Lode Gold Engages Contractor to Initiate Drilling at Fremont Gold Mine

Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: LODFF) is initiating a 3,500 m resource definition and expansion drilling program at its Fremont Gold Mine property in Mariposa County, California. The company has engaged US-based drilling contractor American Drilling Corp. (ADC) for the work, with mobilization expected by the end of July 2026. This program is part of a phased approach to advance Fremont toward a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), targeted for completion in 2027. The PFS will evaluate bulk underground mining scenarios. Lode Gold's CEO, Wendy T. Chan, stated that the company is pivoting to a 100% underground mining scenario, which is supported by a homogeneous mineralized body with excellent grade consistency and an average true width of approximately 50 meters within the RPEEE stopes. This approach is expected to minimize the company's footprint. Hashim Ahmed, Chair of the Board, noted that the current resource estimate (2026 MRE) is based on only three of seven deposits and that only 20% of the structure has been explored within the first 250 meters. He highlighted that nearly 90% of the historic ounces left behind in 1942 are located within an 800-meter segment of the 4-kilometer Mother Lode Belt, suggesting a cost-effective underground project. The Phase 1 program will focus on resource expansion and technical de-risking across an 800 m extension of the core deposit, Pine Tree - Josephine, within the 4 km central structural corridor.