Month: September 2026

Award Further Supports Ducommun’s Growing Missile Franchise

COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE: DCO) (“Ducommun” or the “Company”) a global supplier of Engineered Products, Aftermarket and Value-Added Manufacturing Solutions for the aerospace and defense industry, is proud to announce that it has been awarded an agreement from Simmonds Precision Products, Inc. (“Simmonds”) to provide electronic assemblies supporting Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) PAC-3 family of missiles. The award, valued at over $35M, builds upon Ducommun’s existing PAC-3 missile franchise with assemblies being produced at the Company’s world-class engineering and manufacturing performance center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“We are honored to support our Allies and the warfighter and this follow-on award further supports the growth of our defense business as we execute our VISION 2027 Strategy,” said Stephen G. Oswald, chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “We remain focused on flawless execution, delivering for our customers and driving long-term value for shareholders.”

About Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.:

Simmonds, headquartered in Vergennes, Vermont, is a leading global designer and manufacturer of fuel & proximity sensing and structural health monitoring solutions for the aerospace and defense end markets. The Company’s products are highly engineered, proprietary components with significant aftermarket content and a strong presence across major aerospace and defense platforms.

About Ducommun Incorporated

Ducommun Incorporated delivers value-added, innovative manufacturing solutions and products to customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Founded in 1849, the company specializes in two core areas – Electronic Systems and Structural Solutions – to produce complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications. For more information, visit Ducommun.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Ducommun Incorporated, including statements relating to Ducommun’s expectations pertaining to the Company’s ability to execute under agreements with its key customers and its VISION 2027 Strategy, and similar expressions that concern Ducommun’s intentions or beliefs about future occurrences, expectations, or results. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may change over time and may cause actual results to differ materially from those that are expected. It is very difficult to predict the effect of known factors, and Ducommun cannot anticipate all factors that could affect actual results that may be important to an investor. All forward-looking information should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those factors disclosed under “Risk Factors” in Ducommun’s reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and Ducommun does not undertake any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update the forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

CONTACTS:

Suman Mookerji, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, 657.335.3665

• TRUTAKNA, the first and only FDA-approved BAFF and APRIL inhibitor, met all prespecified endpoints, including unprecedented placebo-adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and composite kidney disease progression benefits.
• Favorable safety profile, and generally comparable to placebo.
• Strong commercial launch momentum with over 350 patient start forms generated in the first ten weeks.
• Plan to submit supplemental BLA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for full approval in Q4 2026.

BRISBANE, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERA), a commercial-stage biotechnology company, today announced that TRUTAKNA met all prespecified endpoints of the final efficacy analysis of the ORIGIN 3 trial in adults with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) at risk for disease progression. Topline results from the final analysis set of 428 patients are presented below.

	TRUTAKNA	Placebo	Treatment effect	p-value
Mean eGFR change from baseline at 52 weeks, mL/min/1.73m2	-0.1 (95% CI -1.4, 1.2)	-5.7 (95% CI -7.0, -4.4)	5.6 (95% CI 3.7, 7.5)	<0.0001
Annualized eGFR slope through 104 weeks, mL/min/1.73m2/year	-0.6 (95% CI -1.6, 0.4)	-5.6 (95% CI -6.6, -4.6)	5.0 (95% CI 3.6, 6.5)	<0.0001
Composite kidney disease progression event through 104 weeks, n	11	38	Hazard ratio 0.24 (95% CI 0.12, 0.48) 76% risk reduction	<0.0001
Dialysis ≥30 days, transplant, or death through 104 weeks, n	0	8

These eGFR results align with the KDIGO treatment goal to reduce the rate of kidney function decline to the physiologic rate (<1 mL/min/1.73m²/year).¹ TRUTAKNA also achieved statistically significant reductions in the hierarchically tested endpoints of proteinuria, galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), and hematuria. TRUTAKNA was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile generally comparable to placebo, consistent with previous results from the ORIGIN program.² Rates of overall adverse events and infections or infestations were similar between the TRUTAKNA and placebo groups, and there were no opportunistic infections or clinically relevant hypogammaglobulinemia. Detailed results from the final efficacy analysis will be shared at an upcoming scientific congress.

