Vault Enters In To Agreement For Option To Acquire Portfolio Of US Historical Mining Assets And Corresponding Historical Databases

20.01.2026  |  The Newswire

Vancouver - Vault Strategic Mining Corp. (TSXV:KNOX) (OTC:KNXFF) (FSE:M85) ("VAULT" or the "Company") announces it has entered into an Option Agreement with two arms length vendors who granted the Company an exclusive option (the "Option") to acquire an undivided 100% interest in a portfolio of four (4) mineral exploration projects consisting of Historical Mines across the Western United States with a strategic focus on Silver, Gold and Tungsten-Beryllium. Included in the Option are historical data for each of the projects for the basis of creating the Company's 2025 and beyond exploration plans.

The Portfolio Historical Mining Assets (and Datasets) are as follows:

• Mia Silver Project - Idaho, USA

  • Historical Data: Historical US Bureau of Mines Report, various reports

• Mount Wheeler Historical Tungsten Mine - Nevada, USA

  • Historical Data: Historical Mining Data, Historical Resource, Historical Feasibility Study, various reports

• Robinson Dyke Historical Gold Mine - Idaho USA

  • Historical Data: Historical Mining Data, Historical Resource, various reports.

• Golden Dome Historical Gold Mine - California, USA

  • Historical Data: Historical Resource, various reports

R. Nick Horsley, Chief Executive Officer of Vault states "The acquisition of these four projects benefits from extensive historic exploration, including sampling, drilling, mapping, feasibility studies, and resource estimations that document established mineralization across the properties. The depth of this work provides immediate value and establishes a strong foundation for rediscovery.

Mia Silver Project - Idaho, USA

Mineralization was first discovered in the Seafoam district in the 1880s, with early work confined to small-scale "high grading." The current property was consolidated and held by Northwest Minerals Development Corporation in the early 1980s with the intent to conduct modern, systematic exploration.

As reported by Northwest Mineral Development1:

Reported in the U.S. Bureau of Mines report (1983)2 and the report of Michael R. Free, Consulting Geologist, (1984) were assays as high as:

1.10 ounces/ton Gold and 92.30 ounces/ton silver3

Other assays have been taken as high as: 178.00-ounces/ton silver

In 1982, the U.S. Bureau of Mines examined the claims in conjunction with regional studies, and their sampling confirmed the area's mineral potential. Subsequently, in 1983, consulting geologist Michael R. Free conducted a detailed property examination and sampling program which identified several anomalous targets.

Highlights from this historical work include:

Longshot No. 34

The Longshot No. 3 claim is developed by several trenches along a shear zone. Samples 1102 and 1111 are taken from a trench cut in a fissure zone approximately 8 feet thick trending N 15 W 82 NE. The central four feet in the fissure zone was covered with rubble and not sampled. Samples were cut from iron stained, silicified granodiorite along the sides of the trench. An unidentified greenish-yellow mineral, probably cerargyrite, was present in 1102. The results are as follows:

Longshot No. 15

Samples 1103 through 1110 are from surface and underground workings on the Longshot No. 1 claim. Sample 1103, which includes a shear trending N 61 E 90, and 1104 are from a trench in the lower workings above a probably caved Adit. The samples were cut from a highly fractured, silicified, porous zone with strong limonite staining and a greenish-yellow alteration mineral, probably cerargyrite. Approximately 130 feet up the hill from the lower working is the middle Adit, from which samples 1105 and 1106 were collected. Sample 1105 was cut from a three-foot quartz vein trending N 40 W 80 NE. This vein fault contacts decomposed granodiorite, sample 1106. Samples 1107 through 1110 are from iron stained silicified zones on the surface in the vicinity of the middle Adit portal. Sample 1108 was cut from a shear containing limonite and cerargyrite(?). The results are as follows:

Canary Yellow6

The Canary Yellow claim is developed by two possible caved adits covered by talus adjacent to granodiorite host rock. Small masses of schist, sample 1115, occur within the granodiorite. Sample 1112 is a grab of talus fines from above the lower caved Adit. Samples 1113 and 1114 are grab samples from the upper Adit dump and 1116 is a selective grab of a greenish yellow mineral (cerargyrite ?) and mimetite from the lower dump. Dump rocks consist of silicified, limonite stained, brecciated granodiorite and quartz vein with minor pyrite and traces of chalcopyrite and galena (?). Mimetite, identified by ' x-ray detraction, was common in much of the dump rocks. Results of these samples are as follows:

