Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 24, 2026) – South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSXV: SPMC) (OTCQB: SPMEF) (FSE: 6J00) (“SPMC” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce assay results from five drill holes, ONED26-010 to ONED26-014, at its 100%-owned Osena Project, located immediately southwest of K92 Mining’s Kainantu gold-copper mine in Papua New Guinea. The program involved step-out drilling along the Megabe structures, and a first test of an adjacent structure to the southwest. All five holes intersected mineralised structures. The four holes on Megabe mapping strike extension to more than 300 metres, and the structures remain open along strike in both directions and at depth; ONED26-010 confirmed that mineralisation extends beyond the Megabe corridor.
Highlights
-
More than 300 metres of confirmed mineralised strike at Megabe. Step-out drilling has traced continuous mineralised structures from ONED26-014 in the northwest to ONED26-012 in the southeast.
-
ONED26-011 intersects a potential fourth mineralized zone at Megabe. The hole returned 5.1 m at 1.79 g/t AuEq from 313.3 m, including 3 m at 2.66 g/t AuEq beyond the window predicted by the Company’s interpretation.
-
Information to date indicates the Company is above a significant intermediate-sulphidation epithermal vein system. Every reported hole targeting Megabe has intersected mineralised structures, from the first intercept in ONED26-007 (12 m at 3.1 g/t Au, including 1 m at 18.1 g/t Au) (see news release dated June 16, 2026); through the ONED26-009 discovery; four of the five step-out holes reported today cut Megabe in the upper part of the system, above the high-grade target zone.
-
Megabe is one of eight identified mineralised structures at Ontenu — most remain undrilled. Only small portions of three of the eight NW-trending structures — Jorkol, Onki and Megabe — have been drill-tested across the five-kilometre Ontenu trend (see Figure 3).
-
Geometry defined — drilling now turns to the high-grade target. The step-out program has delivered the structural framework to drill the high-grade target at depth and down-plunge to the southeast of discovery hole ONED26-009 — 5 m at 12.84 g/t AuEq (including 2 m at 28.06 g/t AuEq) and 12.2 m at 6.24 g/t AuEq (including 2 m at 16.65 g/t AuEq) (see news release dated July 6, 2026).
CEO Timo Jauristo commented, “These four holes confirm the Megabe structures hold together along strike, are mineralised, and indicate the upper margins of an epithermal system. We think the high-grade zones in hole ONED26-009 have only clipped the upper edges of the main system, and we will drill a few deeper holes below ONED26-009 to test for continuity of high grade in that direction.
“It is important to note that we are currently drilling only one small section of Megabe and it is just one of eight currently known NW-trending mineralised zones that have been mapped at Ontenu, most of which have yet to be drilled. We have commenced planning for the next phase of exploration to test these other known structures. Much of the Ontenu area remains to be mapped. Our immediate focus is the deeper high-grade at Megabe, targeting veins showing the same character as Kora and Judd next door at K92 — and will start drilling the first of these holes shortly.”
Figure 1: Map view of Megabe Drilling
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10890/311016_d67ce80874307a4f_001full.jpg
Vectoring High-Grade
Four of the five holes in this program were designed to define the geometry and strike continuity of the Megabe NW trending structures. Every hole intersected the targeted structures, confirming that the Megabe trend is continuous over more than 300 metres of strike (see Table 1 for a summary of drill results). The structures remain open along strike in both directions and at depth: ONED26-012 and ONED26-014 support the interpreted geometry of the structures, marked by the current limits of drilling, not the limits of the structures (see Figure 1).
The step out drill program intercepted the top of the system, cutting the Megabe structures above the interpreted productive high-grade zone and within the leached horizon, an area that we now understand extends to at least 100 metres below surface.
Follow-up hole ONED26-011, drilled up-dip of previously released discovery hole ONED26-009, cut the Megabe structures within the window expected in the Company’s interpretation, returning 5.1 m at 1.79 g/t AuEq in a potential fourth mineralised zone (see Figure 2). The result of this drilling effectively supports vectoring towards stronger grades.
