--First Assay Results Reported for the Trapper Zone Following Completion of the 2025 Phase of the Mineral Resource Estimate Drill Program-- VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAGA Metals Corp. ("SAGA" or the "Company") (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery, is pleased to announce the assay results for the first two (2) of eight (8) drill holes from the Company’s Phase 1 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) dr ...

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has reported the first assay results from the Trapper Zone following the completion of the 2025 Phase of the Mineral Resource Estimate drill program, indicating significant mineralization potential [1][3]. Assay Highlights - The initial results from two drill holes (R-0008 and R-0009) show high grades of iron (Fe₂O₃), titanium (TiO₂), and vanadium (V₂O₅), with R-0008 yielding 36.21% Fe₂O₃, 6.57% TiO₂, and 0.244% V₂O₅ over 269.36 meters, while R-0009 yielded 39.75% Fe₂O₃, 7.46% TiO₂, and 0.25% V₂O₅ over 296.47 meters [6][11]. - Notably, 193 out of 418 samples graded over 7% TiO₂, with 97 samples exceeding 10% TiO₂, and 241 samples graded over 0.2% V₂O₅, with 128 samples over 0.3% V₂O₅ [6][9]. Comparative Analysis - The assay results from the Trapper Zone show a significant increase compared to the Hawkeye Zone, with Fe₂O₃ increasing by 124%, TiO₂ by 105.90%, and V₂O₅ by 36.90% [7][11]. - The best full hole metrics from Trapper Zone (R-0009) are substantially higher than those from the Hawkeye Zone, establishing a clear step-change in iron and titanium grades [7][11]. Geological Context - The drilling targeted a strong magnetic anomaly identified in the 2025 ground geophysical survey, which traces the shape of an apparent fold structure, indicating a promising geological setting for mineralization [14][19]. - The Radar Property, encompassing 24,175 hectares, hosts the Dykes River intrusive complex, with confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, suggesting potential for further mineralization expansion [19][25]. Future Plans - The company anticipates receiving additional assay results by mid-January, with plans to initiate the 2026 phase of the MRE drill program at the Trapper Zone shortly thereafter [14][15].

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has successfully completed the logging of all eight drill holes in the Trapper zone and has sent three additional holes for analysis, indicating progress in critical mineral exploration [1][3][11] Drilling and Sampling Highlights - A total of 2,050 meters of drilling has been conducted across the Trapper North and South zones, confirming extensive oxide mineralization and validating a 3 km ground magnetic anomaly [3][15] - Five out of eight drill holes have been sent for assaying, totaling 473 samples, with a projected total of 1,313 samples expected to be shipped for analysis [3][11] - The assay turnaround time is estimated at 3 to 4 weeks once samples arrive at the lab [3] Geological Findings - Significant structural data has been identified in Trapper South, particularly in hole R-0014, which revealed impressive rhythmic magnetite layering and provided insights into the regional structural geometry [2][4][7] - The Western Anomaly in Trapper South has been defined with a strike length of 1.4 km and a width of approximately 150 m, while the Eastern Anomaly measures 700 m with a similar width [10] Future Plans and Objectives - The completion of the initial phases of the mineral resource estimate drill program will inform future drilling plans for early Q1 2026 [11][16] - The next drilling campaign will target the integration of structural interpretations and geological correlations to support a mineral resource estimate at the indicated level of confidence [17] Company Overview - SAGA Metals Corp. is focused on the exploration and discovery of critical minerals, with the Radar Project encompassing 24,175 hectares and hosting the Dykes River intrusive complex [23][27] - The company aims to position itself as a strategic supplier of titanium, vanadium, and iron to North American markets, leveraging its unique geological assets [19][23]

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has successfully completed diamond drilling in the Trapper South zone, totaling 977 meters across four drill holes, confirming extensive oxide mineralization [1][5][25] - The completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the mineral resource estimate drill program has validated a 3+ km magnetic anomaly within the Trapper zone, with significant findings in both the North and South targets [3][5][25] - The company has raised $6 million through an oversubscribed brokered LIFE Offering, positioning it to advance its critical drill program [3][5] Trapper South Zone Summary - All four drill holes in the Trapper South zone have intercepted rhythmic oxide layering, with significant cumulative thicknesses reported [6][7] - Drill hole R-0012 encountered 59.88 meters of rhythmic oxide layering, while R-0013 reported 174.87 meters of oxide, confirming the strong magnetic response [7][8] - Logging of drill holes R-0014 and R-0015 is ongoing, with expectations to report on lithological observations soon [6] Trapper North Zone Summary - Drilling in the Trapper North zone has completed 1,073 meters across four diamond drill holes, targeting a strong magnetic anomaly [11][12] - The drilling has revealed variations in structural attitudes, mapping an open anticline with significant thicknesses of oxide units [12] - Initial samples from drill holes R-0008 and R-0009 have been sent for assay, with results expected in the coming weeks [13] Drill Program Objectives - The objectives of Phases 1 and 2 include gathering structural, geometrical, and mineralogical information to set the stage for a robust 2026 maiden resource estimate [16][18] - The planned 15,000 meters of drilling aims to establish grade continuity across a 3 km strike length and integrate structural insights into future drilling designs [18][21] Company Overview - SAGA Metals Corp. is focused on the exploration of critical minerals, with the Radar Titanium Project covering 24,175 hectares and hosting a large mineralized layered mafic intrusion [28][31] - The company also holds the Double Mer Uranium Project and the Legacy Lithium Property, positioning it strategically in the critical minerals sector [29][30]

