Announcement PDF 24 September 2026 MULTIPLE NEW DRILL-READY GOLD TARGETS IDENTIFIED AT NIELLE Review of +US$3M historical dataset uncovers previously unreported gold intercepts including 8m @ 3.65g/t Au from surface. Independent Exploration Target underway over the ~1km RC- drilled zone with maiden drill program planned in anticipation of the Nielle permit grant. HIGHLIGHTS ▪ Six gold targets have been defined and ranked across the ~212km² Nielle permit area. Only ~1km of the 4.5km mineralised trend has been tested by RC drilling. ▪ Mineralisation within the RC-drilled zone remains open at depth and along strike. Numerous zones along the broader trend have yet to be drill tested. ▪ Review of the historical database has identified previously unreported gold intercepts including 2m @ 2.75g/t Au from 14m and 8m @ 1.52g/t Au from 58m in RC drilling, and 8m @ 3.65g/t Au from surface (incl. 3m @ 9.29g/t Au) in air core drilling. ▪ Independent Exploration Target initiated over the ~1km RC-drilled zone at Target 1. The work is led by Ann Ledwidge of Ledex, a West African orogenic gold specialist credited with five gold discoveries and over 3.5Moz of defined resources. ▪ Target 2 has emerged as the first greenfields priority, with positive auger geochemistry and no drill testing to date. Castle is designing a maiden air core program to test it. ▪ Review of Nielle dataset incorporated 40 RC drill holes (4,498m), 12,096m of air core drilling comprising over 362 AC drill holes, concurrent with the integration of satellite remote sensing, regional geophysics and surface geochemistry to define and prioritise gold exploration targets. ▪ Castle is engaging with various contractors active in Côte d'Ivoire regarding drill rig availability in readiness for commencing field activities at Nielle, pending the formal grant of the permit. Steve Zaninovich, Managing Director of Castle, commented: “ The historical dataset at Nielle has given us a substantial head start. Previous owners spent more than US$3 million on the project, and historical RC drilling has demonstrated strong gold mineralisation along approximately 1km of the 4.5km mineralised trend, including results of 5m at 15.42g/t Au from 7m, 13m at 5.07g/t Au from 12m and 26m at 1.95g/t Au from 32m. Importantly, this mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike, while significant sections of the broader mineralised trend remain untested. “ Our review has also uncovered previously unreported RC results, including 2m @ 2.75g/t Au from 14m and 8m @ 1.52g/t Au from 58m, together with shallow AC results including 8m at 3.65g/t from surface. These results provide additional evidence of mineralisation continuity and helped us to identify six target areas across the Nielle permit. “ We have initiated an independent Exploration Target over the main RC-drilled zone at Target 1, which will provide an important framework for assessing the scale and potential of the mineralised system. At the same time, we are progressing the design of Castle’s maiden drilling program, including a maiden AC program at Target 2, and are engaging with drill contractors so we can move quickly following grant of the Nielle permit.” Castle Minerals Limited (ASX: CDT) (“Castle” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that it has completed its review of the historical exploration dataset from the Nielle Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire (“Nielle”). Numerous new drill targets and exploration prospects have been generated from the review and will form part of an exploration program designed to expand existing mineralisation, and test extensions of mineralisation across prospective areas along the 4.5km mineralised trend at Nielle once the permit has been granted. Review of the historical exploration database has revealed additional gold bearing RC drill intercepts not previously announced, including 1 : • 2m @ 2.75g/t Au from 14m [NLRC009] • 8m @ 1.52g/t Au from 58m [NLRC011] • 4m @ 1.50g/t Au from 60m [NLRC015] • 4m @ 2.22g/t Au from 62m [NLRC024]. Historical intercepts previously announced by the Company in its ASX announcement dated 19 May 2026, titled "Castle Acquires Highly Prospective Nielle Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire", include1 : • 5m @ 15.42g/t Au from 7m (incl. 2m @ 31.54g/t Au from 8m) [NLRC032] • 13m @ 5.07g/t Au from 12m (incl. 3m @ 16.33g/t Au from 13m) [NLRC035] • 26m @ 1.95g/t Au from 32m (incl. 4m @ 5.51g/t Au from 42m) [NLRC012] • 16m @ 1.96g/t Au from 48m and 10m @ 3.62g/t Au from 86m (incl. 2m @ 13.88g/t Au from 88m) [NLRC014] • 26m @ 1.79g/t Au from 108m (incl. 2m @ 6.07g/t Au from 110m) [NLRC018] • 14m @ 1.73g/t Au from 26m [NLRC008] • 12m @ 3.14g/t Au from 21m (incl. 2m @ 10.79g/t Au from 27m) and 8m @ 3.45g/t Au from 108m [NLRC038] • 9m @ 4.22 g/t from 86m (incl. 2m @ 16.88g/t from 88m) [NLRC029] • 8m @ 4.26g/t Au from 8m (incl. 2m @ 11.63g/t Au from 10m) [NLRC006] • 2m @ 10.05g/t Au from 