Vancouver, British Columbia - June 17, 2026 - Vault Strategic Mining Corp. (TSXV: KNOX) (OTC: KNXFF) (FSE: M850) (WKN: A41WE4) ("Vault" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed Phase 1 of its maiden exploration program at its War Bond Tungsten Project (“War Bond”) which includes the Historical War Bond Tungsten Mine, Historical Tactite Tungsten Mine and Historical Thursday Tungsten Mine located in Nevada, USA.
Nevada was ranked as the number one mining jurisdiction in the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies released on February 26th, 2026.[i]
Figure 1. Likely tungsten-related skarn or tactite-style mineralization observed at War Bond
The Company has completed its initial Phase 1 reconnaissance and sampling program, which included the collection of 42 rock and geochemical samples. The program also included preliminary field work and logistical planning to support an anticipated upcoming Phase 2 exploration program, for which preparations are now underway. The samples will be submitted to ALS Geochemistry in Reno, Nevada for A complete suite of traditional and strategic metals and indicator elements.
“Completing Phase 1 at War Bond is an important first step for Vault as we begin applying modern exploration methods to a historical tungsten district in Nevada,” said Quinn Field-Dyte, Chief Executive Officer of Vault Strategic Mining Corp. “The initial reconnaissance and sampling program, consisting of 42 rock and geochemical samples and field examination across the War Bond, Tactite and Thursday historical tungsten mine areas, has provided the Company with valuable field-level information as we work to verify and consolidate historical data. With Phase 1 now complete, preparations are underway for a Phase 2 exploration program, which is expected to build on these results through continued field validation, refined target assessment and disciplined advancement toward drill target generation.”
Maiden Exploration Program
The proposed field program, which the Company is fully funded to execute on, will focus on modern geological evaluation of the historical War Bond tungsten system. The proposed scope includes:
- Detailed mapping where outcropping of the intrusive-carbonate contact and skarn zoning, including garnet, epidote, and scheelite-bearing zones;
- Surface verification of historical zones, including accessible pits, workings and mine dumps and soil sampling;
- Channel sampling across tactite and adjacent structures with soil traverses across intriguing prospects hidden under pediment and soil-covered zones with appropriate QA/QC procedures;
- Portable ultraviolet work to evaluate scheelite distribution and as test in soils;
- Structural measurements to help constrain mineralized controls, plunge, and potential extensions; and
- Development of high priority drill targets, including coordinates, sections, and conceptual collar locations.
Historical War Bond Tungsten Mine
Figure 2. Lidar Survey at War Bond Historical Tungsten Mine
The War Bond claim package consists of 20 unpatented lode mining claims, covering approximately 400 acres, located in Delaware Mining District of western Nevada. The land package includes the historical War Bond Tungsten Mine, the Tactite and Thursday historical tungsten workings and historical tungsten mine area.
