Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 17, 2025) - Western Copper and Gold Corporation (TSX: WRN) (NYSE American: WRN) ("Western" or the "Company") welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Carney referring the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor – including the proposed Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect – to the Major Projects Office ("MPO") to accelerate the development and delivery of this nation-building project.Western welcomes the federal recognition of this corridor and its extraordina ...

Core Viewpoint - Western Copper and Gold Corporation has appointed Mark E. Smith to its Board of Directors, enhancing its technical and environmental expertise as it advances the Casino Project in the Yukon [1][4][7]. Company Overview - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is focused on the Casino Project, recognized as Canada's premier copper-gold mine and one of the most economically viable greenfield mining projects globally [5]. Appointment of Mark E. Smith - Mark E. Smith brings over 45 years of global mining experience and has co-founded Vector Engineering, managing it for nearly 25 years [2][4]. - His extensive experience includes advising major mining companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto, and Barrick, and he holds a Master's degree in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering [2][3]. Contributions to the Yukon - Smith has significant experience in the Yukon, having worked on projects like Coffee, Macpass, and Mactung, and has advised the Government of Yukon on mine waste management [3]. - His role as chair of the Independent Review Board for the Eagle Mine investigation highlights his commitment to responsible mining practices [3]. Strategic Importance - The addition of Smith to the Board is seen as a strategic move to ensure the Casino Project meets high technical and environmental standards, which is crucial for its advancement through environmental assessment and permitting [4][7]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to collaborating with First Nations and local communities while utilizing responsible mining technologies [5].

Core Viewpoint - Western Copper and Gold Corporation (NYSE:WRN) is identified as a promising investment opportunity under $5, with analysts projecting significant upside potential for the stock [1][2]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Stifel analyst Ralph Profiti raised the price target for WRN to C$6 from C$5.50 while maintaining a Buy rating on October 21 [1]. - H.C. Wainwright analyst Heiko Ihle also maintained a Buy rating and increased the price target to $4.25 from $4.00 on October 7, highlighting the company's Casino Project as a key factor [2]. Project Milestones and Financial Position - The submission of the Environmental and Socio-economic Effects (ESE) Statement to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) is noted as a significant milestone in the permitting process for the Casino Project [2][3]. - The submission includes comprehensive environmental management measures, which are expected to act as a catalyst for the company's progress [3]. - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is reported to have substantial cash reserves and a strong financial position, contributing to the positive outlook on the stock [3]. Company Overview - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is characterized as an exploration-stage company focused on the exploration, acquisition, and future development of mineral resource properties [4].

Core Viewpoint - Western Copper and Gold Corporation has submitted its Environmental and Socio-economic Effects Statement for the Casino Project, marking a significant step in the permitting process and demonstrating the project's potential for responsible development and economic benefits for the Yukon region [1][2][4]. Project Overview - The Casino Project aims to assess potential environmental and socio-economic effects, with comprehensive management measures in place to mitigate any significant impacts [3][6]. - The project is expected to contribute over C$44 billion to Canada's GDP over its 27-year mine life, with C$37 billion specifically for the Yukon [8]. Economic Impact - The Casino Project is projected to create approximately 700 direct jobs and an additional 2,000 jobs in related sectors, generating over C$12 billion in wages and salaries [8]. - It is anticipated to generate C$175 million annually in tax revenue for the Government of Yukon and C$231 million for the Government of Canada [8]. Critical Minerals Production - Casino is positioned to become one of North America's largest producers of copper and molybdenum, significantly increasing domestic production by 15% for copper and 500% for molybdenum [9]. - The project will rank as Canada's second-largest copper producer and the largest molybdenum producer [9]. Next Steps in Assessment - Following a review period, the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) will publish the ESE Statement and conduct a sufficiency check to ensure compliance with guidelines [7]. - A comprehensive assessment of the project will be conducted by a panel established by YESAB [7].

Group 1 - The company is responsible for the development of transcript-related projects [1] - The company publishes thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter [1] - The company is continuing to grow and expand its coverage [1]