14m [NLRC001] • 6m @ 3.92g/t Au from surface [NLRC002] • 10m @ 2.00g/t Au from 26m and 20m @ 0.83g/t Au from 82m [NLRC004] • 12m @ 1.46g/t Au from 46m (incl. 2m @ 5.12g/t Au from 56m) [NLRC005] • 4m @ 3.11g/t Au from 50m (incl. 2m @ 5.23g/t from 50m) [NLRC013] • 10m @ 1.03g/t Au from 42m and 12m @ 1.54g/t Au from 60m [NLRC017] • 24m @ 1.21g/t Au from 34m (incl. 2m @ 5.28g/t Au from 48m) and 4m @ 1.67g/t Au from 60m [NLRC022] • 3m @ 3.29g/t Au from 56m (incl. 1m @ 14.93g/t Au from 82m [NLRC037] • 3m @ 4.83g/t Au from 64m (incl. 1m @ 13.34g/t Au from 65m [NLRC040] 1 Please refer to JORC Table 1 – Section 1 and 2. The historical exploration database also included shallow gold bearing air-core (“AC”) drill intercepts not previously announced 1 : • 14m @ 1.25g/t Au from 1m (incl. 2m @ 2.50g/t from 1m and 4m @ 2.47g/t Au from 11m) [NLAC010] • 24m @ 1.02g/t Au from 1m (incl. 2m @ 5.49g/t Au from 12m) [NLAC011] • 13m @ 1.83g/t Au from 16m (incl. 8m @ 2.75g/t Au from 21m) [NLAC088] • 17m @ 1.16g/t Au from surface (incl. 3m @ 4.39g/t Au from 6m) [NLAC047] • 7m @ 1.63g/t Au from 12m (incl. 3m @ 3.44g/t Au from 12m) [NLAC013] • 8m @ 3.65g/t Au from surface (incl. 3m @ 9.29g/t Au from surface) [NLAC028]. The historical exploration dataset materially advances Castle’s understanding of the project and has provided a substantial head start in progressing exploration planning and drill target definition. The dataset comprises information gathered over a five year period (2016 – 2021) comprising an estimated US$3+ million in expenditure and recent work has emphasised the potential for depth extension of the main ~1km of mineralised trend defined by previous reverse circulation (“RC”) drilling (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Historical AC and RC data has been used to generate a long section, highlighting the project prospectivity and mineralised zones within the main 2km section of the total 4.5km trend (Figure 1). The long section demonstrates the potential for depth and strike extensions at Nielle within the zone of RC drilling where the mineralisation is open at depth and along strike, but also shows that numerous zones along strike have yet to be drill tested. Figure 1: Long section across the Nielle Gold Project demonstrating depth and strike potential Figure 2: Historical AC and RC collars within Nielle Target 1 main mineralised zone Outside of this main zone of historical RC drilling, the sitewide air-core (“AC”) and auger drilling data, together with the integration of satellite remote sensing, regional geophysics and surface geochemistry, has aided in defining and prioritising gold exploration targets and highlighted numerous potential targets across the Nielle permit area. The target areas have been ranked and prioritised based on the historical dataset, indicating an additional five target areas outside the Target 1 zone comprising the historical RC drilling (Figure 3). Targets 1, 2 and 3 in Figure 3 align to the main 4.5km mineralised trend, partly as depicted in the Figure 1 long section. These are the higher priority areas for Castle’s exploration targeting strategy. Targets 4, 5 and 6 have emerged in areas where there is limited to no auger sampling, and outside of the AC and RC drilling zones. These targets although lower in priority will form part of a reconnaissance exploration program in due course which will include magnetic airborne surveys at a tighter grid spacing to allow improved interpretation of magnetic data along with complementary radiometric data to refine structural targets, and soil sampling based on that additional data. Figure 3: Exploration target areas within the 212 sqkm Nielle Project permit area Nielle History The Nielle permit lies within a regionally prospective West African gold province characterized by Birimian greenstone belts, structural corridors, intrusive contacts and hydrothermal alteration systems. Gold mineralisation reported at Nielle is interpreted to be consistent with structurally controlled orogenic gold systems, where mineralisation is commonly associated with shear zones, mafic intrusives, quartz-carbonate veining, sulphide development and zones of alteration. Nielle encompasses ~212km2 of prospective tenure under application in Côte d'Ivoire. Nielle is located in Birimian terrane in the Senoufo greenstone belt, a globally significant geological province that hosts many of West Africa’s major gold deposits, including the proximal operating gold mines at Tongon (5.0Moz), Sissingué (1.5Moz), Wahgnion (3.2Moz) and Syama (11.5Moz) (Figure 4). Figure 4: Nielle Project Location, regional operating gold mines and Castle existing permit areas The nearby Tongon Gold Mine located ~50km to the south of Nielle, has been in continuous operation since 2010 and produced an average of 250,000 Au oz/pa over its first decade at a head grade of 2.20 g/t Au. Previously owned and operated by Barrick, Tongon was acquired by the Atlantic Group in 