Expanding satellite and hybrid IoT connectivity services across the Belt and Road Regions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2026 – HKT (SEHK: 6823) – PCCW Global, the international telecommunications service provider under HKT, and Druid Technology Co., Ltd. (Druid Technology), a Chinese mainland provider of intelligent IoT solutions, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. Under the MoU, the two companies plan to jointly deliver one-stop IoT solutions that combine satellite and hybrid connectivity in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Belt and Road regions.

As a provider of intelligent IoT terminals and solutions, Druid Technology will leverage its expertise in device design, multi-network adaptation, data processing and platform integration, together with PCCW Global’s worldwide network services including roaming and cellular IoT to deliver one-stop, ready-to-deploy IoT solutions based on satellite and hybrid (satellite and cellular) connectivity. These solutions will support IoT applications such as remote tracking and monitoring for sectors including transportation, logistics, livestock farming and environmental management in remote locations and areas beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial networks.

Frederick Chui, CEO of PCCW Global, said: “PCCW Global is committed to delivering reliable connectivity and technology solutions through our extensive global network infrastructure. We are delighted to collaborate with Druid Technology and combine its expertise in intelligent IoT solutions with our own capabilities to strengthen our offering of one-stop IoT solutions for enterprise customers in both public and private sectors. Through this collaboration, we look forward to advancing the adoption of satellite and hybrid IoT solutions across Belt and Road markets, helping to meet the growing demand for reliable IoT connectivity and end-to-end solutions in remote and cross-border environments.”

Li Guozheng, Founder and CEO of Druid Technology, said: “We are pleased to become an integrated solutions provider for PCCW Global. By combining Druid Technology’s full-stack capabilities in intelligent IoT terminals, multi-system integration and physical world AI with PCCW Global’s leading global network infrastructure, we will provide customers with more comprehensive one-stop IoT solutions. We believe this collaboration will enable customers to deploy intelligent IoT applications more quickly and reliably, even in remote locations and other challenging environments.”

The solutions will cover terminal devices, network connectivity, data management and technical support. Leveraging its extensive global operational experience, PCCW Global will help accelerate the deployment of the solution across Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, the Belt and Road regions and global markets.

Hashtag: #HKT #PCCWGlobal

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PCCW Global

PCCW Global is a leading digital infrastructure provider, empowering businesses with agile, scalable and secure connectivity solutions. By combining a best-in-class network with our award-winning on-demand platform Console Connect, we help businesses navigate the network complexities of the digital world with ease. With extensive reach across international markets, we make it simple to connect and move data between clouds, apps, data centres and devices. At the core of our business is a belief that automated, high-performance network infrastructure has the power to elevate business and society. For more information, visit www.pccwglobal.com.

New York, New York – Newsfile Corp. – September 9, 2026 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, nuclear fuel cycle capabilities and nuclear transportation solutions, today announced that it has appointed Marilyn Diaz as its Director of Fuel Facilities Operations.

Ms. Diaz is an experienced industry leader with a robust background in regulatory and policy matters. She joins NANO Nuclear after serving more than seventeen years at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where she most recently served as Acting Deputy Division Director in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, leading a multidisciplinary team of more than 60 engineers and scientists supporting advanced and operating reactor licensing. Ms. Diaz previously served as Chief of Staff and Technical Assistant to NRC Commissioner Annie Caputo, advising on regulatory and policy matters, including the development of the NRC’s regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors and fusion technologies. Throughout her NRC career, she held leadership and technical positions spanning reactor regulation, nuclear fuel facilities, advanced nuclear fuels, and materials licensing.

Ms. Diaz is expected to leverage her significant regulatory knowledge and experience within the NRC to assist NANO Nuclear in its continuing plan to vertically integrate across key aspects of the nuclear supply chain. She joins three other former senior NRC employees at NANO Nuclear to augment the Company’s regulatory and industry expertise.

