Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) (FSE: S3I) ("Astra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at two separate events around the Prospector and Developers' Conference (PDAC) in Toronto. Metals Investor Forum – Delta Hotel Toronto. Friday, Feb. 27 & Saturday, February 28, 2026 Astra's Chief Executive Officer, Brian Miller, will be presenting as part of newsletter writer, Jeff Clark's panel of comp ...

Core Viewpoint - Astra Exploration Inc. has announced promising results from the Phase II drill program at the La Manchuria Gold and Silver Project in Argentina, indicating the potential for a multi-million-ounce high-grade deposit of gold and silver [1][2][21]. Group 1: Drill Program Overview - The Phase II drill program included a total of 25 drill holes, totaling 5,119 meters, with a focus on expanding the near-surface footprint of the mineralization [4]. - The first batch of assays reported results from six drill holes, with assays pending for 19 additional holes [1][4]. Group 2: Drill Results - Significant intervals of gold and silver were intersected in the reported drill holes, demonstrating the fertility of the system even at shallow depths [5][8]. - Hole LMD-121 reported a mineralized interval of 3.1 meters grading 9.04 g/t gold and 1,286 g/t silver, including a higher-grade sub-interval of 0.9 meters grading 25.14 g/t gold and 3,102 g/t silver [7][8]. - Hole LMD-118 returned 1.4 meters grading 16.44 g/t gold and 81 g/t silver, with a higher-grade interval of 0.6 meters grading 34.67 g/t gold and 180 g/t silver [8][11]. Group 3: Geological Insights - The drilling has revealed that the high-grade veins are open along strike and at depth, indicating the potential for further discoveries [2][3]. - The presence of high-grade mineralization in andesitic sills, previously thought to be barren, adds new potential for high-grade veins at depth [8][11]. Group 4: Future Plans - The company plans to commence geophysical surveys in February and continue with the second half of Phase II, which will involve an additional 5,000 meters of drilling starting in March 2026 [4][3]. - Astra is optimistic about expanding the system regionally based on the knowledge gained from the current drilling [3].

Core Insights - The Investor Icebreaker: The Michael Gentile Mining Showcase is set to take place on January 27, 2026, in Vancouver, coinciding with a bullish market for precious metals and significant investor interest [1][5][7] - This event is designed as an exclusive forum for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors focused on the resource sector [2][15] - The showcase features companies from Michael Gentile's personal portfolio, providing attendees with vetted investment opportunities backed by a respected investor in the mining sector [3][4][10] Event Details - The Investor Icebreaker is strategically scheduled between the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) and the Association for Mineral Explorations (AME) Roundup conference, enhancing its relevance during Vancouver's Mining Week [5][6] - The event will include focused 1-on-1 and 3-on-1 meetings, allowing for efficient networking among serious investors and presenting companies [12][13] - Following the main event, attendees can network in a VIP suite during an NHL game, providing a relaxed environment for relationship building [14] Market Context - Current market conditions are favorable for investments in precious metals, with metals reaching all-time highs and a strong sentiment among investors [7][34] - The event aims to capitalize on this bull market, offering a platform for strategic validation of companies presented by Michael Gentile [33][34] Attendee Profile - The event is exclusively for sophisticated investors, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, institutional investors, and professionals from capital markets [18][15] - The application-only registration process ensures a curated environment, fostering meaningful interactions between qualified investors and presenting companies [17][15] Featured Companies - A diverse range of companies will be showcased, including Aeonian Resources, American Pacific Mining Corp., and Arianne Phosphate Inc., among others, all selected for their strong management teams and project fundamentals [9][4]

Core Insights - Astra Exploration Inc. is providing a progress update on its exploration activities at the La Manchuria Gold and Silver Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, highlighting significant advancements in its Phase II drill program [1][7]. Phase II Drill Program - The company is approximately halfway through its 10,000 metre Phase II drill program, having completed 5,119 metres of diamond drilling in 25 holes, with initial assay results expected in December and the majority in early 2026 [2][3]. - Drilling has paused for results and is set to resume in early 2026 [2]. Exploration Highlights - The Phase II drill program aims to test lateral extensions of the shallow epithermal vein system and a new 3-D geophysical targeting model, with all drill holes intersecting veins and/or veinlets showing evidence of mineralization [3][4]. - The strike length of the Main Zone has been extended from approximately 500 to 800 metres, particularly in the West Feeder veins, and a continuous vein of at least 200 metres of strike length has been confirmed in the Eastern Zone [4][8]. - A new parallel structure has been intersected about 350 metres northeast of the Eastern Zone, demonstrating the effectiveness of the 3-D geophysical model in targeting mineralized veins [4][8]. Geological and Geophysical Work - Prior to drilling, the company conducted detailed geological mapping and reprocessing of geophysical data, expanding regional ground magnetics by an additional 150 line-kilometres [5]. - The resistivity reprocessing has identified fault blocks and optimal elevations for targeting prospective veins in the West Feeder area, which hosts some of the thickest and highest-grade veins known in the system [6]. Future Plans - The company plans to continue testing the 3-D geophysical model with more drilling within the existing survey boundary and expand the survey to other areas of the project before resuming drilling [4].