The War Bond Tungsten Project includes the historical War Bond, Tactite and Thursday tungsten mine areas in western Nevada. Available online historical records appear to treat War Bond, Tactite, Thursday, Old Discovery and Knight Claims as related or overlapping property names within the same broader tungsten occurrence area rather than as fully separate modern projects. Western Mining History's MRDS-derived War Bond Mine record identifies War Bond Mine as a tungsten mine in Douglas County, Nevada, and lists Tactite and Thursday, Old Discovery and Knight Claims as secondary names.[ii]
A separate MRDS-derived War Bond Tungsten Mine record identifies Tactite & Thursday, Old Discovery Claim, Knight Claims, Tungsten Valley Claim, Yellow Problem Claim and Margret Claim as related secondary names. That record also identifies Carson Tungsten Co. as owner, with an information year of 1952, and lists the operation category as past producer.[iii]
Historical descriptions indicate that tungsten mineralization in the area is associated with scheelite-bearing tactite or skarn developed near granite-limestone contacts. The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology publication Mineral Resources of Douglas, Ormsby, and Washoe Counties describes the Tactite Thursday claim as located about 15 miles southeast of Carson City in Section 9, T. 14 N., R. 21 E., and states that scheelite occurs in a small tactite area near a granite-limestone contact.[iv]
Figure 3. Likely tungsten-related skarn or tactite-style mineralization observed at War Bond
The MRDS-derived Tactite Thursday record describes the occurrence as a W skarn with scheelite as mineral and epidote, garnet, quartz and calcite as gangue minerals. The same record reports two principal mineralized areas, including a west zone with scheelite in narrow widths up to 0.3% WO3 and an east zone where scheelite is reported in small shoots with values ranging from 0.25% to 0.45% WO3 over widths of 4 to 8 feet.[v]
Historical assay and laboratory records in the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Digital Library file titled Preliminary Examination of Tactite and Thursday Group include selected and dump sample results from 1942 and 1943. The file reports a selected sample from the upper location hole on Tactite Claim No. 1 at 14.40% WO3, two additional 1942 samples reporting 0.8% WO3 and 0.9% WO3, and a 1943 University of Nevada State Analytical Mining Laboratory report describing metamorphosed rock with garnet and traces of scheelite reporting tungsten trioxide of 0.35%.[vi]
Historical production-related references are limited but relevant for exploration context. The War Bond Mine MRDS-derived record lists production for 1953, a time period of 1952 to 1953, and a reported grade description of approximately 0.3% to 0.45% WO3. The Tactite Thursday MRDS-derived record further states that a 250-ton test lot of material averaging 0.3% WO3 was mined from the Old Discovery East Pit.[vii]
Based on these historical records, the project represents a historically explored tungsten skarn system with documented scheelite-bearing tactite mineralization, historical surface workings, historical sampling and limited historical mining or test-lot production.
Historical Information and Exploration Context
The mineral properties comprising the Company’s portfolio have been the subject of extensive historical exploration, development work, and, in several cases, past production. The historical exploration results, sampling, drilling and other technical information referenced herein were completed prior to the adoption of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and do not comply with current NI 43-101 requirements. As a result, such historical information should not be relied upon. While this historical information is non-compliant, it is considered highly relevant for exploration targeting, geological interpretation, and the design of modern exploration and evaluation programs.
Management believes that the existence of extensive historical work and past production creates a compelling foundation for modern exploration, particularly when reassessed using contemporary geological models, exploration technologies, metallurgical processes, and prevailing commodity prices. However, readers are cautioned that historical results, resources, or economic conclusions cannot be verified or confirmed at this time.
In order to define current mineral resources, assess metallurgy, and evaluate economic viability, the Company will be required to complete confirmation drilling, modern metallurgical studies, updated technical evaluations, and NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimates and feasibility or economic studies. There is no assurance that historical results will be confirmed or that any project will advance to economic viability.
About Vault Strategic Mining Corp.
Vault Strategic Mining Corp. is a North American resource company focused on the acquisition and advancement of strategic and critical mineral projects located in top-tier mining jurisdictions. The Company emphasizes historical and underexplored assets with potential for value creation through modern exploration and disciplined development. Investors and Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the company on its Linkedin, X.com and subscribe for updates at https://vaultstrategic.com/.
Vault Strategic Mining Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: KNOX), OTC Markets (OTCID: KNXFF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: M850).
Data Verification
Historical information referenced in this release has been reviewed against available reports; however, such data cannot be independently verified to current NI 43-101 standards and quality control procedures and are therefore considered supportive for exploration guidance only. The Company cautions that past results or production from properties in proximity to The Company may not necessarily be indicative of mineralization on the Company’s properties.
Qualified Person
Mr. William Feyerabend, CPG, an independent Consulting Geologist and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the disclosure in this news release for consistency with NI 43-101 reporting requirements.
On behalf of the Board:
Vault Strategic Mining Corp.