“I am delighted to join NANO Nuclear as I take my first professional steps outside of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” said Marilyn Diaz, Director of Fuel Facilities Operations of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Throughout my tenure at the NRC, ensuring that public health and safety remained at the forefront of my work was a constant priority, and I am grateful for the opportunity to now apply that experience toward shaping NANO Nuclear’s expansion across the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle.”

Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Energy Appoints Marilyn Diaz as its Director of Fuel Facilities Operations.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Particularly, earlier in her career with the NRC, Marilyn served in multiple supervisory roles, leading technical and licensing activities for uranium conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication facilities, as well as nuclear material transportation systems She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and an M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences and Policy from George Washington University.

“As our reactor technology continues to advance, NANO Nuclear remains focused on strengthening our leadership and management teams across key aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, and Marilyn’s appointment as our Director of Fuel Facilities Operations is a major endorsement of NANO Nuclear’s capabilities and future,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “We are pleased to welcome her to the team and believe she will play a key role in positioning our company for long-term achievement of our mission.”

In her role as Director of Fuel Facilities Operations, Ms. Diaz will oversee NANO Nuclear’s strategic expansion across the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle. Drawing on her extensive background in nuclear regulation, policy, and licensing, she will lead NANO Nuclear’s efforts to help strengthen the nation’s nuclear fuel and enrichment capabilities, with a particular focus on reinforcing the domestic fuel supply chain and positioning NANO Nuclear as a key contributor to U.S. energy security.

“We have always believed that access to nuclear fuel, and the logistics of supplying that demand, is one of the key pillars of the entire nuclear energy space and our vertical integration strategy which requires deep technical and regulatory expertise to tie together,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear Energy. “That is why attracting some of the best talent in the world to our leadership team remains a priority, and Marilyn’s appointment underscores our continued commitment to that effort. In her new role, Marilyn will help oversee NANO Nuclear’s growing presence across the nuclear fuel cycle with a specific focus on the fuel conversion and de-conversion segments. We believe her experience will strengthen how we plan for and execute the next phase of growth to support our long-term vision for the nation’s energy security.”

About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is a North American advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel supply chain, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services.

Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include the proprietary KRONOS MMR^™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, “ZEUS”, a portable solid core battery reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR^™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, bolstered by the May 2026 acquisition of Secured Transportation Services (STS), is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world and provides nuclear engineering and materials transport services in the U.S. and globally. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy.

HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR^™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:
Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events that may impact our expected future business and financial performance and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “goal,” “explore,” “seek,” “believe,” “potential,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would” or “may” or derivations of these words and other words of similar meaning about the future, although forward-looking statements may be denoted by other terms. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate to the anticipated benefits of Ms. Diaz joining the Company, as well as the Company’s vertical integration and other operational plans and goals. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (“CNSC”) or related state or other U.S. or non-U.S. nuclear licensing submissions; (ii) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complementary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology; (iii) our ability to obtain key vendor, technology and customer contracts and the significant funding necessary to execute on our business plan; (iv) uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology within the timelines we anticipate, if ever; (v) the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including those of the DOE and NRC and those associated with the ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation; and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with operating a developing business in a highly regulated, competitive and rapidly evolving industry, including that our plans may change and we may use cash on hand faster or in different ways than anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The transaction follows the landmark property’s March 2026 debut and marks the completion of the joint venture transformation of the Lake Como site into a five-star EDITION hotel

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2026 – Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, and Omnam Group, a Europe-based hospitality real estate developer and investor, recently announced the sale of The Lake Como EDITION to Sansiri Capital, the hospitality trophy asset fund of Sansiri Public Company Limited, a leading Thai real estate developer with more than 40 years of experience. The transaction marks the culmination of the partners’ transformation of the landmark Lake Como property into one of Italy’s most significant new luxury hospitality destinations. The transaction is expected to be completed in the next several weeks. Completion remains subject to customary closing conditions and required third-party approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Set on the shores of Cadenabbia, the property occupies a rare waterfront position opposite Bellagio, with access to Milan and Malpensa International Airport in approximately one hour. The landmark 19th-century palazzo was acquired by Bain Capital and Omnam Group in late 2021. An extensive redevelopment began in April 2022, reimagining the historic property as The Lake Como EDITION. The hotel opened in March 2026, just under six months ago, as part of Marriott International’s EDITION Hotels portfolio, introducing a new expression of contemporary luxury to one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.

