First Class Metals Advances Sunbeam Gold Project in Ontario with Promising 2025 Exploration Results

First Class Metals PLC (LSE: FCM) has released an encouraging update on its flagship Sunbeam Gold Property, situated in the prolific gold district of Ontario, Canada. With a strategic landholding exceeding 88km², Sunbeam continues to demonstrate compelling potential as a district-scale gold exploration play, underpinned by multi-structure mineralisation, historic workings, and proximity to world-class deposits.

District-Scale Opportunity in Premier Gold Territory

The Sunbeam property sits in a prime location between Agnico Eagle’s Hammond Reef deposit—boasting 3.3 million ounces of probable gold reserves—and other significant regional holdings. The Roy structure, one of three key gold-bearing trends, shares striking similarities with the mineralisation style observed at Hammond Reef, offering a potentially analogous discovery model.

Located just ~15km from Hammond Reef and ~230km west of Thunder Bay, the project is well supported by existing infrastructure and access routes, including gravel roads and ATV trails.

2025 Field Season: Data-Driven Target Refinement

FCM’s 2025 field programme has focused on refining high-priority drill targets through a multi-faceted approach, including:

• Soil Geochemistry: Over 500 A-horizon soil samples collected along a 4km strike of the Roy trend are currently in analysis, aimed at defining gold-in-soil anomalies.

• Geophysical Surveys: A VLF and magnetic survey across 3.8km (192 stations) is undergoing interpretation to identify subsurface structures.

• Structural Insights: A detailed study by Prof. Mary Louise Hill confirms structural controls analogous to the Hammond Reef system. Further petrology and core reviews are planned.

• LiDAR Analysis: Terrain modelling underway by expert consultants to refine geological and structural targeting.

• Historic Workings Re-evaluated: Shaft B43, historically sunk to 113ft, was rediscovered and sampled. Visible chalcopyrite and galena were noted in grab samples. B45 remains unlocated but historically reported as hosting free gold within quartz veins.

Roy Structure – A Potential Company-Making Discovery

The >10km Roy lineament is emerging as a cornerstone of the project, with historic shafts (B43 and B45), gold-rich rock samples, and geochemical anomalies pointing to a robust mineralised system. The Roy trend now extends towards a 111ppb gold lake sediment anomaly some 5km along strike, supporting the notion of a continuous, structurally controlled gold corridor.

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

“The ongoing exploration work on the >10km Roy lineament continues to underpin the significance of this structure... I believe the VLF, in conjunction with the soil results and the structural review, are bringing FCM ever closer to a decision where to drill at Roy.”

Government Support and ESG Alignment

For the fourth consecutive year, First Class Metals has submitted an application for the Ontario Junior Exploration Programme (OJEP) grant, reinforcing the Company’s alignment with provincial initiatives supporting responsible exploration and regional economic development.

About First Class Metals

First Class Metals is a UK-listed exploration company focused on the discovery of economic gold, base, and critical metal deposits in Ontario. With 100% ownership of seven claim blocks (250km²) and options over three more, the Company maintains a robust portfolio including:

• Sunbeam Gold Property – historic production, three gold-bearing trends, and proximity to Hammond Reef.

• North Hemlo – home to the high-grade Dead Otter trend (19.6g/t Au grab sample).

• Zigzag Project – lithium-tantalum exploration near Armstrong.

• Kerrs Gold Project – historical resource of 386,000oz Au in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt.

With multiple advanced-stage targets and significant upside potential, First Class Metals is well positioned to deliver future value through discovery, development, and strategic partnerships.