"Quinn Field-Dyte"
Chief Executive Officer & Director
Tel: 604.343.4338 | Email: info@vaultstrategic.com
ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "1933 ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT.
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Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws concerning Vault Strategic Mining Corp. (“Vault” or the “Company”) and the War Bond Tungsten Project. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s Phase 2 exploration planning at the War Bond Tungsten Project; the submission of samples for laboratory analysis; the timing and receipt of analytical results; the interpretation of Phase 1 reconnaissance and sampling work; potential future field validation, mapping, sampling, target refinement and drill target generation; the Company’s ability to complete additional exploration work; and the Company’s future plans, objectives and expectations. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “proposes”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will”, “potential”, “target”, “advance”, “prepare” and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on the current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections of management as of the date of this news release. Such 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 the forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks inherent in mineral exploration and development; uncertainty regarding the interpretation of exploration results; delays in receiving laboratory results; the possibility that future exploration may not confirm historical information, identify mineralization or generate drill targets; changes in exploration plans or budgets; the availability of personnel, contractors and equipment; permitting and regulatory risks; commodity price volatility; market conditions; financing risks; title and property risks; environmental risks; general economic conditions; and other risks associated with the resource industry. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such assumptions or expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
[i] Fraser Institute, "Annual Survey of Mining Companies, 2025," February 26, 2026, accessed May 22, 2026, https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/annual-survey-mining-companies-2025. The Fraser Institute national news release states that Nevada was the top-ranked jurisdiction worldwide for mining investment in the 2025 survey.
[ii] Western Mining History, "War Bond Mine," MRDS-derived record, accessed May 11, 2026, https://westernmininghistory.com/mine-detail/10014364/. The record identifies War Bond Mine as a tungsten mine in Douglas County, Nevada and lists Tactite and Thursday, Old Discovery and Knight Claims as secondary names.
[iii] Western Mining History, "War Bond Tungsten Mine," MRDS-derived record, accessed May 11, 2026, https://westernmininghistory.com/mine-detail/10149480/. The record lists Tactite & Thursday, Old Discovery Claim, Knight Claims, Tungsten Valley Claim, Yellow Problem Claim and Margret Claim as secondary names, identifies Carson Tungsten Co. as owner with an information year of 1952, and lists the operation category as past producer.
[iv] T.D. Overton, "Mineral Resources of Douglas, Ormsby, and Washoe Counties," Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Bulletin 46 / University of Nevada Bulletin, v. 41, no. 9, 1947, p. 42, accessed May 11, 2026, https://epubs.nsla.nv.gov/statepubs/epubs/196337.pdf. The publication describes the Tactite Thursday claim location and notes scheelite in a small tactite area near a granite-limestone contact.
[v] Western Mining History, "Tactite Thursday," MRDS-derived record, accessed May 11, 2026, https://westernmininghistory.com/mine-detail/10043777/. The record identifies the deposit model as W skarn, lists scheelite as material mineral, and includes historical comments on mineralized zones and reported WO3 values.
[vi] Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Digital Library, "Preliminary Examination of Tactite and Thursday Group," Mining District Files, ID 13900011, Smith, R.M., 1943, Carson City, Delaware Mining District, Thursday Group, property report and assay report, accessed May 11, 2026, https://collections.nbmg.unr.edu/pages/view.php?ref=7433. The uploaded Tactite Thursday PDF contains the same historical laboratory pages reporting 1942 and 1943 sample values.
[vii] Western Mining History, "War Bond Mine," MRDS-derived record, accessed May 11, 2026, https://westernmininghistory.com/mine-detail/10014364/; Western Mining History, "Tactite Thursday," MRDS-derived record, accessed May 11, 2026, https://westernmininghistory.com/mine-detail/10043777/. The War Bond Mine record lists production year 1953, time period 1952 to 1953 and a grade description of 0.3% to 0.45% WO3. The Tactite Thursday record states that a 250-ton test lot averaging 0.3% WO3 was mined from the Old Discovery East Pit.