At acquisition, Bain Capital and Omnam identified an opportunity to create a new luxury hospitality offering in a market characterized by strong international demand, limited five-star supply and significant barriers to new lakeside development. Acquiring the property with vacant possession enabled the partners to undertake a comprehensive repositioning rather than an incremental refurbishment.

The sale reflects growing international investor interest in distinctive, experience-led European hospitality assets and marks Sansiri’s strategic expansion into Europe’s luxury hospitality sector through the Sansiri Capital fund, further strengthening its portfolio of trophy assets. For Bain Capital and Omnam Group, the transaction demonstrates the value created by combining real estate investment, development expertise and leading hospitality partners to reposition a complex asset.

The redevelopment substantially reconfigured the property, reducing the former hotel’s room count from nearly 300 to 148 larger rooms and suites and creating a new spa and wellness building, alongside an extensive food and beverage and leisure offering. The transformation also incorporated the property’s distinctive waterfront amenities, including its floating pool and beach club.

Ali Haroon, a Partner and Head of Europe Real Estate for Bain Capital, said:

“Lake Como is a strong example of how we approach real estate investing in Europe. We focus on sectors supported by long-term structural demand and opportunities where our capital, local relationships and hands-on capabilities can fundamentally transform an asset. Together with Omnam, we have taken a highly underinvested property in an irreplaceable location and created a contemporary luxury destination for the international market. This is exactly the type of complex, execution-led opportunity we seek across our Europe Real Estate strategy.”

David Zisser, CEO and Founder of Omnam Group, said:

“The Lake Como EDITION has been an ambitious undertaking from the outset. Our vision was to take a remarkable historic property in one of the world’s most iconic destinations and give it new relevance through architecture, design and hospitality, while remaining deeply connected to the character of Lake Como.

Together with Bain Capital and an exceptional group of partners, we have taken that vision from acquisition and development through to the opening of a landmark new hotel. We are immensely proud of what has been created. The completion of this transaction is a significant milestone for Omnam and a testament to the strength of our development approach, while marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The Lake Como EDITION.”

The sale of The Lake Como EDITION marks the latest chapter in Omnam Group’s expanding presence across Europe, where an ambitious pipeline of projects is currently underway in Florence, Venice, Puglia and Sicily — each reimagining distinctive properties into internationally relevant lifestyle destinations.

The acquisition also marks a significant international investment for Sansiri Public Company Limited, bringing one of Lake Como’s newest luxury hospitality assets into its trophy-asset portfolio through Sansiri Capital, the hospitality trophy-asset investment arm.

Napat Thavisin, President of International Operations, Sansiri Public Company Limited and Managing Director of Sansiri Capital, said:

“The acquisition of The Lake Como EDITION marks a significant milestone in advancing Sansiri’s New S-Curve strategy. It strengthens our financial resilience and diversifies risk across our global hospitality portfolio. We remain focused on ultra-luxury trophy assets in gateway cities and high-demand leisure destinations—markets characterised by robust demand and inherently constrained supply. This disciplined capital-allocation approach is designed to maximise long-term shareholder value.

As Thailand’s No.1 most trusted luxury real estate developer, with 40 year of experience, Sansiri brings a proven record in global markets from The Manner SoHo, New York to the growth of Standard International prior to its acquisition by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Leveraging this expertise, we look forward to stewarding this exceptional investment in The Lake Como EDITION under Sansiri Capital’s ownership, in collaboration with Marriott International, which will continue to operate the hotel, while further diversifying our revenue streams across major global currencies. Looking ahead, Sansiri will actively pursue trophy-asset investments in premier leisure and gateway destinations worldwide, reinforcing our position as a fully integrated global real estate and lifestyle investment platform.”