ONED26-010, tested a separate set of structures southwest of Megabe, intersected 18 m at 0.25 g/t AuEq — confirming that mineralised structures extend beyond the Megabe corridor.
Octavio Garcia, Exploration Manager of the Company, commented, “Following confirmation of the initial mineralised zone in drill holes ONED-007 and ONED-009, the objective of this step-out drilling program was to define the key geological parameters of the system, including its geometry, continuity, size, mineralisation controls and others required to validate the geological model.
“The results have confirmed several key parameters. Mineralised structures remain open in both directions, while geochemistry indicates strong potential for continuity over more than 300 metres of strike. We have also identified subparallel minor mineralised structures and a local leaching effect, similar to that observed in the Kora vein. The data provide clear evidence of an intermediate-sulfidation epithermal (ISE) system, comparable to neighbouring deposits. Recent drilling intersected the upper zone of this hydrothermal system, while also expanding the mineralised envelope. Further drilling is required to validate the geological model and determine the full extent of the system.
“The next phase will test vertical variability by drilling below the current mineralisation, helping establish the system’s position within the hydrothermal system and guide targeting of higher-grade mineralisation.”
Table 1: Summary of significant drill results, ONED26-010 to ONED26-014
| Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Length (m) | Intercept Grade (weighted average) | Maximum Individual Sample Assay | ||||||
| Au (g/t) | Cu (ppm) | Ag (g/t) | AuEq (g/t) | Au (g/t) | Cu (ppm) | Ag (g/t) | |||||
| ONED26-010 | 81 | 84 | 3 | 0.35 | 45 | 0.05 | 0.36 | 0.82 | 47 | 0.05 | |
| 183 | 188 | 5 | 0.29 | 73 | 3.36 | 0.35 | 1.07 | 128 | 10.1 | ||
| including | 187 | 188 | 1 | 1.07 | 128 | 6.5 | 1.18 | 1.07 | 128 | 6.5 | |
| 213 | 231 | 18 | 0.18 | 130 | 3.53 | 0.25 | 0.9 | 265 | 11.7 | ||
| ONED26-011 | 11 | 18 | 7 | 0.23 | 1486 | 14.24 | 0.59 | 0.52 | 2911 | 29 | |
| 51 | 53 | 2 | 0.51 | 176 | 7 | 0.63 | 0.76 | 234 | 7.8 | ||
| 56 | 71 | 15 | 0.32 | 117 | 2.42 | 0.37 | 2.09 | 154 | 5.6 | ||
| including | 69 | 70 | 1 | 2.09 | 137 | 2.8 | 2.15 | 2.09 | 137 | 2.8 | |
| 76 | 79.3 | 3.3 | 0.68 | 152 | 2.37 | 0.73 | 1.77 | 165 | 4.1 | ||
| including | 78.6 | 79.3 | 0.7 | 1.77 | 164 | 4.1 | 1.85 | 1.77 | 164 | 4.1 | |
| 85 | 86 | 1 | 0.56 | 65 | 3.3 | 0.62 | 0.56 | 65 | 3.3 | ||
| 108 | 109 | 1 | 4.53 | 85 | 0.4 | 4.54 | 4.53 | 85 | 0.4 | ||
| 120 | 124 | 4 | 0.6 | 77 | 1.8 | 0.63 | 1.27 | 102 | 2.1 | ||
| including | 120 | 121 | 1 | 1.27 | 51 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 1.27 | 51 | 1.9 | |
| including | 123 | 124 | 1 | 1.03 | 84 | 1.7 | 1.06 | 1.03 | 84 | 1.7 | |