2025 for US$305 million, underscoring the strategic value of established gold assets within the region. Historical modern exploration activities commenced at Nielle in 2015 following the commencement of exploration programs by previous permit holders and joint venture partners. Exploration activities completed over the project area included geological mapping, geochemical sampling, air core drilling and reverse circulation drilling programs designed to test multiple gold targets across the concession. Castle’s review of the historical dataset has confirmed multiple zones of gold mineralisation associated with alteration, sulphide mineralisation and quartz-carbonate veining within a prospective Birimian greenstone belt setting. Castle considers the historical work completed to date to be indicative of a potentially significant gold system warranting further systematic exploration. Further details regarding the historical exploration results were disclosed in Castle's ASX announcement dated 19 May 2026, titled "Castle Acquires Highly Prospective Nielle Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire". Target Generation Methodology The historical dataset received by Castle for the Nielle project provides abundant technical information which has materially advanced Castle’s understanding of the project and enabled exploration target definition. The targeting workflow adopted is based on integrating geological, geochemical, geophysical, and drilling datasets within a geographic information system (“GIS”) environment. Each dataset is validated, standardized, and interpreted both independently and in combination with each of the other datasets. This provides for target areas to be ranked according to the level of coincidence between favourable structural settings, alteration response, geochemical anomalism and drill data. The integrated target generation method adopted in order to define exploration targets at Nielle is summarised below: 1. Compile and validate all available spatial, assay, geological and drilling data. 2. Generate overlain thematic layers for ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) alteration, magnetic structures, soil anomalies, auger anomalies, AC intercepts and RC drilling results. 3. Interpret major structural corridors and potential mineralized trends from airborne magnetics and drilling geology. 4. Assess geochemical continuity using soil and auger datasets, with attention to regolith and sample media. 5. Compare shallow air core anomalism with deeper RC mineralization to identify plunge, strike and depth potential. 6. Rank targets using a weighted matrix based on data coincidence, anomaly strength, strike continuity and drill readiness. The assessment has revealed five targets within the Nielle permit area in addition to the primary target defined by the historical RC drilling (Target 1), as outlined in Figure 2 above in priority order from Target 1 to Target 6. Exploration Dataset Assessment ASTER Satellite Data ASTER multispectral satellite data was used to identify alteration patterns and surface mineralogical responses that may be associated with hydrothermal systems. At Nielle, ASTER interpretation focussed on mapping iron oxide responses, clay alteration, silica-rich zones and potential lithological contrasts. These features help identify structural corridors, weathered alteration halos, and prospective zones for field checking and geochemical follow-up. The data set was obtained in 15m and 30m resolution which was resampled to 30m resolution across all bands. Signatures for prospective areas were taken from the Wahgnion Mine, approximately 30km to the east- northeast of Nielle, and used as a comparative search tool within the ASTER data set. Spectral signatures were used to delineate areas within the permit of similar spectrographic behaviour. Airborne Magnetic Data Regional airborne magnetic data provides an important framework for interpreting lithological boundaries, structures, folding, faults, shear zones and intrusive bodies concealed beneath transported cover or lateritic profiles. Magnetic lineaments and breaks in magnetic trends can be compared with known gold anomalism and drilling results to identify structural controls on mineralization and possible extensions to the known mineralized corridor. The Nielle magnetic data resolution is quite coarse at 250m x 250m. The data was up-sampled to 150m x 150m resolution and the result of this still coarse resolution is that only large +500m lithologies and structures can be identified (shear zones rather than fault lines). It was therefore concluded that obtaining high resolution airborne magnetic data is a priority for Castle, which would then permit the identification of fault scale structures and thus provide additional confidence in defining drill test targets within the broader permit areas. However, targeting of the permit area based on the coarse magnetic data available presently