Hashtag: #Sansiri

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

LOS ANGELES, US – Newsaktuell – 9 September 2026 – Although Europe’s place among the world’s democracies remains at the top of the heap, the latest research from governance experts warns that the continent is slipping from its lofty perch as the runaway global leader.

According to the report – based on the European Berggruen Governance Index (EBGI), which analyses states’ governance performance according to the quality of democracy, government, and lives of citizens – European states’ years-long dominance is stagnating. Over time, this could undermine democratic accountability and raise questions about the region’s long-term stability.

The findings of the report, titled “Sustaining and Expanding Europe’s High Governance Performance“, show that complacency, what researchers refer to as the “silent killer of governance”, is a cause for concern that must be addressed by a renewed focus on bolstering democracy and engaging citizens.

The report was produced by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), the Los Angeles-based Berggruen Institute, and Berlin’s Hertie School.

Europe still leads the way

At first glance, Europe remains the envy of democracies around the world. Overall, Europe dominates the global index’s category of “Consolidated Democratic States” with 15 European countries ranked among the top 20. When it comes to the quality of government, the European average is a whopping 56 percent higher than the non-European average, while quality of democracy enjoys a 40 percent lead.

With such high scores, Europe appears well placed for the future. In fact, the 39 European countries surveyed scored almost 78 per cent in the overall assessment of governance, whilst the non-European countries lagged behind at 54 per cent. Though a closer look at Europe from 2000 to 2023 tells a more nuanced story, one that researchers say needs greater attention.

A tale of three factors

Around the world, quality of life has improved almost everywhere, with the provision of public goods increasing in all 39 European states. However, those gains were not matched by Europe’s institutions, which have seen state capacity stall and democratic accountability decline since 2010, according to the report.

Although the report shows that this trend of better lives and worsening democratic structures is a global issue, in Europe the problem is more pronounced.

The report found that democratic accountability, or quality of democracy, has come to a global standstill, with many countries, including those in Europe, on the decline. At the same time, even as the quality of government has held steady throughout the world, the fortunes of citizens have improved. In Europe, the increased quality of life mirrors that of non-European countries, but the quality of governance has stalled.

Europe’s shifting landscape

To gain a better understanding of Europe’s governance fortunes, the report sorted countries into three clusters, or “worlds”. The first cluster identified those with strong institutions and high governance performance. The second cluster groups post-communist EU members, along with aspiring and candidate states. The third cluster is composed of Europe’s weakest performers of democratic accountability.

Through examining the “worlds” between 2000 and 2023, researchers found what they refer to as a “convergence from below”, an upward shift that saw 12 countries move into a higher governance cluster, a discernible improvement. These countries are Albania, Armenia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Georgia, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia. But the move was largely the result of better public services, not a stronger democracy, which the report says does not bode well for the future.

The clusters were ranked according to economic, social, technological, and climate factors. Research shows that the top cluster is best placed to deal with future challenges in the decades to come. While the findings show that quality of life alone cannot ensure the democratic accountability and state capacity provided by robust institutions, the report details how the allure of EU membership does result in reforms among accession countries that help fuel governance progress.

Estonia as an example of a success story

Among the success stories, the report highlights Estonia, which was able to combine EU accession, fiscal discipline, low corruption, and extensive digital government, all key governance indicators, to move into the top cluster of countries.

By comparison, Greece was an example of what the report called a “distinctly European pathway of decline”, whose weakened state capacity and democratic accountability have been undermined by economic crisis and external conditionality brought on by loans, austerity measures, and forced reforms.

The report also outlines how the increase in the provision of public goods is not always domestically driven. Countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans have partially relied on funding from Brussels, while other parts of Europe have amassed debt to improve quality of life, which can lead to limited growth among poorer countries.

Strengthening the weakest links

The authors make it clear that while Europe has succeeded at boosting the quality of life through better provision of public goods, it has struggled to maintain democratic accountability and sustain a high level of state capacity needed to navigate the decades ahead.