Financial Performance - The company reported a loss and comprehensive loss of CAD 1,265,061 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a loss of CAD 4,647,465 for the same period in 2024, indicating a reduction in losses by approximately 72.8%[3] - Corporate expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025, were CAD 2,060,405, down from CAD 3,250,183 in 2024, a decrease of about 36.6%[3] - During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recognized stock option expenses of $549,832, compared to $731,292 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 24.8%[29] - Key management compensation for the six months ended June 30, 2025, totaled $2,441,944, a decrease of 28.3% from $3,391,334 in the same period of 2024[42] Assets and Investments - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents increased to CAD 17,798,278 from CAD 14,202,317 at the end of 2024, representing a growth of approximately 25.5%[2] - Current assets decreased to CAD 61,548,838 from CAD 70,007,044, a decline of about 12.4%[2] - Total assets increased slightly to CAD 197,154,774 from CAD 192,793,386, reflecting a growth of approximately 2.4%[2] - The Company had short-term investments of $40,256,194 as of June 30, 2025, down from $52,500,000 on December 31, 2024, reflecting a decrease of 23%[18] - Marketable securities increased significantly to $2,408,894 as of June 30, 2025, compared to $1,079,200 on December 31, 2024, representing a growth of 123.5%[19] - The Company holds a surety bonding arrangement valued at $786,777 as of June 30, 2025, with no collateralized amount on the balance sheet[45] Capital Management - The Company has no debt and does not pay dividends, maintaining a capital management approach focused on safeguarding its ability to continue as a going concern[50] - There was no change in the Company's approach to capital management during the period[50] - The Company regularly monitors its cash position to adjust plans based on economic conditions and capital market changes[49] Exploration and Evaluation - The Casino Project remains in the exploration and evaluation phase, with necessary licenses and permits still pending[16] - The Company has not identified any impairment indicators for exploration and evaluation assets during the six months ended June 30, 2025[15] - Exploration and evaluation expenditures totaled $135,317,346 as of June 30, 2025, up from $122,690,820 on December 31, 2024, indicating an increase of 10.6%[21] Financing Activities - The company raised CAD 1,275,000 through the exercise of warrants during the six months ended June 30, 2025[4] - The Company completed a private placement with Rio Tinto on May 6, 2024, raising gross proceeds of $4,958,791 by issuing 2,609,890 common shares at $1.90 each[23] - The Company raised $45,999,999 from the sale of 24,210,526 common shares at $1.90 per share during the Offering completed on April 30, 2024[24] Risk Management - The Company has exposure to liquidity, credit, and market risk from financial instruments, with a focus on maintaining sufficient cash to meet obligations[51] - Cash is invested in highly liquid redeemable GICs to ensure availability for short-term business requirements[52] - The Company employs a restrictive investment policy to limit credit risk, holding cash and short-term investments with high-quality financial institutions[53] - Marketable securities are adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date, with a 10% fluctuation in value having minimal impact on the Company's loss[54] - The Company is not subject to interest rate risk due to the short-term nature of its financial assets and liabilities[56] Shareholder Information - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding increased to 200,143,421 in Q2 2025 from 187,821,573 in Q2 2024, an increase of approximately 6.5%[3] - As of June 30, 2025, shareholders' equity rose to CAD 191,689,960 compared to CAD 189,610,252 at the end of 2024, an increase of about 1.1%[2] - The average share price for options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $1.36, down from $1.93 in the same period of 2024[32]

Core Viewpoint - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is advancing its Casino Project by submitting an Environmental and Socio-economic Effects Statement (ESE Statement) to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) by the end of October 2025, highlighting the project's commitment to sustainability and community engagement [1][2][4]. Group 1: Project Development - The ESE Statement includes extensive technical work, environmental and socio-economic baseline studies, and assessments [2]. - The company is in the final stages of compiling and refining the ESE Statement, indicating significant progress in the project [3]. - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is the first to undertake a Panel Review in the Yukon, which is the highest level of rigor for project assessment in the territory [4]. Group 2: Community Engagement - The company has achieved a high level of consultation with First Nations and local communities, which is enhancing the project's strength [2]. - The feedback from community engagement is being integrated into the project development process [2]. Group 3: Strategic Positioning - The Casino Project is positioned as one of Canada's largest and most advanced critical minerals projects, aligning with Yukon and Federal priorities around resource security and infrastructure development [4][5]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to responsible mining technologies and practices while collaborating with local communities [5].

Core Points - Western Copper and Gold Corporation has announced an extension and revision of its Investor Rights Agreement with Rio Tinto Canada Inc [1][2] - The revised agreement allows Rio Tinto to maintain a seat on the Casino Technical and Sustainability Committee, while certain previous rights have been extinguished [2][3] - The revised Investor Rights Agreement will expire on November 30, 2026, or when Rio Tinto's ownership falls below 5% [2] Company Overview - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is developing the Casino Project, which is recognized as Canada's premier copper-gold mine located in the Yukon Territory [3] - The company is committed to collaborating with First Nations and local communities to advance the Casino Project using responsible mining technologies and practices [4]

Core Points - Western Copper and Gold Corporation held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 12, 2025, with 99,165,184 common shares represented, accounting for 49.58% of all outstanding shares [1][2]. Voting Results - The election results for the directors are as follows: - Raymond Threlkeld received 83,398,357 votes (97.66% for) and 1,998,747 votes withheld (2.34% withheld) [2]. - Sandeep Singh received 85,272,115 votes (99.85% for) and 124,989 votes withheld (0.15% withheld) [2]. - Robert Chausse received 85,009,906 votes (99.55% for) and 387,198 votes withheld (0.45% withheld) [2]. - Michael Vitton received 61,999,900 votes (72.60% for) and 23,397,204 votes withheld (27.40% withheld) [2]. - Klaus Zeitler received 82,509,179 votes (96.62% for) and 2,887,925 votes withheld (3.38% withheld) [2]. - Pamela O'Hara received 85,215,910 votes (99.79% for) and 181,194 votes withheld (0.21% withheld) [2]. - The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the auditor received 98,940,364 votes (99.77% for) and 224,820 votes withheld (0.23% withheld) [3]. Company Overview - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is developing the Casino Project, which is recognized as Canada's premier copper-gold mine located in the Yukon Territory and is considered one of the most economically viable greenfield copper-gold mining projects globally [4]. - The company emphasizes collaboration with First Nations and local communities to advance the Casino Project, utilizing responsible mining technologies and practices [4].

Core Points - Mitsubishi Materials Corporation has completed the precondition for the extension of their investor rights agreement with Western Copper and Gold Corporation [1] - Mitsubishi Materials acquired two million common shares, increasing their ownership to approximately 5%, leading to the extension of the investor rights agreement to May 30, 2026 [2] - The President and CEO of Western Copper and Gold Corporation expressed satisfaction in maintaining and enhancing the relationship with Mitsubishi Materials, highlighting their support and expertise in advancing the Casino Project [3] Company Overview - Western Copper and Gold Corporation is developing the Casino Project, recognized as Canada's premier copper-gold mine located in the Yukon Territory, and is considered one of the most economically viable greenfield copper-gold mining projects globally [3] - The company is committed to collaborating with First Nations and local communities to progress the Casino Project while employing internationally recognized responsible mining technologies and practices [4]