has resulted in identifying zones of interest. Soil Sampling Assays Soil sampling assays have been used at Nielle to define surface geochemical anomalies and assess the distribution of gold across the permit area. The historical data set consists of sampling grids ranging in scale. A total of 576 soil samples were taken across the permit area by previous owners. Line spacing varied from 250m x 100m, up to 1000m x 1000m. Target priority is directly related to data density and tighter soil and rock chip sampling in progressively tighter grid spacings across targets 3-6 would greatly reduce the target sizes, and provide vector data required for drill targeting. Auger Drilling Auger drilling is used to sample below the immediate surface horizon and reduce the effects of surficial contamination or transported material. At Nielle, auger assay data completed to date has provided an interpretation of near-surface geochemical data useful for identifying bedrock-related geochemical trends beneath lateritic cover and for refining targets ahead of followup AC/RC drilling (Figure 5). A total of 716 auger holes has been drilled at Nielle by previous owners, for a total of 4,914m and 7m average depth. For reasons unknown, a change of analysis/sampling method by previous explorers has been adopted for 174 of the 716 total holes which are generally drilled across Targets 2, 3 and 4. The Company contends that the fire assay method used for these 174 samples is not an appropriate analytical tool for geochemical level analysis and should not have been used for these auger holes. The change of analysis/sampling method for these historical holes has yielded results in which the majority fall below the detection limit for gold (0.01ppm) and are insufficient to provide path finder results. It would not be correct to conclude that the auger drill program itself yielded poor results, but rather that the results that were close to the detection limit were excluded by the method used. The fire assay method used (FA/AAS finish LOD 0.01-100ppm) is a less reliable method for soil sampling programs and is better suited to hard rock drilling where the objective is to identify resource grade gold intercepts rather than targeting. The exploration team is investigating whether pulps or original samples are available for these 174 holes, in an effort to repeat the analysis utilising a (FA/ICPMS Finish LOD 0.005-10ppm) which would provide appropriate detection and correlate with previous Auger assays which were carried out using the pre-mentioned method. At Target 1, where historic RC drilling delineated the main ~1km of mineralised trend, the initial auger and followup AC drilling provided the basis for those successful RC drill programs. It is therefore very encouraging that there are positive auger results at Targets 2 and 3 that would benefit from low-cost drilling programs as part of Castle’s ongoing exploration program outside of Target 1. Figure 5: Auger sampling data at Nielle highlighting prospectivity across the permit area Air-Core Drilling Historic AC drilling has been conducted at Nielle to provide shallow, cost-effective subsurface testing of geochemical and geophysical targets. Historical information reported for Nielle includes 362 AC holes for a totalof12,096m of drilling, an average depth of ~33m, predominantly focussed at the Target 1 zone. The AC dataset provides confidence in the continuity of gold anomalism beneath surface geochemical responses and has assisted in defining saprolite-hosted mineralized trends, which in turn have delineated those zones where followup RC drilling was historically conducted across the main ~1km of mineralised trend at Target 1. Castle is working on defining an AC program to test Target 2 as its next AC drilling priority based on the targeting work outside of the main ~1km of mineralised trend at Target 1. The historic exploration and recent targeting work completed by Castle, coupled with the historic auger drilling at Target 2, provides a highly prospective zone with potential to contain an additional greenfields discovery at Nielle. RC and DD Drilling The historical Nielle dataset of RC drilling includes 40 holes for a total of approximately 4,420m, an average depth of 110m. There has been no diamond drilling (“DD”) at the project. Reported historical RC intercepts demonstrate the presence of shallow high-grade gold mineralisation and broader mineralised intervals, supporting systematic follow-up along strike and at depth. Castle has started formulating its first drill program which will likely be in the range of 2,500 to 3,000m including DD to test the potential expansion of the mineralised trend at Target 1. The modelling of mineralised zones and showing their continuity will be required to formulate a Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”). DD holes will provide data critical to determining structural characteristics, veining, including orientation