To begin addressing the governance gap that exists between Europe’s core and peripheral countries, in addition to administrative reform and democratic renewal, the report recommends that building a stronger democracy depends on social accountability, an area largely beyond EU influence.

Specifically, researchers point to attacks on freedom of the press and a shrinking civil society as greater threats to democratic accountability than “rigged elections or captured courts”. In their view, media pluralism and civic space need to be treated as “governance infrastructure” to not only help “reinvigorate democracy and make citizens feel that they are represented”, but also to prevent the “silent killer” of complacency from taking hold.

The full report, “European Berggruen Governance Index – Sustaining and Expanding Europe’s High Governance Performance” can be viewed and downloaded from the website of the UCLA’s Luskin School.

————————-

This text and the accompanying material (photos and graphics) are an offer from the Democracy News Alliance, a close co-operation between Agence France-Presse (AFP, France), Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA, Italy), The Canadian Press (CP, Canada), Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa, Germany) and PA Media (PA, UK). All recipients can use this material without the need for a separate subscription agreement with one or more of the participating agencies. This includes the recipient’s right to publish the material in own products.

The DNA content is an independent journalistic service that operates separately from the other services of the participating agencies. It is produced by editorial units that are not involved in the production of the agencies’ main news services. Nevertheless, the editorial standards of the agencies and their assurance of completely independent, impartial and unbiased reporting also apply here.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – September 9, 2026 – Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) (“Founders” or the “Company”) announces drill results from the Upper Antino-West Zone (“West Zone”) at its Antino Gold Project (“Antino” or the “Project”) in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). Hole FR251 returned 27.0 metres (m) of 20.38 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) from 100.0 m, including 10.0 m of 43.26 g/t Au. The West Zone is located 1.2 kilometres (km) west of the established Froyo Zone and was first intersected by discovery hole FR217, approximately 50 m to the north, which returned 53.1 m of 1.21 g/t Au from surface (announced June 23, 2026; Figure 2).

Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, “This ground has been part of Founders’ land package for less than a year. Going from adding it to the project, to drilling 27.0 metres of 20.38 g/t gold in FR251, one of the best single intercepts in Antino’s history, is a clear demonstration of the exploration potential of this district. That result came from a disciplined process: airborne geophysics, auger sampling and systematic follow-up of the resulting anomalies, the same approach we are applying across the rest of Antino.”

West Zone Highlights

• High-grade gold at West Zone: 27.0 m of 20.38 g/t Au from 100.0 m in hole FR251, including 10.0 m of 43.26 g/t Au from 100.0 m (Figure 3).
• Additional gold-bearing shear zone intersected to the west of FR251: 14.0 m of 1.63 g/t Au from 119.0 m, including 2.0 m of 9.86 g/t Au (FR250).
• Gold mineralization style similar to the Upper Antino-Froyo Zone: gold is associated with the same alteration, veining, and structural style that hosts the high-grade mineralization in the Froyo Zone, including the recently announced 28.0 m of 14.27 g/t Au in drill hole FR249 (See August 6, 2026 news release).
• The West Zone is a priority target for the remainder of the 2026 drill program. Five holes were completed in this follow-up program; drilling is ongoing.

The West Zone lies 1.2 km west of the Froyo Zone, in ground that had not been drilled before May 2026. Discovery hole FR217 returned 53.1 m of 1.21 g/t Au, hosted in steeply dipping, northwest-trending structures similar in nature to the geological setting at Froyo. Today’s results cover five follow-up diamond drill holes (FR240, FR242, FR243, FR250 and FR251) designed to better understand the nature of this mineralization and its potential strike extent. Gold mineralization at the West Zone is associated with quartz-carbonate veining and pervasive sericite alteration. Visual estimates from core logging indicate up to 10% pyrite and/or pyrrhotite as the dominant sulphides with locally minor occurrences of visible gold within the main gold-bearing intervals.