“The ORIGIN 3 final analysis, demonstrating a significant reduction in risk of composite kidney disease progression, true stabilization of eGFR, and a favorable safety profile through two years, marks a milestone in IgAN treatment,” said Richard Lafayette, M.D., F.A.C.P., Professor of Medicine, Nephrology and Director of the Glomerular Disease Center at Stanford University Medical Center, and a principal investigator for ORIGIN 3. “Prevention of kidney failure or kidney-related death is the ultimate goal. We now have evidence suggesting that TRUTAKNA may help patients avoid dialysis, transplantation, or kidney-related death over the long term.”

“We believe that upstream inhibition of BAFF and APRIL with TRUTAKNA achieves results that reflect the potential for comprehensive disease modification in IgAN. ORIGIN 3 is the first reported Phase 3 IgAN trial to reach alignment with the FDA on an earlier final efficacy analysis, offering patients randomized to placebo an earlier opportunity to transition to open-label TRUTAKNA. The final results support this alignment and we plan to submit the supplemental BLA in the fourth quarter of this year. We look forward to the potential full approval of TRUTAKNA in 2027,” said Marshall Fordyce, M.D., Founder and CEO of Vera Therapeutics. “We reiterate our gratitude to the patients, investigators, employees, and collaborators who have helped us to deliver a transformative therapy to patients in need.”

“We are excited for the upcoming supplemental BLA submission based on the ORIGIN 3 final analysis. Since receiving accelerated approval, we have seen significant interest from the IgAN community. In the first ten weeks, we have generated over 350 patient start forms. We are seeing paid claims and are pleased with initial payer policies. The early momentum of the TRUTAKNA launch is very encouraging,” said Matt Skelton, Chief Commercial Officer of Vera Therapeutics.

About IgAN

IgAN is a serious, progressive, immune-mediated kidney disease and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure worldwide.^3,4 Approximately 2.5 adults per 100,000 worldwide are diagnosed with IgAN each year, most often between 30 and 40 years of age.^5,6 Over time, IgAN can lead to irreversible kidney damage and may ultimately require dialysis or kidney transplantation. At least 50% of patients may progress to kidney failure or death within 10 to 20 years of diagnosis.⁴

About TRUTAKNA (atacicept-vymj)

TRUTAKNA, a B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) inhibitor, is a soluble recombinant fusion protein containing the human transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) receptor that binds to the cytokines BAFF and APRIL.⁷ BAFF and APRIL are key cytokines that activate B cells and drive IgAN pathophysiology. In IgAN, activated B cells produce both the antigen and associated antibodies that result in the production of damaging IgA immune complexes. The overlapping roles of BAFF and APRIL in activating B cells support the potential for TRUTAKNA as a disease-modifying therapy.³ TRUTAKNA is self-administered as an at-home, small-volume (1 ml), 150 mg once-weekly autoinjector.

Indication

TRUTAKNA (atacicept-vymj) is indicated to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) at risk for disease progression.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on reduction of proteinuria. It has not been established whether TRUTAKNA slows kidney function decline over the long-term in patients with IgAN. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory clinical trial.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications: TRUTAKNA is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to atacicept-vymj or any excipients of TRUTAKNA.

Warnings and Precautions

Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infections: TRUTAKNA suppresses the immune system by reducing antibody production, which may increase the risk of infections. Patients with chronic infection or recurring infections may have an increased risk of serious infection. In clinical trials, infections were reported in 32% of TRUTAKNA patients compared with 28% of placebo patients.

Before initiating TRUTAKNA, assess patients for active infections. Delay TRUTAKNA administration in patients with active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with TRUTAKNA. If a serious infection develops, consider interrupting TRUTAKNA until the infection is controlled.

The concomitant use of TRUTAKNA and other immune-modulating therapies has not been evaluated. Concomitant use of TRUTAKNA with drugs that affect the immune system, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection.

Immunosuppression and Immunization Risk: TRUTAKNA may interfere with the immune response to vaccines and increase the risk of infection from live vaccines. Prior to initiating treatment with TRUTAKNA, complete all age-appropriate immunizations. Live vaccines are not recommended within 30 days prior to initiation or during treatment with TRUTAKNA as safety of coadministration has not been established.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients treated with TRUTAKNA and placebo, respectively, were infections (32% vs 28%) and local administration reactions (30% vs 5%). The most common infection was upper respiratory tract infection (12% vs 9%), and the most common local administration reactions were injection site reaction (19% vs 2%) and injection site erythema (6% vs 1%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: Available data on TRUTAKNA used in pregnant women exposed during clinical trials are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Based on the mechanism of action, TRUTAKNA may cause immunosuppression in the in utero-exposed infant. Consider the potential clinical impact of TRUTAKNA exposure in infants exposed in utero. Pregnant women exposed to TRUTAKNA, or their healthcare provider, should report TRUTAKNA exposure by calling 1-833-633-8372.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of TRUTAKNA in pediatric patients have not been established.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Vera Therapeutics at 1-833-MED-VERA or medinfo@veratx.com.