Core Insights - Astra Exploration Inc. has commenced Phase II drilling at the La Manchuria Gold and Silver Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, following a successful Phase I program [1][2] Group 1: Drilling Program - The Phase II drill program will consist of approximately 10,000 meters of diamond drilling, with 5,000 meters expected to be completed by December 2025 and another 5,000 meters in Q1 2026 [2] - The drilling is fully funded, with a treasury balance exceeding C$7,000,000 [2] Group 2: Phase I Results - Phase I drilling indicated that La Manchuria has a larger vein system than previously recognized, with significant gold and silver grades found near the surface [3] - Results from Phase I support the geological model that mineralization is open in all directions, suggesting the presence of a preserved epithermal system [3] Group 3: Geological Insights - Detailed mapping has revealed low temperature silica and vein fragments at the surface, contained in andesitic rocks and post-mineral breccias [4] - The mapping confirms favorable host rock units at depth, indicating potential for La Manchuria to host a large, high-grade gold-silver epithermal system [4] Group 4: Company Overview - Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, focused on building a portfolio of high-quality projects in key mining jurisdictions in Latin America [5] - The La Manchuria project is a high-grade low sulphidation epithermal deposit located in the Deseado Massif, which hosts multiple world-class precious metals deposits [6]

Core Points - Astra Exploration Inc. has successfully closed a private placement of 10,080,690 common shares at a price of C$0.62 per share, raising gross proceeds of C$6,250,027.80 [1][2] - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized for exploration expenditures on the La Manchuria project and for general working capital [3] - The offering was led by Cormark Securities Inc. as the lead underwriter, along with Beacon Securities Limited and Research Capital Corporation [2] Company Overview - Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, focusing on high-quality projects in key mining jurisdictions in Latin America [10] - The La Manchuria project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, is a high-grade gold and silver deposit where Astra has an option to acquire a 90% interest [11] - The company also owns the Pampa Paciencia project in northern Chile and the Cerro Bayo project, both of which are located in mineral-rich regions with significant geological similarities to other major deposits [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Astra Exploration Inc. has announced a $5 million bought deal financing agreement to raise funds for exploration and working capital purposes [1][2]. Group 1: Financing Details - The company will issue 8,065,000 shares at a price of C$0.62 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of C$5,000,300 [1]. - Underwriters have an option to purchase an additional 3,226,000 shares at the same issue price, potentially raising an additional C$2,000,120 [2]. - The offering is expected to close on or about October 8, 2025, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws [6]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Net proceeds from the offering will be allocated for exploration expenditures on the La Manchuria project and for general working capital [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, focusing on high-quality projects in key mining jurisdictions in Latin America [9]. - The La Manchuria project in Argentina is a high-grade gold and silver deposit located in a prolific mining area [10]. - The company also owns the Pampa Paciencia and Cerro Bayo projects in Chile, both of which are situated near major operating mines and have significant geological similarities to other successful deposits [11][12].

