SAGA Metals Commences 2026 MRE Drill Program at Radar Critical Minerals Project in Labrador VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAGA Metals Corp. ("SAGA" or the "Company") (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discoveries, is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2026 phase of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) drill program at the Trapper Zone within the 100%-owned Radar Titanium-Vanadium-Iron Project in Labrador, Canada. Drilling has resumed following the successful return of the Saga technical team and Gladiator Drilling crew to the project site near Cartwright. This next phase of drilling will focus on expanding and confirming the extensive oxide zones identified in prior drilling. The first hole, R-0016, has commenced on Section S8. Following completion, the rig will move to Section S4 (the southernmost section) and systematically progress northward along the eastern limb of the Trapper South anomaly. The initial 10 of 30 drill holes planned for Trapper South will be executed as follows: R-0016 to R-0020: Testing the Eastern anomaly, expected to correlate with and expand on results from R-0012 and R-0013.R-0021 to R-0025: Shifting to the southern portion of the Western anomaly (starting at S4) and moving northward along the western limb. These holes are anticipated to be completed within approximately five weeks, after which drilling will transition to the central portion of Trapper South. Figure 1: Cross-section S8 looking northwest outlining drill hole R-0016 in-progress with the next planned hole along section. All holes are designed with a -45° dip and 38° N-NE azimuth to target a prospective zone of rhythmic banding (oxide layering) expected to range from 125 to 200 meters in width. This phase builds on intercepts drilled in Q4 2025 that demonstrated consistent high-grade titanium-vanadium-iron mineralization, including significant oxide concentrations across multiple zones. Figure 2: Trapper Zone map outlining location of the initial 2026 focus for remainder of the MRE drill program to be completed in 2026 updated with cross-section S8, showing the TMI of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey. Drilling will commence in Trapper South and move to Trapper North. Figure 3: Drill core from hole R-0016 with magnet pen standing straight up highlighting the high degree of magnetism from the oxide rich core. “This resumption of drilling marks a critical step forward in our Mineral Resource Estimate program at Trapper,” said Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of Saga Metals. “Technical teams returned last week and were diligent in completing a full assay core review of all returned sampling; correlating anomalies to observed lithology and structures and prepping trails and drill pads. Gladiator Drilling arrived on site shortly thereafter and made quick work of the set up on the Eastern anomaly of Trapper South where drilling has commenced. With strong continuity already observed, we are methodically drilling toward a maiden mineral resource and aiming to unlock the district-scale potential of Radar.” Figure 4: Gladiator Drilling’s drill shack and 25-tonne excavator located on cross-section S8 commenced drilling hole R-0016 in Trapper South. Figure 5: Inside Gladiator Drilling’s drill shack located on cross-section S8 commenced drilling hole R-0016 in Trapper South. Key Project Highlights: Confirmed mineralization in 15 out of 15 drill holes completed in two primary zones to-date.Analytical results to-date include numerous oxide-rich intercepts, including: R-0010: 135.50 m grading 50.03% Fe₂O₃, 7.87% TiO₂, and 0.352% V₂O₅.R-0011: 95.15 m grading 39.49% Fe₂O₃, 6.49% TiO₂, and 0.220% V₂O₅.R-0009: 87.20 m grading 50.67% Fe₂O₃, 10.15% TiO₂, 0.339% V₂O₅R-0008: 67.60 m grading 46.15% Fe₂O₃, 9.21% TiO₂, 0.311% V₂O₅R-0007: 57.70 m grading 27.09% Fe₂O₃, 5.31% TiO₂, 0.365% V₂O₅ Infrastructure including road access, deep-water port, nearby hydro-electric power and airstrip.Confirmed the 16+ km oxide layering trend that stretches from the Hawkeye Zone to the Trapper Zone.Exceptional grades and thicknesses with semi-massive to massive oxide reporting up to 55% Fe,13.3% TiO2, and 0.66% V2O5.Petrographic analysis confirms titanomagnetite mineralization advantageous for simplified metallurgical processing. About the Radar Critical Mineral Property in Labrador The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the entire Dykes River intrusive complex (~160 km²), a unique position among Western explorers. Geological mapping, geophysics, and trenching have already confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, with mineralization open for expansion. Figure 6: Radar Property map, depicting magnetic anomalies, oxide layering and the site of the 2025 drill programs. The Property is well serviced by road access and is conveniently located near the town of Cartwright, Labrador. A compilation of histo