Betty Ruth No. 17

The Betty Ruth No. 1 claim is developed by several adits and pits Samples 1117 and 1118 are from the fissure vein trending N 45 W 65 NE above the portal of the upper Adit 1118 is a quartz vein within 1117. Sample 1119 is a select grab of dump float from the upper Adit. The structure is strongly silicified and carries limonite, pyrite, and minor amounts of sphalerite(?), chalcopyrite and galena(?). Sample 1120 is from the silicified quartz fissure vein at the lower Adit portal. Sample 1121 is from a pit 100 feet south of the lower Adit, and consists of silicified, brecciated granodiorite with pyrite blebs and copper oxides. Sample results are as follows:

Golden Promise8

The Golden Promise claims developed by a series of three pits and/or trenches that trend in a westerly direction up the hill slope. The upper pit consists of several trenches and pits running about 60 feet along the hillside contour. The middle pit is about-200 feet down slope from the upper pit and 400 feet up slope from the lower pit. There are no outcrop exposures on the hillside except in the pits. Pit dumps all contain quite similar rocks and are likely along the same fissure system. Mineralization includes massive quartz vein with disseminated fine grain sulfides and brecciated, spongy (frothy) siliceous quartz vein with strong iron and copper(?) oxides. Sample 1122 is from the lower pit, lla3 from the middle pit and samples 1124 and 1125 from the upper pit. Sample 1124 is a "quartz vein" that crops out in the pit . Sample 1124 is a "quartz vein" that crops out in the pit . Sample results are as follows:

Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1. Historical Mia Silver Claims and Sampling Locations9

Based on these results, a comprehensive, two-stage exploration program including geophysics, diamond drilling and road construction were planned for 1984. The exploration program from available data appears to not have been conducted.

Mount Wheeler Historical Tungsten Mine - Nevada, USA

The main period of activity began with the discovery of tungsten in 1950. Between 1952 and 1955, Mt. Wheeler Mines, Inc., under a Defence Minerals Exploration Administration ("DMEA") contract. Between 1952 and 1954, 1,800 tons of rock averaging 1.3% WO3 was extracted and milled at Minerva, Nevada, with 75% DMEA sponsorship10. The average grade of all rock mined from the Pole adit zone is about .5% WO3 as shown by the production figures.11

A feasibility study titled "Feasibility Study Mt. Wheeler Mine Beryllium project" was commissioned in 1972 by W.S. Moore Co. which states that "Milling was successfully piloted by the Colorado School of Mines"12 "From 1959 to 1962, largely through the efforts of the Anaconda Company, an additional 4,475 feet of laterals and sub drifts were driven. Approximately 1,000 samples were taken."13 An indicated Tungsten-Beryllium resource was prepared.

Click Image To View Full Size
Figure 2. Department of Interior - Bureau of Mines "Mine and Prospect Map of Wheeler Park"14

The access roads to the mine are all blacktopped except for the last five-mile stretch which is gravel.

Robinson Dyke Historical Gold Mine - Idaho USA

According to the report: Mineral Resources of the Jersey Jack Study Area, Idaho County, Idaho dated 1991 by Terry R. Neumann and Terry J. Close commissioned by the United States Department of the Interior15 reported the history of the Robinson Dike and Gold Leaf Claims are as follows:

"The Robinson Dike mine is located near the headwaters of Comstock Creek, 3.4 mi (Forest Service Road 211) south of Dixie. The property was originally located in 1904 by Louis Larsen, who staked the Gold Hill group of claims. Larsen sold the claims in 1907 to Brown and Cox, who sold the claims in 1934 to the Robinson Mining & Milling Company. At this time the property was increased to ten claims, and a 50-ton/day, steam-powered ball mill, flotation units, and cyanide leach tanks were built. The mill operated during the mining seasons of 1935 and 1936, treating 35 to 40 tons of rock per day; a recovery of 95% assaying $2.40/ton was reported (Capps and Roberts, 1939). Historical records indicate that underground development consisted of five adits totaling about 1,600 ft; most of the workings were caved and inaccessible by 1934 (Livingston, 1934). An open pit was excavated in 1935, and in 1937 an 80-ft crosscut was driven from the open pit diagonally across the deposit. USBM records report 2,839 tons of material processed in the years 1935-36 yielded 66.8 oz of gold and 16 oz of silver."