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

TRUTAKNA TRU SUPPORT™ Patient Support Program

We are dedicated to ensuring that eligible IgAN patients can access the first approved therapy that targets both BAFF and APRIL. TRUTAKNA TRU SUPPORT, our patient support program, offers insurance coverage assistance, financial assistance options for eligible patients, and educational resources designed to support patient access and care. Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 out of pocket through our copay assistance program. More information will be available on www.veratx.com.

About Vera Therapeutics

Vera Therapeutics is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on the pursuit of truth in science to transform medicine in autoimmune disease, starting with the kidney. Vera Therapeutics’ flagship commercial product is TRUTAKNA (atacicept-vymj), a BAFF and APRIL inhibitor indicated to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary IgA nephropathy at risk for disease progression. Beyond IgAN, Vera Therapeutics is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies through inhibition of BAFF and APRIL may prove clinically meaningful. Vera Therapeutics was founded in 2016 and is based in Brisbane, California. To learn more, visit www.veratx.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters, events or results that may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the ability of TRUTAKNA to stabilize eGFR and prevent kidney disease progression; the strength of Vera Therapeutics’ commercial launch momentum for TRUTAKNA; the plan to submit a supplemental BLA to the FDA in the fourth quarter of 2026 for full approval; the timing for the detailed results from the final efficacy analysis to be shared at an upcoming scientific congress; the ability of the ORIGIN 3 final analysis to mark a milestone in IgAN treatment; the ability for the upstream inhibition of BAFF and APRIL with TRUTAKNA to achieve results that reflect comprehensive disease modification in IgAN; the ability of TRUTAKNA to help patients avoid dialysis, transplantation, or kidney-related death over the long term; the potential for the FDA to grant full approval to TRUTAKNA and the timing of such approval; the interest the IgAN community has in TRUTAKNA; the potential success of the TRUTAKNA launch; and the plans, commitments, aspirations and goals under the caption “About Vera Therapeutics”. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Vera Therapeutics’ current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the regulatory approval process, risks related to commercial launch, market acceptance, and payer coverage, results of earlier clinical trials may not be obtained in later clinical trials, preliminary results may not be predictive of topline results, risks and uncertainties associated with Vera Therapeutics’ business in general, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical events, and the other risks described in Vera Therapeutics’ filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Vera Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

References
1. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) IgAN and IgAV Work Group. KDIGO 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) and Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis (IgAV). Kidney Int. 2025;108(4S):S1-S71.
2. Lafayette R, Barbour SJ, Brenner RM, et al. A Phase 3 Trial of Atacicept in Patients with IgA Nephropathy. N Engl J Med. 2026;394(7):647-657. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2510198
3. Cheung CK, Barratt J, Liew A, Zhang H, Tesar V, Lafayette R. The role of BAFF and APRIL in IgA nephropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and targeted therapies. Front Nephrol. 2024;3:1346769. Published 2024 Feb 1. doi:10.3389/fneph.2023.1346769
4. Pitcher D, Braddon F, Hendry B, et al. Long-Term Outcomes in IgA Nephropathy. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2023;18(6):727-738. doi:10.2215/CJN.0000000000000135
5. McGrogan A, Franssen CF, de Vries CS. The incidence of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide: a systematic review of the literature. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2011;26(2):414-430. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfq665
6. Jarrick S, Lundberg S, Welander A, et al. Mortality in IgA Nephropathy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2019;30(5):866-876. doi:10.1681/ASN.2018101017
7. TRUTAKNA™ [Prescribing Information]. Brisbane, CA: Vera Therapeutics, Inc; July 2026

For more information, please contact:
Investor Contact:
Joshua Qin
Vera Therapeutics
650-360-6978
ir@veratx.com

Media Contact:
Debra Charlesworth
Vera Therapeutics
415-854-8051
corporatecommunications@veratx.com

14 Year Mine Life with an After-Tax NPV5% of US$1.05 Billion

All dollar amounts are in USD unless otherwise indicated

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE | ASX: ORE | OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to announce an updated Life-of-Mine plan for its recently acquired Casa Berardi gold mine, located in Quebec, Canada.

Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine Plan Highlights

• 14-year mine life (2027-2040) with 1,630,000 ounces of total gold production
• Life-of-Mine average annual gold production of 116,000 ounces at AISC¹ of $1,877 per ounce
• Years 2030-2038 average annual gold production of 132,000 ounces at AISC of $1,776 per ounce
• After-tax NPV_5%² of $1.05 billion at Base Case consensus gold prices³
• After-tax NPV_5% increases to $1.43 billion at $4,350 per ounce spot gold price⁴
• Orezone has reinitiated exploration at Casa Berardi, currently ramping-up drilling to 100,000 metres per annum. Multiple actionable exploration fronts, with clear opportunity to increase underground grades, expand production and further reduce costs

Patrick Downey, President and CEO, commented “The release of the Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan is a significant milestone for Orezone. The result of the Life-of-Mine plan clearly underscores the opportunity and value proposition identified by Orezone in acquiring the Casa Berardi Mine. Its transformational acquisition positions the Company as an established multi-asset producer, with a significant and fully funded growth profile.

The Life-of-Mine plan highlights a robust 14-year mine life, with average annual production of 116,000 ounces at an All-In Sustaining Cost (“AISC”) of US$1,877 per ounce. The initial years of the plan are marked by a ramp-up phase, with investments in new equipment, underground development and open pit waste stripping, supporting an increase in average annual production to a sustained 132,000 ounces. The Company views this Life-of-Mine plan as an excellent baseline, which with ongoing optimization and exploration, we fully expect to further increase the production profile and lower costs.

This upside potential has already been well demonstrated, with the Casa Berardi mill continuously operating at rates above that assumed in the Life-of-Mine plan, and initial exploration results highlighting the near-term potential to delineate higher-grade underground zones of near-surface mineralization.

The Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan also marks an important milestone in Orezone’s expansion into Quebec, the foundation of which is the support of our dedicated employees, community partners and First Nations. The Company looks to continue this momentum with the release of a PEA study on its Heva-Hosco development project, located along the prolific Cadillac Larder-Lake Break in Quebec, in the fourth quarter.”

Mineral Resource Statement

The updated Casa Berardi mineral resource estimates have an effective date of June 30, 2026. The mineral resource excludes material mined up to the effective date, as well as excluding stockpiles.

Mine Plan and Production Overview

The Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan comprises 14 years of continuous operations from 2027 to 2040, producing a total of 1,630,000 ounces of gold. Mining will be conducted via both underground and open pit, with ore processed at the Casa Berardi mill. The Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan includes Inferred Mineral Resources, and as such is classified as a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”)⁶. No mineral reserves are defined for Casa Berardi. The mine plan was completed by BBA Consultants under guidance from Orezone. The open pit and underground mine plans were evaluated using Deswik^TM algorithms to create optimal mineable shapes based on economic and technical input parameters including mine dilution and recovery. Underground stope design parameters were based on current operating experience, with stopes that were uneconomic due to distance from infrastructure excluded from the Life-of-Mine plan.

Underground Mining

Casa Berardi has a long history of underground mining, dating back to the late 1980s. In recent years, mine planning by the previous operator prioritized a shift to open pit operations, resulting in a sharp decrease in investment in underground development, equipment and exploration. Orezone’s Life-of-Mine plan is centered on re-establishing historical underground production rates at Casa Berardi, which based on the current mineral resource and sustained investment, supports a 12-year underground mine life.

The underground mine plan is based on continuous operations at the currently active West Mine (2027-2038), with the past producing East Mine re-commencing operations within three years (2029-2038). Underground mining practices are well established at Casa Berardi, using conventional underground equipment and long-hole open stoping methods.   Mining at Casa Berardi is owner-operated, with a mining contractor recently mobilized to increase lateral development rates.

Several new pieces of underground mining equipment have recently been delivered to site, with the staged procurement of new equipment continuing through 2029 as underground mining rates are increased.

