KELLOGG, Idaho, Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (“Bunker Hill” or the “Company”) (TSX: BNKR | OTCQB: BHLL) is pleased to report that having successfully completed the 14,300ft, 39-hole underground campaign at the Cate-8 Vein, it has now started a 3,200ft surface drilling program at the recently acquired Page property in the Silver Valley, three miles away from Bunker Hill’s processing facility.
“As our operations team continue the steady ramp up to commercial production by the end of 2026, it is exciting to report that, following the positive results of their Cate-8 underground drilling campaign, the exploration team has hit, with their first drill hole, another area of highly prospective Galena-Siderite and Sphalerite mineralization near surface at our recently acquired Page property,” said Sam Ash, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bunker Hill. “This further supports the potential to be unlocked by the Bunker team in our 6,284-hectare portion of the prolific Silver Valley.”
EXPLORATION UPDATE
Bunker Hill’s current exploration program is focused on identifying targets that could expand mineral resources in a cost-effective manner, with priority given to targets near surface and near existing mine infrastructure across its recently expanded property. These targets are identified primarily by analysis of historical mining and exploration data collected over 100 years, which Bunker Hill is re-interpreting using modern methods, including the use of AI tools where appropriate. Historical data has not been fully verified by a qualified person, and there is no certainty that exploration of these targets will result in the delineation of additional mineral resources.
- The Cate-8 Vein: the data collected from 14,300ft of drilling over 39 shallow holes and samples collected from development that cut the mineralization are being assayed, collated and processed to support inclusion within an updated resource statement expected to be issued by end of Q4 2026.
Subject to further analysis and given its proximity to existing mine development, it is expected that any Cate-8 mineral resources will be included within the 2027 mine plan to be issued within the Company’s production guidance expected to be released at the end of Q4 2026. - Initial Page Exploration: following up on historical surface drilling results achieved in 2025 by the previous owners of the property in the vicinity of the Page mine, the Bunker Hill exploration team has started 3,200ft (975m) of shallow drilling from 10 holes from surface. This is expected to take six weeks to complete. This site is accessed by paved and forest roads and is the same distance from the Bunker Hill processing plant as the Russell Portal in Wardner.
Based on visual assessment, the initial results from the first hole indicate 15ft of continuous Galena-Siderite and Sphalerite mineralization at a depth from surface of approximately 200ft. Visual estimates of mineralization are not a substitute for laboratory assays and should not be relied upon as an indication of grade or the extent of mineralization, which can only be determined through assay results to be completed as the Page exploration campaign progresses.
Fig 1: Location of Page Drilling Site in relation to the operating processing plant at Kellogg.
RAMP UP TO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION
Active mining operations are being conducted within the upper area of the Bunker Hill Mine, including development being cut through the recently discovered Cate-8 vein. Ore is being transported to the operating processing plant in line with the ramp-up schedule, and the commissioning of the processing plant and ramp up of mining are progressing in line with the Company’s target of achieving commercial production by the end of 2026. Safety remains a priority, with the Company recording 553 consecutive days without a reportable incident.
During September, Bunker Hill fully commissioned the paste plant and on-boarded the fourth mining crew, enabling the start of continuous 1800 tonnes per day (“tpd”) underground mining operations. Having used low-grade stockpiles for the early phases of plant commissioning, the underground team is now feeding Run of Mine Ore into the plant at targeted head grade, from two active stopes on the 5 and 8-2 levels. Operating performance, including costs, remains in line with pre-production estimates.
To stretch the team’s performance and mirror commissioning best practice, the Company has revised its definition of commercial production, previously defined as achieving at least 65% of 1800 tpd “nameplate” throughput capacity only, to include metal recovery targets as well. From now, the operations required by end of Q4 2026 to achieve commercial production are: throughput of at least 65% of nameplate capacity, and zinc/lead/silver recovery of at least 70%, for 60 days.
2027 MINE PLANNING UPDATE
Subject to further analysis, including the results of the updated resource statement and further technical and economic evaluation, the mine planners are preparing to incorporate Cate-8 mineral resources into the 2027-2030 mine plan. The team is also investigating ways to overcome the existing single access/single egress constraint on mine haulage, which currently consists of the Russel Portal in Wardner, located 3.5 miles from the processing plant.
To that end, studies are ongoing now to evaluation the potential construction of a second 6,000ft portal, located just over a mile from the processing plant with direct access to the 10 Level to enable a more efficient ore and waste haulage system. The Company is also studying modifications to the processing plant to increase capacity to 2500tpd. In support of this, the Company recently acquired 60 acres of land adjacent to and uphill from the processing facility for potential use as a dry-stack tailings facility.
The Company currently expects to issue its production guidance for 2027 by the end of Q4 2026.
QUALIFIED PERSON
Sam Bourque (AIPG CPG #11775), Chief Geologist of Bunker Hill, is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Bourque has reviewed and approved the technical information contained herein.
ABOUT BUNKER HILL MINING CORP.
Bunker Hill Mining Corp. is a U.S.-based exploration and development company focused on the restart of its flagship asset — the historic Bunker Hill Mine in northern Idaho’s prolific Silver Valley. This renowned silver, zinc, and lead deposit is being advanced using modern exploration techniques and responsible development practices to unlock its full potential.
The Company’s strategy is centered on efficiently revitalizing this high-quality asset to deliver long-term value, while upholding strong environmental and operational standards. Bunker Hill is committed to maximizing shareholder returns through the disciplined redevelopment of one of North America’s most storied mining operations.
Additional information is available at www.bunkerhillmining.com and on SEDAR+ and EDGAR.
On behalf of Bunker Hill Mining Corp.
Sam Ash
President and Chief Executive Officer
For additional information, please contact:
Bunker Hill Investor Relations
T: 604.842.1384
E: ir@bunkerhillmining.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as within the meaning of the phrase “forward-looking information” in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “plan” or variations of such words and phrases.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: additional zones of mineralization; the focus of Bunker Hill’s exploration program; initial and future drill, exploration and testing programs at the Page property; geological interpretations and resource calculations; expectations regarding the incorporation of any Cate-8 mineral resources into short-term mine plans; expectations regarding an updated mineral resource statement and the anticipated timing thereof; the anticipated timing of the issuance of 2027 production guidance; the ramp-up to commercial production at the Bunker Hill Mine; the installation of an additional portal to access the Bunker Hill Mine and improvements at the processing plant to increase throughput capacity; and the Company’s general objectives, goals or future plans, and any similar statements. Forward-looking statements reflect material expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to: sufficiency of project financing for the ramp up of commercial production of the Bunker Hill Mine on acceptable terms or at all; the future price of metals; and the stability of the financial and capital markets. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties identified in public filings made by Bunker Hill with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including its latest annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 6, 2026, and the following: the Company’s inability to raise additional capital for project activities, including through equity financings, concentrate offtake financings or otherwise; capital market conditions; failure to identify mineral resources; failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; the Company’s ability to ramp up the Bunker Hill Mine to commercial production and the risks of not basing a production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability . Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements or information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations or financial results are included in the Company’s annual report and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or through EDGAR on the SEC website (www.sec.gov).
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53835771-f8ae-474a-9b6d-7a0c3ef416a1