| 129 | 131 | 2 | 1.76 | 132 | 1.4 | 1.79 | 3.24 | 149 | 1.9 | ||
| including | 130 | 131 | 1 | 3.24 | 114 | 0.9 | 3.26 | 3.24 | 114 | 0.9 | |
| 143 | 144 | 1 | 0.24 | 229 | 6.3 | 0.36 | 0.24 | 229 | 6.3 | ||
| 256.07 | 257.9 | 1.83 | 0.56 | 59 | 6.82 | 0.67 | 0.69 | 89 | 11 | ||
| 263.2 | 264 | 0.8 | 1.27 | 582 | 26.4 | 1.72 | 1.27 | 582 | 26.4 | ||
| 274.5 | 283.6 | 9.1 | 0.24 | 766 | 7.04 | 0.42 | 0.71 | 5374 | 41 | ||
| 313.27 | 318.4 | 5.13 | 1.66 | 140 | 7.6 | 1.79 | 5.65 | 294 | 9 | ||
| including | 314.52 | 317.53 | 3.01 | 2.52 | 155 | 8.2 | 2.66 | 5.65 | 294 | 9 | |
| ONED26-012 | 79.3 | 85 | 5.7 | 0.41 | 210 | 7.93 | 0.55 | 1.47 | 565 | 15.9 | |
| including | 82 | 83 | 1 | 1.47 | 175 | 8.2 | 1.61 | 1.47 | 175 | 8.2 | |
| 91.7 | 93.5 | 1.8 | 0.24 | 164 | 9.64 | 0.4 | 0.43 | 258 | 12 | ||
| ONED26-013 | 153.6 | 167 | 13.4 | 0.12 | 240 | 1.95 | 0.18 | 0.21 | 721 | 3.7 | |
| 177 | 186 | 9 | 0.2 | 564 | 0.84 | 0.27 | 0.53 | 1460 | 2.3 | ||
| 195 | 206 | 11 | 0.14 | 396 | 1.21 | 0.19 | 0.49 | 765 | 2.4 | ||
| 234 | 234.9 | 0.9 | 1.18 | 237 | 0.6 | 1.21 | 1.18 | 237 | 0.6 | ||
| ONED26-014 | 77 | 87.1 | 10.1 | 0.37 | 695 | 3.89 | 0.5 | 0.78 | 5815 | 24.6 | |
| 189.4 | 193 | 3.6 | 0.17 | 358 | 7.74 | 0.33 | 0.35 | 903 | 11.6 | ||
| 210 | 218 | 8 | 0.16 | 486 | 3.42 | 0.26 | 0.41 | 2072 | 7.2 | ||
| 231 | 232 | 1 | 0.68 | 123 | 3.2 | 0.73 | 0.68 | 123 | 3.2 | ||
*AuEq is based on 100% equal co-recoveries of Au, Ag and Cu using an Au price of US$4,180 per ounce, an Ag price of US$62 per ounce and a Cu price of US$6.20 per lb. Intervals are calculated using a 0.1 g/t Au lower cut with a maximum of 3 m of internal dilution; “including” intervals are calculated using a 1.0 g/t Au lower cut with a maximum of 2 m of internal dilution. Maximum individual sample assays are the highest single-sample values reported within the stated interval and do not necessarily occur in the same sample. All intervals are reported as downhole lengths. True widths have not yet been determined pending further structural interpretation.
Complete significant intercepts and drill hole collar details are provided in Appendix Tables A1 and A2 at the end of this release.
Figure 2: Cross-section (Looking Northwest) of ONED26-009 and ONED26-011 with planned follow-up hole.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10890/311016_d67ce80874307a4f_002full.jpg
Figure 3: Map View of the broader Ontenu prospective area
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10890/311016_d67ce80874307a4f_003full.jpg
Next Steps
Drilling has continued without pause. While assays from the Megabe step-outs were pending, both rigs advanced to Ontenu Central to test the newly mapped NW-SE mineralised trends (Figure 3); two of the four planned holes are complete and two are nearing completion. Assays from Ontenu Central will provide a first test of these trends while drilling advances at Megabe.