The West Mine is accessed via a hoist or a ramp down to the 1,080m level, with ore brought to surface and transported 5 kilometres to the Casa Berardi mill utilizing 60t trucks. Access to the East Mine is provided by a separate ramp, collared near the Casa Berardi mill, which has been developed down to the 730m level. Active mining in the East Mine ceased in 2023 and work has now commenced on the re-opening of the East Mine access and ramp in anticipation of re-commencement of operations in 2029.

Open Pit Mining

Mining is carried out using conventional drill, blast, load and haul surface mining methods, with an owner-operated fleet. A stockpiling strategy is employed to prioritize delivery of the highest-grade ore to the mill, with stockpiles developed to maintain consistent mill throughput during waste stripping phases.

The Life-of-Mine plan comprises four separate open pits. The current F160 pit phase is scheduled to be complete at the end of 2026, with open pit production shifting to the F134 pit for 2027 and 2028. The F160 pit expansion waste cutback is scheduled to commence in late 2027, with ore mining from the F160 pit to resume in late 2028 and continue through to 2031. The Principal (2031-2038) and WMCP (2034-2040) pits will be mined thereafter.

The F134 Phase 1 pit is permitted, with the Phase 2 permit amendment to be submitted in the fourth quarter. The F160 pit expansion will require a permit amendment, which will be submitted in the fourth quarter as well. The Principal and WMCP pits, and associated surface infrastructure, will be subject to further permitting requirements. This work has commenced and will be advanced over the coming years.

Processing

The Casa Berardi processing facility has a nameplate capacity of 3,730tpd. Run-of-mine ore is processed using a conventional single stage primary crusher followed by a two-stage SAG and ball mill grinding circuit, gravity circuit, and CIL circuit, producing gold doré. Life-of-mine average annual projected gold recoveries range from 80% to 88% for underground material and from 77% to 91% for open pit material.

Approximately 15-20% of the Casa Berardi tailings are used in the mine backfill cycle. Tailings that are not used for mine backfill are disposed of at the tailings storage facility (“TSF”). The current TSF design will support tailings deposition until 2031, after which the exhausted F134 and F160 pits will be utilized for in-pit tailings deposition. The F160 pit will host multiple years of excess tailings capacity beyond the current Life-of-Mine plan.

Gold Price Sensitivity

Enhancement Opportunities

Casa Berardi hosts multiple opportunities to further expand the mine’s production profile and lower costs, including:

• Mineral Resource Expansion: The Casa Berardi mineral resource remains open for expansion on multiple fronts, including (1) opportunities to upgrade the resource category of multiple mineralized lenses within the Life-of-Mine plan, (2) the expansion of current underground ore zones that remain open at depth, and (3) the development and growth of new underground zones including the down-plunge continuation of the F134 and F160 zones beneath the open pits. In addition, drill results disclosed in the May 19, 2026 news release, as well as all drilling executed since then, are not included in the resource estimate supporting the Life-of-Mine-plan.
• New Zone Discovery: In recent years, resource growth at Casa Berardi has largely been the product of incremental step-out drilling from known zones of mineralization. Given the significant exploration and mining datasets dating back to the 1980’s at Casa Berardi, Orezone is developing the first comprehensive mineral system model supporting the identification and ranking of prospective exploration targets in the near-mine area and beyond. With reference to the south side of the Casa Berardi Fault which has been mined underground to depths of approximately 1,170m, the north side of the fault has seen limited exploration drilling, specifically at depth. Hosting a proven gold-bearing hydrothermal system and ore zones currently being mined by open pit, the north side is considered to be highly prospective and represents a key area for exploration in years to come.
• Higher Grades: With an established 12-year underground mine life, Orezone’s key exploration focus is to re-establish high-grade underground stope inventory. Supported by sustained exploration and underground development between 2006-2016, the West Mine historically achieved an average annual production of approximately 141,000 ounces at a head grade of approximately 7.0 g/t. Exploration drilling ramping up to a sustained 100,000 metres per annum in upcoming years will provide opportunities for high-grade discoveries, with the goal of sequencing higher grade ounces into the front end of the mine plan, further increasing the production profile and lowering the AISC.
• Regional Exploration: The Casa Berardi exploration tenements are centered on 37 kilometres of strike along the Casa Berardi Fault Zone, which to date has seen limited systematic exploration. As with the Cadillac Larder-Lake and the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zones to the south which host multiple operating mines along comparable strike lengths, the Casa Berardi property has the potential to host several other gold deposits.
• Increased Mill Throughput: The Life-of-Mine study assumes a mill throughput rate of 3,835tpd. Since acquiring the Casa Berardi Mine, Orezone has optimized the average mill throughput to approximately 4,025tpd, and has achieved daily rates of up to 4,775tpd. Higher achieved mill throughput moving forward presents the opportunity to realize incrementally higher annual gold production than that detailed in the Life-of-Mine plan.

