the scale, confidence, and long-term development potential of the B26 Project:

1. Resource Improvement Drilling
   Drilling (Figure 1) within the existing resource envelope will be designed to significantly enhance geological confidence and grade continuity, providing a strong foundation for future resource updates and ongoing economic evaluations. Building on its geological model, the Company has identified several high-priority target areas where drilling is expected to both increase grades and expand the size of existing mineralized blocks and lenses. This includes further expansion of the recently discovered high-grade zone (269W5 - 17.91% CuEq over 6.3m - Released 11/20/2025) down-dip along the western plunge, which will be a key focus of Phase 4 drilling.
2. Resource Expansion Drilling
   Mid-level and deep drilling (Figure 1) will test lateral and down-dip extensions of known copper-gold and zinc-silver mineralization. This drilling is designed to follow up on high-grade intercepts encountered (373W1 - 3.93% CuEq over 11.0m - Released 10/30/2025) along the margins of the deposit during Phase 3 and to further evaluate the depth potential of the B26 system.
3. Regional Exploration Drilling
   For the first time, the Company is launching regional drill program to unlock district-scale discovery potential beyond the B26 Deposit. An initial 3,000 to 4,000 metres is planned, with rapid upside scalability based on results.

Figure 1: Longview B26 Deposit - Initial Phase 4 Drill Targets

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Qualified Person

Information contained in this press release was reviewed and approved by Louis Gariépy, P.Eng (OIQ #107538), VP Exploration of Abitibi Metals, who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and responsible for the technical information provided in this news release.

About Abitibi Metals Corp:

Abitibi Metals Corp. is dedicated to acquiring and exploring mineral properties within Quebec, with a particular emphasis on high-quality base and precious metal assets that offer significant potential for growth and expansion.

The company's flagship B26 Polymetallic project which has been optioned from SOQUEM, hosts a substantial and growing resource base.

• Indicated: 11.3Mt at 2.13% CuEq (1.23% Cu, 1.27% Zn, 0.46 g/t Au and 31.9 g/t Ag)
• Inferred: 7.2Mt at 2.21% CuEq (1.56% Cu, 0.17% Zn, 0.87 g/t Au and 7.4 g/t Ag)

The B26 project is strategically located just 5 kilometres north of the formerly producing Selbaie mine. This proximity provides the project with ready access to all necessary infrastructure required for mine development

In addition to the B26 Deposit, Abitibi's portfolio includes the Beschefer Gold project, historical drilling has identified four notable, historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres (BE13-038) and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres (BE12-014) amongst four modelled zones. These promising findings highlight the potential for further gold discoveries within the project area.

About SOQUEM:

SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec's mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future.

The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abitibi-metals-corp-amq-c/

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Note 1: Technical Report NI 43-101 Resource Estimation Update Project B26, Quebec, For Abitibi Metals Corp., By SGS Canada Inc., Yann Camus, ing., Olivier Vadnais-Leblanc, géo., SGS Canada - Geostat., Effective Date: November 1, 2024, Date of Report: February 26, 2025

Forward-looking statement:

This news release contains certain statements, which may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information involves statements that are not based on historical information but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments on the B26 Project or otherwise. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on the Company's behalf. Although Abitibi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. All factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Abitibi's forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," or variations of such words and phrases (including negative and grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "occur. Mineral exploration and development are highly speculative and are characterized by a number of significant inherent risks, which may result in the inability of the Company to successfully develop current or proposed projects for commercial, technical, political, regulatory or financial reasons, or if successfully developed, may not remain economically viable for their mine life owing to any of the foregoing reasons, among others. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving commercial mineral production and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the stage of operations.

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