At Megabe, the next two holes are planned to test for further high-grade targets below and down-plunge to the southeast of the high-grade intercepts in ONED26-009, where the structures remain open. The first rig will move to Megabe, with the second to follow on completion of the final Ontenu Central hole.
The broader Ontenu prospective area spans five kilometres and hosts at least eight identified mineralised structures, of which only a small few have seen initial drill testing. As results from Megabe and Ontenu Central are integrated, geological mapping is advancing across all known target areas to build structural understanding of the mineralised trends ahead of systematic testing of the remainder, including strike extensions of Jorkol, Megabe and Onki, and the mineralised trends at Ontenu Central.
Megabe is the most advanced of the eight structures identified to date. Assays for holes in progress will be reported as they are received and validated.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
All drill holes are logged on site by the Company’s geology team. Drill core (PQ or HQ) is half-cut, with samples secured and shipped to Intertek Laboratory in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Gold is assayed by 50 g fire assay with AAS finish (FA50/AA); copper and silver are assayed by 3-acid digest with AAS finish (PGGA03) at Intertek Lae. Sample pulps are subsequently sent to Intertek in Perth, Western Australia, for multi-element ICP-MS analysis using a 4-acid digest (4A/MS); the ICP-MS multi-element work is pending for all holes noted in this release. Two certified reference materials (standards), one blank and one duplicate are inserted within each batch of 100 samples to monitor laboratory performance.
Qualified Person
The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Darren Holden, B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D., FAusIMM, a technical advisor and consultant to the Company and a “Qualified Person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101.
About South Pacific Metals Corp.
South Pacific Metals Corp. is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating in the heart of Papua New Guinea’s proven gold and copper production corridors. SPMC has four exploration properties:
-
Ontenu (Osena Project) – Bordering K92 to the southwest. Drilling underway on K92-style targets with drill hits to 5 m at 12.84 g/t AuEq, including 2 m at 28.06 g/t AuEq.
-
Anga – Bordering K92 to the northeast, along strike from K92’s Arakompa discovery; soils to 1,080 ppb Au, 3,397 ppm Cu and stream samples up to 281.8 g/t Au.
-
Kili Teke – 4.2 Moz AuEq* NI 43-101 Inferred Resource (effective 18 November 2022) containing 1.81 Moz Au, 802 kt Cu and 40 kt Mo; results outside of resource include drilling 7.8 m @ 12.98% Cu plus 11.75 g/t Au, surface samples up to 27.5% Cu.
-
May River – District-scale system beside Frieda River; high-grade drilling includes 19 m @ 11.47% Cu, 2.17 g/t Au and 109 m @ 1.53 g/t Au.
* Kili Teke resource information is drawn from the independent technical report dated November 18, 2022, prepared by Graeme J. Fleming, B.App.Sc., MAIG, and available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Gold-equivalent contained ounces based on equal recoveries of Au and Cu only and prices of US$3,300/oz Au and US$4.45/lb. Cu. Preliminary metallurgical test work by Harmony Gold shows gold reporting to copper minerals, indicating the two can be co-recovered. Molybdenum is not included in the Au-equivalent figure.
SPMC common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: SPMC), the OTCQB Marketplace (OTCQB: SPMEF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: 6J00).
For further information please contact:
Michael Murphy, Executive Chairman
Tel: +1-604-260-0309
Email: info@southpacificmetals.ca
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by words and phrases such as “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed”, “subject to” and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would” or “will” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, among other things, statements regarding the Company’s planned and ongoing drilling and exploration programs, the timing and expected results of those programs, the interpretation of geological, geochemical and geophysical data, and the potential for mineralisation on the Company’s properties.