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has successfully completed the first phase of drilling in the Trapper Zone, confirming extensive oxide mineralization over 1.5 km of the 3+ km strike within the Radar Project's Trapper Zone [1][2][4] Drilling Program Details - Phase 1 drilling in Trapper North involved four drill holes totaling 1,073 m, targeting a strong magnetic anomaly identified in the 2025 ground geophysical survey [4][18] - Phase 2 has commenced in Trapper South, with two drill holes completed to date, totaling 445 m [1][4] - Drill holes R-0008, R-0009, and R-0010 demonstrated significant semi-massive to massive oxide mineralization, with cumulative core lengths of 156 m, 165 m, and 139.5 m respectively [2][7][8] Geological Insights - The drilling has confirmed a likely structural repetition of cumulate oxide layers, indicating a strong magnetic response [2][8] - R-0011 intersected both semi-massive to massive cumulate oxides and a separate unit of rhythmic banded oxide mineralization, further supporting the geological model [2][8] Sample and Assay Updates - The first 420 core samples from the Fall 2025 Drill Program have been shipped, with results expected within 3 to 4 weeks [9][10] - The sampling interval has been adjusted to 2.0 m based on previous assay results from the Hawkeye zone [9] Future Plans - The drilling program aims to establish a maiden mineral resource estimation with a total of 15,000 m planned [19] - The company will continue drilling in both the North and South sections of the Trapper Zone before the seasonal break, focusing on understanding grades, widths, and structures [18][14] Strategic Positioning - The Radar Project is positioned as a potential strategic supplier of titanium, vanadium, and iron to North American markets, comparable to global Fe–Ti–V systems [20][26] - SAGA Metals Corp. is focused on critical minerals that support North America's supply security, with a diverse portfolio including the Radar Titanium Project and other properties [26][29]

Core Viewpoint - SAGA Metals Corp. is initiating a non-brokered private placement financing to raise up to C$2,988,000, aimed at advancing exploration activities at its Radar Ti-V-Fe Project in Labrador, Canada, which is critical for the global energy transition [1][9]. Financing Overview - The financing consists of two components: 7,100,000 flow-through common share units (FT Units) priced at C$0.28 each, expected to generate C$1,988,000, and 4,000,000 hard dollar common share units (HD Units) priced at C$0.25 each, expected to generate C$1,000,000 [1][2]. - Each FT Unit includes one flow-through common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant, allowing the purchase of one-half of a common share at C$0.50 for 24 months [2]. - Each HD Unit consists of one common share and one-half of a warrant, with similar terms for the warrant [3]. Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the FT Units will be allocated to Canadian exploration expenses related to critical mineral mining on the company's properties, while net proceeds from the HD Units will support administrative and general working capital, including investor relations activities [6]. Project Development - SAGA's field team is preparing for a 15,000-meter drill program at the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project, focusing on the Trapper Zone, which has a 3+ km strike length of oxide mineralization [9][10]. - The preparation phase includes trench mapping, surveying, and establishing camp infrastructure to optimize drilling execution [9][10][13]. - The Radar Property benefits from excellent infrastructure, including all-season road access and proximity to a deep-water port, covering 24,175 hectares [14][27]. Geological Insights - The Radar Project is located in a significant titanium–vanadium–iron resource province, with geological features comparable to major global deposits [15]. - Early geological mapping has identified oxide layering over more than 20 km, with mineralized zones open for expansion [16]. Previous Drilling Results - SAGA's maiden drill program in early 2025 confirmed broad zones of titanomagnetite-rich oxide layering, with promising grades of titanium dioxide, vanadium pentoxide, and iron [18]. - The highest vanadium pentoxide assays were found in the lower 100-200 meters of the Lower Cumulate Layer, indicating a strong potential for further exploration [18].