Vortex Metals Inc. announced the launch of its Phase One Drilling and Exploration Program at the Illapel Copper Project in Chile, with its first-pass drill program set to commence in Third Quarter 2024. The upcoming program aims to systematically evaluate and advance several high-priority targets within the project area marking a pivotal step toward the Company's objective to delineate a high-grade copper resource in one of the world's most prolific copper-producing regions. The Illapel property consists of 33 Exploration and Exploitation Concessions, totalling 5,970 Hectares.

Centrally located within the Illapel property is the Rio 27 mine, a fully operational copper mine in production since 2010, having processed approximately 400,000 tonnes of high-grade ore, with an average grade of 1.39% Cu and approximately 7g Ag. The operating subsidiary of Ventana Mineral Group, SLM Rio 27, has reserved a portion of the Rio 27 concession to continue mining operations at their currently active mine and processing facility with Vortex Metals reserving the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on the brownfield and near-site processing facility. The mineralization exemplified by the active Rio 27 mine is described as a strata-bound copper deposit with subordinate silver and is known as a 'Chilean Manto-type' deposit.

These unique deposits occur along the Coastal Cordillera of Northern Chile. The largest Cu-(Ag) 'Manto-type' deposit, El Soldado, located about 70 km south of Illapel, has a historic production plus reserves of 200 mt at 1.35% Cu. The mineralized zone, easily observed in, above and adjacent to the Rio 27 mine and generally within the Illapel project, suggests that these high-grade 'Manto-type' copper deposits could be widespread on the property, including extensions of the Rio 27 deposits into the Illapel project area.

The upcoming Phase-1 Exploration Program aims to systematically evaluate and advance several high-priority targets within the project area. The Illapel project area was visited by Vortex's QP between March 20 to 23, 2024 and demonstrates the possibility of additional 'Manto-type' copper deposits; there is widespread surface copper manifestations throughout the property. Sampling (10 samples) conducted during the visit revealed copper- in-rock mineralization ranging from 0.40% to 6.54% Cu and up to 66ppm Ag from exposures known to host copper mineralization.

All samples but two exceeded the 1.39% Cu reported for the Rio 27 mine's run-of-mine grade. Vortex Metals will prioritize the testing of drill-ready targets located both north and south of the historical Rio 27 mine. North Target: The strongest surface mineralization was recognized north of the Rio 27 mine at the Nueva Esperanza target area.

A system of veins and veinlets trending NW-SE and subordinate WNW-ESE veins form an area of at least 120 m in length by 50 to 100 m in width. The veins range in width from 0.15 m to 1.5 m forming a branching network over a strike length exceeding 100 metres. One sample collected at the Nueva Esperanza site contained 5.32% Cu and 44 ppm Ag.

South Target: South of the Rio 27 mine there are several minor occurrences of copper oxides with similar characteristics as observed over the mine area or to the north at the Nueva Esperanza area. Two of these occurrences appear to be the southern extension of the mineralized Rio 27 fault or parallel structures. The identification of a mineralized zone, hosting bornite-chalcocite-chrysocolla, following the Rio 27 trend and located about 0.5 km SW of the Rio 27 mine, supports the possibility of copper mineralization continuing to the south.

Detailed Mapping, Sampling, and Drilling of Epithermal Vein Targets: The western concession area of the Illapel project is characterized by several epithermal veins. These veins have been identified as potential hosts for high-grade gold (and copper) mineralization and are part of the larger Farallon Sanchez district. Eexploration team will conduct detailed geological mapping and systematic sampling of these veins to understand their mineralogical and structural characteristics.

Follow-up drilling will target the most promising sections of these veins to establish the continuity, grade and vertical zoning of the mineralization. Mapping and Sampling of Favourable Structures and Dykes: The project area features promising structures and dykes with cross-cutting ocoite and copper oxides. The intersections between structural corridors and ocoite dikes, as observed at the Rio 27 zone, appear to be related to notable copper mineralization.

Comprehensive mapping and sampling programs will be initiated across these formations to gather critical data on their extent, composition, and copper content. This data will be utilized in the planning and design of future subsequent drilling campaigns aimed at new target generation. Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The primary objective of the Phase-1 Exploration Program is to swiftly evaluate the high-priority targets identified in previous surveys while expanding regional exploration efforts.

Enhance geological understanding of the Illapel project area, specifically at the copper occurrences where regional structures are intersected by the ocoite dykes. Identify and prioritize new drilling targets based on the results of the mapping and sampling programs. Vortex Metals Inc. is committed to advancing the Illapel Copper Project in a systematic and efficient manner. The Phase-1 Exploration Program represents a critical step in unlocking the full potential of this highly prospective project.

The Company looks forward to commencing this phase of exploration and updating shareholders and stakeholders on progress.