Awalé Launches 15,000-Metre Drill Program Targeting New Discoveries on 100%-Owned PermitsHIGHLIGHTS15,000 metres of discovery drilling underway on 100%-owned permits.$8 million exploration budget allocated for 2026 on 100%-owned permits, supported by approximately $15 million in treasury.Eight drill rigs are currently at Odienné, with one rig exclusive to 100%-owned permits.Detailed aerial magnetic and radiometric surveys completed to support exploration targeting.Four termite sampling teams active across the Sama and Seydou permits.The discoveries made to date are part of a regional-scale mineralized system that has not been fully explored.Dedicated Awalé exploration team focused on 100%-owned permits.Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 16, 2025) - Awalé Resources Limited (TSXV: ARIC) (OTCQX: AWLRF) (FSE: 2F60) ("Awalé" or the "Company") is pleased to provide further details on its fully funded C$8 million exploration program through to December 2026 across its 100%-owned permits at the Odienné Project ("Odienné" or the "Project") in Côte d'Ivoire."Odienné is rapidly advancing toward our first Mineral Resource Estimate through the ongoing 88,000-metre drill program within the joint venture. In parallel, we have also established a dedicated exploration team for our 100%-owned ground that is actively building a robust discovery pipeline that we believe has the potential to contribute to a district-scale camp. The discoveries made to date are part of a regional-scale mineralized system that has not yet been fully explored. The Awalé team has built a strong track record of discovery through an innovative and disciplined approach to exploration, and we are now applying and expanding that same approach across our 100%-owned properties," commented Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awalé Resources.C$8 Million Budget for 2026 on 100%-Owned PermitsWork programs include:Drilling: 15,000 metres of drilling are planned to test target geology generated from geophysics, geochemistry, and surface interpretation.Fremen target: 4,000-metre drill program has commenced and will continue over the more advanced Fremen target within the Sienso permit (see Figure 2).Scout drilling at Sama and Seydou scheduled for early 2026.Aerial geophysics: Detailed aerial magnetic and radiometric surveys at 100-metre line spacing have been completed to support litho-structural interpretation and target generation (see Figure 1).Geochemistry: Termite mound, soil, and stream sediment sampling are underway to locate and identify the "footprints" of mineralization at surface. Over 1,500 samples have been collected to date.Link to All FiguresAbout Awalé's 100%-Owned PermitsAwalé holds three granted permits (Sienso, Sama, and Seydou) and has two additional permits under application, collectively covering approximately 1,550 km2 of highly prospective greenfield exploration ground located along trend from the BBM, Charger, and Empire discoveries.About Awalé ResourcesAwalé is a diligent and systematic mineral exploration company focused on discovering large high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits. Exploration activities are currently underway in the underexplored regions of Côte d'Ivoire, where the Company is exploring the Odienné Copper-Gold Project ("Odienné" or the "Project"), covering 2,346 km2 across seven permits—five granted and two applications. This includes 797 km2 in two permits held under the Awalé-Newmont Joint Venture ("OJV"). Awalé currently manages all exploration activities over the OJV, with funding currently provided by Newmont Ventures Limited ("Newmont") under an Exploration Agreement signed in May 2022.Awalé has discovered four gold, gold-copper, and gold-copper-silver-molybdenum mineralized systems within the OJV and has recently commenced exploration on its 100%-owned properties.The Odienné Project is underexplored and has multiple pipeline prospects with similar geochemical signatures to Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and intrusive-related mineral systems with substantial upside potential. The Company benefits from a skilled and well-seasoned technical team that allows it to continue exploring in a pro-mining jurisdiction that offers significant potential for district-scale discoveries.Qualified PersonThe technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved for release by Andrew Chubb, the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Chubb is the Company's Chief Executive Officer and holds an Economic Geology degree, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), and is a Member of the Society of Economic Geoscientists (SEG). Mr. Chubb has over 25 years of experience in international mineral exploration and mining project evaluation.AWALÉ Resources LimitedOn behalf of the Board of Directors"Andrew Chubb"Chief Executive OfficerFOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Andrew Chubb, CEO(+356) 99139117a.chubb@awaleresources.comArdem Keshishian, VP