Industry Overview - Precious metals have shown strong performance in 2023, with gold and silver prices increasing by 39.16% and 42.17% respectively, significantly benefiting the sector [1] - The Sprott Gold Miners ETF SGDM has doubled, rising 98% year-to-date, indicating a robust market for mining stocks [1] - Despite the overall positive trend, junior mining firms have not all capitalized equally, presenting potential investment opportunities [1] Company Highlights Silver One Resources Inc. (SLVRF) - Silver One's flagship project is the Candelaria silver project in Nevada, which historically produced 68 million ounces of silver [4] - Current resources include 66.7 million ounces of silver and 141,400 ounces of gold, with additional resources of 6.46 million ounces of silver and 17,000 ounces of gold [4] - The company has $1.6 million in cash and no long-term debt, providing financial stability for ongoing drilling and studies [5] - Management has significant experience, and insider ownership stands at 15.5%, with Eric Sprott being the largest shareholder at 13% [6] Leviathan Gold Ltd. (LVXN LVXFF) - Leviathan Gold focuses on historic goldfields in Victoria, Australia, particularly the Avoca and Timor projects, which produced over 1 million ounces of gold in the late 1800s [7] - The company has $1 million in cash and no long-term debt, indicating a potential need for financing within the next year [8] - Management and directors own 14.7% of the stock, with a focus on further drilling and an initial resource estimate for Avoca/Timor [9] Astra Exploration Inc. (ATEPF) - Astra Exploration is advancing the Pampa Paciencia and Cerro Bayo gold-silver projects in northern Chile, with promising drilling results indicating strong grade and tonnage potential [10] - The company has $2 million in cash and no long-term debt, positioning it well for exploration through 2026 [12] - Insiders collectively own 28% of the shares, with Michael Gentile being the largest individual shareholder at 18.1% [12]

Industry Overview - Precious metals have shown strong performance in 2023, with gold and silver prices increasing by 39.16% and 42.17% respectively, leading to a significant boost in the sector, exemplified by the Sprott Gold Miners ETF SGDM doubling with a 98% year-to-date rise [1] - Despite the overall positive trend, there are still opportunities within the sector, particularly among junior mining firms that have yet to fully capitalize on current metal prices [1] Company Analysis: Silver One Resources Inc. (SLVRF) - Silver One Resources' flagship project is the Candelaria silver project in Nevada, which historically produced 68 million ounces of silver [4] - Current measured and indicated resources at Candelaria include 66.7 million ounces of silver and 141,400 ounces of gold, with additional resources of 6.46 million ounces of silver and 17,000 ounces of gold [4] - The company has $1.6 million in cash and no long-term debt, providing financial flexibility for drilling and technical studies, with a recent financing round raising $5 million [5] - Silver One has additional holdings in Arizona and Mexico, enhancing its pipeline value, and has strong management with 15.5% insider ownership, indicating confidence in advancing Candelaria [6] Company Analysis: Leviathan Gold Ltd. (LVXN LVXFF) - Leviathan Gold is focused on historic goldfields in Victoria, Australia, particularly the Avoca and Timor projects, which produced over 1 million ounces of gold in the late 1800s [7] - The company has $1 million in cash and no long-term debt, indicating a potential need for financing within the next year, with total shares outstanding having increased by 208% in the last year [8] - Management and directors own 14.7% of Leviathan's stock, with a near-term catalyst being further drilling and an initial resource estimate for the Avoca/Timor projects [9] Company Analysis: Astra Exploration Inc. (ATEPF) - Astra Exploration is advancing the Pampa Paciencia and Cerro Bayo gold-silver projects in northern Chile, an area known for multiple multi-million-ounce discoveries [10] - Recent drilling results include 16.3 meters at 2.3g/t gold and 18.73g/t silver, with metallurgical testing confirming good recoveries [10] - Astra has $2 million in cash and no long-term debt, positioning the company well for ongoing exploration through 2026, with insiders collectively owning 28% of the shares [12]

Core Insights - Astra Exploration Inc. has mobilized ground crews for exploration activities at the La Manchuria Gold and Silver Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, with a Phase II drill program set to begin shortly [1][2][4] Exploration Activities - Ground crews are conducting detailed mapping, regional ground magnetics, topographical surveys, and sampling in preparation for the upcoming drilling [2][3] - The presence of low temperature vein fragments at the surface supports Astra's geological model, indicating a preserved epithermal system beneath post-mineral volcanics [2][3] - Phase I drilling has identified favorable host rock units beneath andesites, suggesting potential for a large, high-grade gold-silver epithermal system at La Manchuria [3] Upcoming Events - Astra's CEO, Brian Miller, is participating in the Precious Metals Summit from September 9th to 12th, where he will present on September 11th [4] - The Metals Investor Forum will take place on September 25th to 26th, featuring a presentation by Brian Miller [5] - A European Roadshow is scheduled for October 6th to 10th, targeting institutional and family office investors [6][7] Company Overview - Astra Exploration Inc. is focused on precious metals exploration, with a portfolio of projects in key mining jurisdictions in Latin America [9] - The La Manchuria project is a high-grade gold and silver low sulphidation epithermal deposit located in the Deseado Massif, known for hosting world-class precious metals deposits [10]