Forward-looking information is based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections, as well as assumptions that the Company considers reasonable as of the date of this news release. These assumptions include, among others: the continuity of mineralisation; the accuracy of the Company’s interpretation of geological, geochemical and geophysical data; the timing and results of planned and ongoing drilling and exploration; the timeliness of assay results from third-party laboratories; the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain required permits and regulatory approvals; the continued support of local communities and government stakeholders in PNG; the availability of equipment, personnel and consultants; continued access to project sites; and general business, economic and capital market conditions.
Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, including that exploration may not result in the discovery of an economically viable mineral deposit; the risk that drilling results, assays and geological interpretations may not be indicative of the presence, continuity or grade of mineralisation; delays in receiving assay results or in the progress of exploration programs; the risk that historical results and third-party data may not be verified or replicated; uncertainties relating to mineral resource estimates, including the Kili Teke Inferred Mineral Resource; the risk that planned exploration activities may be delayed, modified, suspended or terminated; risks relating to title, permitting and access to mineral properties; risks relating to operations in Papua New Guinea, including political, security, infrastructure, community-relations and logistical risks; the Company’s ability to fund its business and exploration activities; commodity price volatility; currency fluctuations; and the other risks described in the Company’s public disclosure documents filed under its profile on SEDAR+.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
APPENDIX
Appendix Table A1: All significant intercepts, ONED26-010 to ONED26-014 (0.1 g/t Au lower cut, maximum 3 m internal dilution)
| Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Length (m) | Au (g/t) | Cu (ppm) |
| ONED26-010 | 48.8 | 49.3 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 146 |
| ONED26-010 | 81 | 84 | 3 | 0.35 | 45 |
| ONED26-010 | 149 | 158 | 9 | 0.1 | 84 |
| ONED26-010 | 166 | 169 | 3 | 0.22 | 87 |
| ONED26-010 | 174 | 175 | 1 | 0.21 | 73 |
| ONED26-010 | 183 | 188 | 5 | 0.29 | 73 |
| ONED26-010 | 213 | 231 | 18 | 0.18 | 130 |
| ONED26-011 | 11 | 18 | 7 | 0.23 | 1486 |
| ONED26-011 | 31 | 32 | 1 | 0.37 | 126 |
| ONED26-011 | 51 | 53 | 2 | 0.51 | 176 |
| ONED26-011 | 56 | 71 | 15 | 0.32 | 117 |
| ONED26-011 | 76 | 79.3 | 3.3 | 0.68 | 152 |
| ONED26-011 | 85 | 86 | 1 | 0.56 | 65 |
| ONED26-011 | 108 | 109 | 1 | 4.53 | 85 |
| ONED26-011 | 120 | 124 | 4 | 0.6 | 77 |
| ONED26-011 | 129 | 131 | 2 | 1.76 | 132 |