of veins, alteration and sulphide content. The data review has revealed some inconsistencies with the lithology codes and identification procedures used for logging of lithologies. Multiple drilling campaigns were carried out by different exploration teams throughout the exploration history at Nielle and may have introduced these inconsistencies. To remedy the lithological identification and logging, Castle has engaged an Independent Expert to review and re-log the existing drill chip samples. This will achieve a consistent lithological data set, a stronger geological model and provide a clear and usable lithological coding structure going forward. Exploration Target As defined in the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves JORC Code (2012), an Exploration Target is a “statement or estimate of the exploration potential of a mineral deposit in a defined geological setting where the statement or estimate, quoted as a range of tonnes and a range of grade (or quality), relates to mineralisation for which there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource”. Castle has engaged Ann Ledwidge of Ledex Pty Ltd (Ledex) to assist in the preparation of an Exploration Target across the main mineralised trend at Nielle, as defined in the JORC Code (2012). This will provide an assessment of the potential for a range of tonnage and grades present across the historically defined mineralised trend at Nielle, based on the available early-stage exploration results. Ann Ledwidge, a Principal Consultant at Ledex, has been working almost exclusively in orogenic gold in West Africa since 2010. She led the teams responsible for the discovery of five gold deposits and her technical expertise has resulted in defining over 3.5 million ounces in gold resources in three of those deposits. Ann is a Competent Person under the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves ('the JORC Code') and has acted in that capacity for ASX listed companies for the reporting of exploration results. Ann is also a member of the executive of the JORC committee. Forward Work Plan Work programs currently being addressed include: • Complete the validation of historical collar, survey, assay, lithology, and QA/QC records. • Prepare an Exploration Target in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) across the main mineralised trend at Nielle (Target 1). • After granting of the Nielle exploration permit, implement in-fill and deeper RC/DD drilling to expand the known mineralisation, and diamond core drilling to support structural interpretation of the controls associated with mineralisation across Target 1. • Establish a reconnaissance maiden drill program at Target 2. • Acquire higher resolution airborne magnetic surveys and interpret magnetic data along with complementary radiometric data to refine structural targets. • Tighten the coarse soil sampling grid over the specified target areas. • Undertake field validation of priority targets prior to drilling. The combination of extensive historical exploration and demonstrated high-grade gold mineralisation, a large prospective landholding and excellent regional geological setting provides a compelling platform from which Castle can pursue MRE definition. Castle continues to work closely with the project vendor, Golden Arrow SARL, regarding completion of the remaining conditions precedent associated with grant of the Nielle permit, as outlined in the Company's announcement dated 19 May 2026. - END - This announcement was authorised for release to the ASX by the Board of Castle Minerals Limited. For further information please contact: Steve Zaninovich Managing Director enquiries@castleminerals.com About Castle Minerals Castle Minerals Limited (ASX: CDT) is a West African–focused gold explorer with tenure positions in Côte d'Ivoire and Western Australia, two of the world's premier gold-producing regions. The Company has proposed changing its name to Terranova Metals, subject to shareholder approval. In Côte d'Ivoire, Castle is contracted to earn interests in eight permits (one granted, seven under application), including the flagship Nielle Gold Project in the north. The remaining "CDI East" permits sit along the Côte d'Ivoire–Ghana border. All are located on fertile Birimian greenstone belts that host numerous multimillion- ounce gold deposits across West Africa. Figure 6: Castle Minerals tenement package in Côte d'Ivoire In Western Australia, Castle holds a dominant, contiguous ~184km² landholding in the Murchison Gold District, a proven province hosting multiple operating and past-producing mines. Its Meeka South Gold Project carries a clear infrastructure advantage, sitting close to the Bluebird Gold Processing Mill (Westgold) and Meeka Metals' Murchison Gold Project, with geology comparable to established regional producers. Figure 7: Castle Minerals Meeka South tenement package in Western Australia Competent Person Statement The information in this announcement that relates to historical mineral exploration at the Nielle permit, over which Castle has a binding agreement to acquire a 90% interest, is based on work reviewed and compiled by Mr George Michaelides, a Competent Person and Member of the Geological Society of South Africa. Mr Michaelides confirms that the information in this announcement is an accurate representation of the available data and studies. Mr Michaelides has been contracted to the Company and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr Michaelides consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the information in the form and context in which it appears. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information of data that materially affects the information included in this announcement, and confirms all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the results in this announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Cautionary Statement All of Castle’s projects in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Australia are at various stages of exploration, with a number of projects considered to be grassroots or at a relatively early stage of exploration. There has been insufficient exploration to define a Mineral Resource in accordance with the JORC Code (2012). The information presented in this announcement is based on exploration results and interpretations available to date. Further exploration and evaluation may alter the interpretation of the geological information and the prospectivity of the areas identified. It is possible that, following further evaluation and/or exploration work, the geological interpretation or prospectivity of areas identified may change. There is no guarantee that further exploration will result in the identification of a Mineral Resource or that any mineralisation identified will ultimately prove to be economically viable. Forward Looking Statement Statements regarding Castle’s exploration programmes, plans, forecasts, objectives and the potential prospectivity of its mineral properties are forward looking statements. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. There can be no assurance that Castle’s exploration programmes or plans will proceed as anticipated, that Castle will be able to confirm the presence of Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves, or that any mineralisation identified will prove to be economically viable or capable of being developed into a mine. The performance of Castle may be influenced by factors outside the control of the Company, its directors, staff or contractors. APPENDIX — JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION Table 1: Nielle Gold Project, Côte d’Ivoire The Nielle Gold Project (“Nielle” or “the Project”) is located approximately 50km north of the Tongon gold mine in the Senóufo greenstone belt, northern Côte d’Ivoire. Castle Minerals has executed a binding agreement to acquire a 90% interest in the Project from Golden Arrow SARL. This table reports historical Exploration Results only, generated by prior explorers between 2017 and 2021 and compiled by Castle Minerals from the project database acquired. No Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve has been estimated for the Project, and Sections 3 and 4 of JORC Table 1 (Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources / Ore Reserves) are therefore not applicable and have been omitted. Summary of historical drilling and sampling Programme Period Holes Metres Sample method Nominal interval Assay method Regional auger soil geochemistry 2017–2018 716 n/a (shallow) Auger (hand) ~1m Aqua regia – ICP-MS ARST-ICPMS FA-AAS 50g fire assay – AAS Air core (AC) drilling 2018 & 2021 352 ~12,096 Cyclone scoop/riffle split 4m (locally 1–3m) 50g fire assay – AAS FA– AAS RC drilling 2018 & 2021 40 ~4,498 Cyclone riffle split 2m (1m re-split 2021) 50g fire assay – AAS/gravimetric FA– AAS Trench (channel) n/d 1 141 Continuous channel n/d Fire assay – AAS Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data (Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.) SECTION 1: SAMPLING TECHNIQUES AND DATA Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (cut channels, random chips, etc.) and measures taken to ensure the sample is representative, including specialised/industry standard measurement tools. • The historical database comprises four sample types: regional auger soil geochemistry (716 holes), air core (AC) percussion drilling (362 holes, ~12,096m), reverse circulation (RC) drilling (40 holes, ~4,498m) and one trench (NLTR001, 141m, continuous channel sampling). • Auger samples were collected directly from the auger flights for two 1m intervals, the first just below the disturbed soil layer and the second at the bottom of the hole (Sample_Method = AUGER, Sample_Category BOT/BOH – base of transition/base of hole), with field weights between 0.5–3.2kg. • AC samples were colle