Figure 3. Aerial view of the Robinson Dike Mine, looking west16

An open pit was excavated in 1935, and in 1937 an 80-ft crosscut was driven from the open pit diagonally across the body. USBM records report 2,839 tons processed in the years 1935-36 yielded 66.8 oz of gold and 16 oz of silver."

Golden Dome Historical Gold Mine - California, USA

The Golden Dome prospect was explored extensively by Hecla Mining, Amselco Minerals, and subsequently Tenneco Minerals during the 1980s and early 1990s. Drilling by Hecla successfully defined a historical resource17. Tenneco Minerals later acquired the project and planned an open-pit operation targeting 30,000 40,000 ounces of gold per year18, though the project did not advance to production. The project was reportedly sold by Hecla for $2 million.

Figure 4. Photo taken during site visit at Golden Dome Historical Gold Deposit, California Geology19

The project targets a high-sulfidation epithermal gold deposit hosted within a northwest-trending, vuggy silica-alunite-pyrite vein system in the Antelope Valley Volcanic Center. This geologic setting is associated with the Southern Ancestral Cascade arc. Gold mineralization is associated with the vuggy silica alteration zone.

Historical Information and Exploration Context

The mineral properties comprising the portfolio have been the subject of extensive historical exploration, development work, and, in several cases, past commercial production or advanced-stage evaluations with the intent to commence mining. The historical exploration results, sampling, drilling, resource estimates, feasibility studies, and other technical information referenced herein were completed prior to the adoption of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and do not comply with current NI 43-101 requirements. As a result, such historical information and any historical resource estimates should not be relied upon as current mineral resources or reserves.

In particular, the Mount Wheeler Tungsten-Beryllium Project is supported by historical feasibility-level study and substantial historical underground exploration; however, these studies were completed under historical standards and assumptions and are considered non-compliant under NI 43-101. All projects within the portfolio have a documented history of either mining, advanced development, or demonstrated intent to advance toward production, which provides valuable geological context and technical insight.

The Company has been provided with a compilation of historical technical data, including non-NI 43-101 compliant resource estimates, drilling records, sampling results, mine plans, metallurgical representations, and feasibility-level evaluations. While this historical information is non-compliant, it is considered highly relevant for exploration targeting, geological interpretation, and the design of modern exploration and evaluation programs.

Management believes that the existence of extensive historical work, past production, and prior feasibility-level evaluations creates a compelling foundation for modern exploration, particularly when reassessed using contemporary geological models, exploration technologies, metallurgical processes, and prevailing commodity prices. However, readers are cautioned that historical results, resources, or economic conclusions cannot be verified or confirmed at this time.

In order to define current mineral resources, assess metallurgy, and evaluate economic viability, the Company will be required to complete confirmation drilling, modern metallurgical studies, updated technical evaluations, and NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimates and feasibility or economic studies. There is no assurance that historical results will be confirmed or that any project will advance to economic viability.

Option Summary

The Company has entered into an option agreement with two arms length vendors where it was granted the Option to acquire a 100% interest in four mineral properties, Robinson Dyke, Golden Dome, Wheeler, and Mia, subject to underlying net smelter return royalties and the maintenance of the associated mineral claims. The Option is considered non-material for the Company, does not involve the issuance of the Companies' securities, and does not constitute a "Fundamental Acquisition" under TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") Policy 5.3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets ("Policy 5.3"). As such, the Option meets the criteria of an "Exempt Transaction" under Policy 5.3.