| ONED26-011 | 143 | 144 | 1 | 0.24 | 229 |
| ONED26-011 | 256.07 | 257.9 | 1.83 | 0.56 | 59 |
| ONED26-011 | 263.2 | 264 | 0.8 | 1.27 | 582 |
| ONED26-011 | 274.5 | 283.6 | 9.1 | 0.24 | 766 |
| ONED26-011 | 313.27 | 318.4 | 5.13 | 1.66 | 140 |
| ONED26-012 | 43.16 | 44.1 | 0.94 | 0.11 | 252 |
| ONED26-012 | 61.4 | 62.39 | 0.99 | 0.27 | 139 |
| ONED26-012 | 67.27 | 68.9 | 1.63 | 0.22 | 790 |
| ONED26-012 | 73 | 73.92 | 0.92 | 0.17 | 109 |
| ONED26-012 | 79.3 | 85 | 5.7 | 0.41 | 210 |
| ONED26-012 | 91.7 | 93.5 | 1.8 | 0.24 | 164 |
| ONED26-012 | 99 | 100 | 1 | 0.14 | 322 |
| ONED26-012 | 104 | 106 | 2 | 0.12 | 390 |
| ONED26-012 | 149 | 150 | 1 | 0.51 | 108 |
| ONED26-012 | 179 | 180 | 1 | 0.14 | 125 |
| ONED26-012 | 184 | 185 | 1 | 0.13 | 138 |
| ONED26-012 | 189 | 190 | 1 | 0.1 | 84 |
| ONED26-012 | 198 | 199 | 1 | 0.13 | 52 |
| ONED26-012 | 201 | 202 | 1 | 0.17 | 143 |
| ONED26-012 | 210 | 211 | 1 | 0.1 | 95 |
| ONED26-013 | 50 | 52 | 2 | 0.13 | 358 |
| ONED26-013 | 65 | 67.1 | 2.1 | 0.15 | 556 |
| ONED26-013 | 71.3 | 72.2 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 656 |
| ONED26-013 | 97 | 98 | 1 | 0.1 | 296 |
| ONED26-013 | 107.6 | 108.6 | 1 | 0.14 | 218 |
| ONED26-013 | 125.5 | 131.7 | 6.2 | 0.1 | 290 |
| ONED26-013 | 141 | 143 | 2 | 0.12 | 158 |
| ONED26-013 | 145 | 146 | 1 | 0.11 | 226 |
| ONED26-013 | 153.6 | 167 | 13.4 | 0.13 | 240 |
| ONED26-013 | 172 | 173 | 1 | 0.11 | 212 |
| ONED26-013 | 177 | 186 | 9 | 0.2 | 564 |
| ONED26-013 | 195 | 206 | 11 | 0.13 | 396 |
| ONED26-013 | 234 | 234.9 | 0.9 | 1.18 | 237 |
| ONED26-013 | 251 | 253 | 2 | 0.13 | 376 |
| ONED26-013 | 301 | 302 | 1 | 0.16 | 265 |
| ONED26-013 | 331 | 331.9 | 0.9 | 0.12 | 224 |
| ONED26-013 | 342 | 349 | 7 | 0.15 | 261 |
| ONED26-013 | 365 | 365.5 | 0.5 | 0.17 | 822 |
| ONED26-013 | 369 | 370 | 1 | 0.18 | 151 |
| ONED26-013 | 382 | 384 | 2 | 0.16 | 538 |
| ONED26-014 | 17 | 18 | 1 | 0.1 | 62 |
| ONED26-014 | 20 | 21 | 1 | 0.12 | 389 |
| ONED26-014 | 77 | 87.1 | 10.1 | 0.37 | 695 |
| ONED26-014 | 145 | 146 | 1 | 0.12 | 4490 |
| ONED26-014 | 153 | 154 | 1 | 0.12 | 158 |
| ONED26-014 | 160 | 160.7 | 0.7 | 0.25 | 646 |
| ONED26-014 | 169 | 170 | 1 | 0.13 | 429 |
| ONED26-014 | 189.4 | 193 | 3.6 | 0.17 | 358 |
| ONED26-014 | 210 | 218 | 8 | 0.16 | 486 |
| ONED26-014 | 231 | 232 | 1 | 0.68 | 123 |
*Silver assays for these holes are reported in Table 1 for the summary intervals. Individual sample assays used in the intercept calculations are available on request.
Appendix Table A2: Drill Hole Details (Coordinates in WGS84 UTM Zone 55S)
| Hole ID | Easting | Northing | Elevation | Azimuth | Dip | Total Depth (m) |
| ONED26-010 | 365922 | 9295580 | 1786 | 49.8 | -61.7 | 253.5 |
| ONED26-011 | 366160 | 9295740 | 1818 | 223.2 | -60.2 | 319.5 |
| ONED26-012 | 366254 | 9295669 | 1847 | 220.6 | -59.5 | 260.4 |
| ONED26-013 | 366118 | 9295866 | 1826 | 218.6 | -59.8 | 397.7 |
| ONED26-014 | 365979 | 9295860 | 1843 | 220.7 | -59.5 | 264.2 |
