Desert Gold Provides Barani Mine Construction Update

Highlights Gravity plant and 650kVA generator have been delivered to the Barani Site Site preparation and civil construction activities are advancing with equipment, construction materials and supporting resources being mobilized to the active work areas Plant erection and commissioning activities are planned through October, followed by ramp-up and initial processing during November 2026 Water on site confirmed by borehole drilling with final hydrogeological report pending Initial gold recovery is targeted for fourth quarter of 2026, subject to successful completion of construction, commissioning and ramp-up No Project-specific security, safety or community incidents have been reported during the Company's 2026 reporting periods to date. Desert Gold Ventures Inc. is pleased to provide an update on construction of a gravity processing plant with a stated design capacity of 200 tonnes per day at its 100%-owned Senegal Mali Shear Zone ("SMSZ") Project in the Kayes Region of western Mali. The processing plant and generator are now at the Barani site. Barani site access improvements have been completed, and key construction materials and supporting resources have been mobilized and delivered to site. The remaining work is focused on completing civil construction, plant erection, completing mechanical and electrical installation, commissioning the facility and progressing through initial ramp-up. Project execution during 2026 was affected by significant ocean-freight delays, regional fuel-supply constraints, limited availability of key construction materials and contractor availability. These factors delayed the original schedule and construction sequence pushing many key activities into the rainy season which further affected site activities but did not prevent the project from continuing to advance. Desert Gold's President and CEO Jared Scharf commented, "The delivery of the processing plant and generator to Barani represents a crucial project milestone. We have worked through shipping delays, regional fuel-supply constraints, material shortages and seasonal weather conditions. Nevertheless, our team continues to materially advance the Barani project under extremely difficult working conditions, and I commend them for their efforts and dedication to this project. Our immediate focus is completing the remaining civil works, erecting and commissioning the plant, and progressing through the initial ramp-up period. With the end of the West Mali rainy season in sight, we expect a significant increase in productivity at site. We continue to advance all activities responsibly and in accordance with applicable safety, environmental, community and regulatory requirements." Plant and Equipment Delivery Under the plant-supply agreement, Benhope Services SARL is responsible for the supply and delivery of the gravity processing plant, associated spare parts, transportation to site, installation, commissioning and training of Desert Gold personnel. The plant and generator underwent factory acceptance procedures before being released for delivery, as described in the Company's May 5, 2026 news release. The 650 kVA generator arrived at the Port of Dakar in July 2026, followed by the processing plant in mid-August 2026. Both shipments were subsequently cleared and transported to the Barani site. The extended delivery period affected the original construction sequence and shifted certain activities into the seasonal wet period. With the major equipment now at Barani, the Company is focused on completing the remaining civil interfaces and advancing plant erection and commissioning. The principal access route from Bourdala village to the Barani mine site has been rehabilitated and is now suitable for the transportation of plant equipment. Connections between Berola Camp, Barani Camp and the mine site are being maintained to s...