Robinson Dyke Historical Gold Mine - Idaho USA

The Company may earn a 100% interest by making monthly cash payments of $500 over 30 months, totaling $15,500, and by maintaining the claims in good standing. Upon exercise, a 2.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty will apply, which may be reduced to 1.0% through a $1,000,000 buy-down payment. The Property consists of four (4) unpatented lode mining claims in Idaho County, Idaho.

Golden Dome Historical Gold Mine - California, USA

The Company may earn a 100% interest by making an initial $5,000 payment, followed by quarterly payments of $5,000, for total aggregate payments of $55,000, and maintaining the claims in good standing. Upon exercise, a 1.5% NSR royalty will apply. The Property consists of seven (7) unpatented lode mining claims in Sierra County, California.

Mount Wheeler Historical Tungsten Mine - Nevada, USA

The Company may earn a 100% interest by making an initial $10,500 payment, followed by quarterly payments of $10,500, for total aggregate payments of $42,000, and maintaining the claims in good standing. Upon exercise, a 1.5% NSR royalty will apply. The Property consists of sixteen (16) unpatented lode mining claims in White Pine County, Nevada.

Mia Silver Project - Idaho, USA

The Company may earn a 100% interest by making an initial $5,000 payment, followed by quarterly payments of $7,500, for total aggregate payments of $80,000, and maintaining the claims in good standing. Upon exercise, a 1.5% NSR royalty will apply. The Property consists of sixteen (33) unpatented lode mining claims in the Seafoam Mining District of Custer County, Idaho.

Each option is independent, and the Company may elect to proceed with any one or more properties without obligation to exercise the remaining options. Failure to meet the terms of any individual option results in no interest being earned in that specific property, without affecting the status of the other options.

Data Verification

Historical information referenced in this release has been reviewed against available reports; however, such data cannot be independently verified to current NI 43-101 standards and quality control procedures and are therefore considered supportive for exploration guidance only. The Company cautions that past results or production from properties in proximity to The Company may not necessarily be indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties.

Qualified Person

Mr. William Feyerabend, CPG, an independent Consulting Geologist and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the disclosure in this news release for consistency with NI 43-101 reporting requirements.

On behalf of the Board:

Vault Strategic Mining Corp.

"R. Nick Horsley"

President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman

Tel: 604-343-4338| Email: vaultstrategic@gmail.com

ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "1933 ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Vault, and the Company's exploration Projects, which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the completion of the acquisition of the exploration Projects, and the ability to obtain regulatory approvals, and other factors. Often, but not always, Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "estimates" or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of each entity. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release, including completion of the acquisition of the Letain Project, may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the Company, including the risk that VAULT may not obtain all requisite approvals for the acquisition, including the approval of the TSXV, risks of the resource industry, failure to obtain any other required regulatory approvals, economic factors, any estimated amounts, timing of the acquisition and requited payments, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth, exploration and development. Although VAULT has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made VAULT undertaked no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

1 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_002.pdf (Page 1)

2 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/USBM-Publications/MLA_87-83.pdf (Page 24-25

3 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_002.pdf (Page 1)

4https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_003.pdf (Page 7)

5 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_003.pdf (Page 7 and 8)

6 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_003.pdf (Page 8 and 9)

7 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_003.pdf (Page 9)

8 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_003.pdf (Page 9-10)

9 https://www.idahogeology.org/Uploads/Data/MineDocs/CH0234_001.pdf

10 Mount Wheeler Mine, Mount Washington, Mount Washington Mining District (Lincoln Mining District), Snake Range, White Pine County, Nevada, USA

11 Mount Wheeler Mine, Mount Washington, Mount Washington Mining District (Lincoln Mining District), Snake Range, White Pine County, Nevada, USA (Page 7)

12 download.php (Page 5)

13 download.php (Page 8)

14mla_56-83.pdf (Page 29)

15 report (Page 31-34)

16 See Report (Page 34)

17 file regdev86- (Page 17) MINERALS MINING AND ENERGY IN IDAHO, 1986 - Idaho Geological

18 Tenneco opens Fondaway mine - The Northern Miner - February 5, 1990

19 Golden-Dome.pdf Exploration of a High-Sulfidation Epithermal Deposit within the Antelope Valley Volcanic Center, Sierra County California by Sommer M. Cassidy & Hanna M. Aird (7 Pages)

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