First Class Metals Delivers Robust Exploration Results from Winter 2024/25 Field Programme

First Class Metals PLC (LSE: FCM), the UK-listed explorer focused on economic gold and critical mineral discoveries in Ontario, Canada, has released a highly encouraging update on its 2024/25 Winter Exploration Programme. The results reinforce the discovery potential across its flagship North Hemlo and Sunbeam projects, while also advancing work on Kerrs, Zigzag, and Quinlan.

Key Exploration Highlights

🔹 Five VLF Geophysical Surveys at North Hemlo Strong conductive zones were identified at the ‘H Lake’ and Rogers Lake areas, with promising targets defined for ground-truthing and future drill planning. Post-winter, a VLF survey was launched over the Dead Otter trend, expanding coverage around high-grade gold and copper showings, including a newly identified gold-bearing zone 30m across strike from the main structure.

🔹 100% Ownership of North Hemlo Secured FCM has now fully acquired the OnGold claims, consolidating its North Hemlo holding to 81km²—a significant step in securing this highly prospective gold corridor.

🔹 Sunbeam Property Expanded to 88km² Lake sediment sampling yielded anomalous gold values, prompting the staking of 78 new claims. A site visit by structural expert Prof. Mary Louise Hill offered valuable insights into the Roy Zone, guiding future drill target optimisation through cost-effective soil sampling and structural mapping.

🔹 LiDAR Analysis Underway New LiDAR data for Sunbeam is now under external interpretation, expected to further refine geological models and structural targeting across this district-scale gold system.

Progress Across the Broader Asset Portfolio

✅ Kerrs Gold Project Resource update in progress to incorporate post-2011 drilling and sampling ahead of an updated NI 43-101 compliant statement.

✅ Zigzag Lithium-Tantalum Project SGS Lakehead has been commissioned for a beneficiation study using non-destructive outcrop material, aimed at maximising recovery without compromising core samples—critical for future asset vending.

✅ Quinlan Critical Metals Target 16 lake sediment samples collected and analysed. Results show anomalous lithium and REEs in the pegmatite-rich northwest zone, warranting further review prior to exercising the project option.

💬 CEO Commentary

Marc J. Sale, CEO of First Class Metals, stated:

"The Winter work programme was an operational success. The results it has produced are exceptional, generating robust exploration targets on our two main properties—North Hemlo and Sunbeam. We remain encouraged with the potential of the Roy structure at Sunbeam after the property visit... potentially a eureka moment!"