Transaction Update
The Company’s previously announced acquisition of Nana Resources N.V.’s remaining 30% interest in Lawa Gold N.V. is proceeding as planned, with closing expected in the near term.

About Founders Metals Inc.
Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company controls a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package in the Guiana Shield – the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the region. Founders is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector and is backed by a strategic partnership with Gold Fields Limited. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname’s next major gold camp.

Figure 1: Antino Gold Project Property Map¹
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/313547_d2b6792dc4ba39ec_001full.jpg

¹ Results shown in Figure 1 were previously disclosed by the Company in news releases dated August 24, 2023; July 22, 2024; September 24, 2024; November 7, 2024; December 11, 2024; February 20, 2025; April 23, 2025; June 23, 2025; June 24, 2025; December 11, 2025; January 22, 2026; April 2, 2026; April 30, 2026; June 23, 2026; July 15, 2026; and August 6, 2026, each available on the Company’s website and under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Figure 2: Upper Antino Plan Map
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Figure 3: West Zone Core Photos
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Table 1: West Zone Assay Results

Drillhole	From (m)	To (m)	Interval (m)	Au (g/t)
FR251	0.00	17.10	17.10	0.38
and	100.00	127.00	27.00	20.38
incl	100.00	110.00	10.00	43.26
and	137.00	143.00	6.00	1.22
incl	139.00	141.00	2.00	3.04
and	183.00	209.00	26.00	0.46
incl	184.00	189.00	5.00	1.37
FR250	119.00	133.00	14.00	1.63
incl	124.00	126.00	2.00	9.86
and	174.00	181.00	7.00	0.47
FR243	NSA
FR242	91.00	104.00	13.00	0.45
FR240	NSA

Intervals are down-hole core lengths. All are diamond drill holes. True widths of mineralization are estimated to be approximately 80% of the down-hole interval based on currently available results and observations. Interval average grades are calculated with un-capped gold assays, as insufficient drilling has been completed to determine capping levels for higher-grade gold intercepts. Widths are calculated using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off grade with <5.0 m of internal dilution of zero grade material, and a minimum composite length of 2.0 m. Intervals below 3.0 gram-metre or averaging below 0.2 g/t Au are omitted. NSA means No Significant Assays. Table 2: West Zone Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID	Easting (m)	Northing (m)	Elevation (m)	Azimuth (°)	Dip (°)	Depth (m)
FR251	815974.50	400523.00	292.69	260.00	-50.00	275.00
FR250	815861.00	400498.00	311.42	260.09	-50.27	206.03
FR243	815580.00	400766.00	269.42	260.00	-50.00	227.00
FR242	815694.00	400787.50	281.44	260.00	-50.00	209.00
FR240	815816.00	400820.00	272.93	260.00	-50.00	206.13

Coordinates are reported in WGS 84 / UTM Zone 21N.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Per: “Colin Padget”
Colin Padget
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Contact Information
Katie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate Development
Tel: +1 604 712 1790 | katiem@fdrmetals.com

Costner Morrison, Director, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 604 404 9413 | costnerm@fdrmetals.com

Quality Assurance and Control
Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 10.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Diamond drill core is HQ diameter through oxide intervals and predominantly NQ diameter in deeper drilling. All samples are half core, split using a diamond saw.

Qualified Persons
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the Company’s planned and ongoing drilling at the Upper Antino-West Zone and the balance of its 2026 drill program, the characterization of targets as priorities for future drilling, statements that mineralization remains open along strike and at depth, the Company’s expectations as to the potential scale of the Upper Antino-West Zone, the acquisition of Nana Resources N.V.’s remaining 30% interest in Lawa Gold N.V., the geological interpretations described herein including the interpreted orientation and continuity of mineralized structures, expectations regarding true widths of mineralization, long term value creation and the Company’s prospects.

Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: risks that the parties may not close the Transaction or Gold Fields Investment as announced on August 19, 2026 within anticipated timelines, or at all; general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; the risk that additional drilling does not confirm the geological interpretations described herein; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.