• Optimization: Key areas of focus to further optimize operations include:
  • Open Pit Grade Control: Implementation of open pit grade control drilling presents the opportunity to reduce external dilution and incrementally increase head grades by further constraining ore and waste dig polygons. Additional benefits include further mill feed flexibility with additional ore grade bins, and overall improved reconciliation.
  • Improved Gold Recoveries: Opportunities to improve gold recoveries include additional metallurgical domaining studies to optimize the material feed blend to the mill, as well as further plant optimizations, including upgrading the mill process control system to current industry standards.
  • Updated Recovery Curves: The metallurgical grade recovery curves at Casa Berardi were developed when the mine was operating at a higher head grade, with the current lower grade extrapolations yielding lower recoveries than actuals. Updating the grade recovery curves for the lower grade profile outlined in the early years of the Life-of-Mine plan provides upside potential to that currently being assumed.

Technical Report Filing

The National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report supporting the Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan and the Mineral Resource Estimates will be filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of this news release.

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone Gold is an emerging intermediate gold producer with operations in Canada and West Africa. Its Casa Berardi and Bomboré gold mines host significant mineral endowments, growth opportunities, and exploration upside. The recently acquired Casa Berardi mine in Quebec has produced over 3.2 million ounces of gold to date while the Bomboré mine was constructed and brought into production by Orezone in late 2022.

Orezone is led by an experienced management team committed to safe, sustainable, and responsible mining practices, with a focus on delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.

Contact Information

Patrick Downey
President and Chief Executive Officer

Amanda Mallough
Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: 1 778 945 8977
info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

This announcement was authorized for release by Patrick Downey, Director, President & CEO.

Notes For Casa Berardi Mineral Resource Estimate

1. The Qualified Persons for the Mineral Resource Estimate, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is Alexandre Nickerson, P.Eng. The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is June 30, 2026.
2. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Mineral Resource Estimate follows CIM 2014 Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
3. Open-pit Mineral Resources are reported within conceptual pit shells at cut-off grades varying between 0.63 g/t and 0.82 g/t Au. The cut-off grades were calculated using a gold price of $4,000/oz, a USD/CAD exchange rate of 1.35, and mining cost averaging $3.11/t across the pits.
4. Underground Mineral Resources are reported within mineable shapes created using cut-off grades ranging between 2.70 g/t Au to 3.33 g/t Au. The cut-off grades were calculated using a gold price of $3,000/oz, a USD/CAD exchange rate of 1.35, and mining cost varying from $213.00/t to $244.00/t.
5. Numbers may not add up due to rounding

Non-IFRS Measures

The Company has included certain performance measures in this news release that are commonly used in the mining industry but are not defined under IFRS, including “AISC” and “free cash flow”. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company uses such measures to provide additional information, and they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

A reconciliation of the non-IFRS measures used herein can be found in the Company’s most recently filed Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated August 12, 2026, which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

Qualified Persons

The Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan was prepared under the supervision of Rob Henderson, P.Eng., Vice President, Technical Services of Orezone and Alexandre Nickerson, P.Eng., Geology Superintendent of Orezone Quebec Inc., each of whom is a “Qualified Person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Henderson and Mr. Nickerson have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and have verified the data underlying the information for which they are responsible. Their verification included a review of the underlying geological, sampling, analytical, metallurgical, mining and economic data and assumptions used in preparing the Life-of-Mine plan. No limitations were imposed on their verification processes. Neither Mr. Henderson nor Mr. Nickerson is independent of the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101.

Competent Persons

In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.12, Rob Henderson, P.Eng., and Alexandre Nickerson, P.Eng., confirm that the information in this announcement relating to the Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan is an accurate representation of the available data and supporting documentation for the project. Mr. Henderson is a member of Professional Engineers Ontario and has over 35 years of relevant experience. Mr. Nickerson is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec and has more than seven years of relevant experience. Each has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person, as defined in the JORC Code. Mr. Henderson is Vice President, Technical Services of Orezone, and Mr. Nickerson is Geology Superintendent of Orezone Quebec Inc. Each is a full-time employee of the applicable company and consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which they appear.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward looking statements”) within the meaning of the securities laws of applicable jurisdictions. Forward looking statements are generally identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “plan”, “potential”, “project”, “target”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should” and similar expressions.

Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan, including the anticipated mine life, production profile, gold production, head grades, recovery rates, throughput, mining rates, operating costs, AISC, capital expenditures, cash flows and net present value; the timing and sequencing of underground and open pit mining; the re-establishment of historical underground production rates; the continuation of operations at the West Mine and the recommencement of operations at the East Mine; planned underground development, waste stripping, equipment purchases and contractor activities; the timing and receipt of required permits and approvals, including those relating to the F134 and F160 pits and the Principal and WMCP pits and associated infrastructure; the capacity and future use of the tailings storage facility and exhausted open pits for tailings deposition; the potential benefits of operational improvements, increased mill throughput, improved recoveries and grade control; the timing, scope and results of exploration and drilling programs, including the planned ramp-up to 100,000 metres of drilling annually; the potential to expand mineral resources, discover new zones, delineate higher-grade underground mineralization, add mineralized material to future mine plans, increase production and reduce costs; and the timing of the preliminary economic assessment for Heva-Hosco.

Forward looking statements are based on assumptions that management considers reasonable as of the date of this news release, including assumptions regarding: the accuracy of mineral resource estimates and the geological, metallurgical and technical interpretations on which they are based; the availability, continuity, grade and recoverability of mineralized material; the successful execution of the Life-of-Mine plan; gold prices, exchange rates and other economic assumptions described in this news release; operating and capital costs; equipment, labour, supplies, services and financing being available on acceptable terms; the performance of contractors and suppliers; the receipt and maintenance of all required permits and approvals within the expected timelines; the ability to maintain anticipated mining and processing rates; and the absence of material adverse changes in applicable laws, market conditions or the operating environment.

Forward looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the inherent uncertainty of mineral resource estimates and mine plans, particularly where the Life-of-Mine plan includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too geologically speculative to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves; the risk that Mineral Resources may not be converted to Mineral Reserves; variations in ore grade, tonnage, recovery, throughput and production; changes in gold prices, exchange rates, inflation, capital and operating costs; delays or failures in underground development, waste stripping, equipment delivery, construction, permitting or regulatory approvals; geotechnical, hydrological, metallurgical and environmental risks; tailings management risks; equipment failures, accidents, labour disputes and shortages of personnel, equipment or supplies; the results of exploration and drilling programs differing from expectations; the availability and cost of financing; changes in laws and regulatory requirements; and the other risks described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law.

_{¹ Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for an explanation of these financial measures.
² Includes the impact of the Franco-Nevada Corporation (“FNV”) gold stream. FNV is entitled to fixed gold deliveries of 6,500 ounces per annum between 2027 to 2030 followed by variable deliveries equal of 5% of gold production in subsequent years. The Company receives 20% of the spot gold price for each ounce delivered.
³ Base Case gold price assumptions based on September 2026 consensus pricing.
⁴ Spot gold price assumption based on September 11, 2026 closing price.
⁵ Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for an explanation of these financial measures.
⁶ The Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan is preliminary in nature, it includes Inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the Life-of-Mine plan will be realized. The Casa Berardi Life-of-Mine plan supersedes the prior technical report for Casa Berardi and should not be considered together with or as an update to any prior economic analysis.}  

Infographics accompanying this announcement are available at

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ZUG, Switzerland, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lithium Argentina AG (“Lithium Argentina” or the “Company“) (TSX: LAR) (NYSE: LAR) today announced the closing of the $180 million strategic investment from Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd. (“Ganfeng”) through the issuance of a six-year unsecured convertible note (the “Note” or the “Strategic Investment”).

Sam Pigott, the Company’s CEO, commented: “With the funds from the Strategic Investment and cash distributions from Cauchari-Olaroz, Lithium Argentina now has a materially stronger balance sheet, with lower net debt, a six-year maturity profile and a low cost of capital. That combination gives us the flexibility to advance Stage 2 at Cauchari-Olaroz and support PPG in a disciplined, phased approach that limits equity dilution and unlocks the value of both assets for our shareholders.”

The Note bears a coupon of 4.0% per annum, matures six years from issuance and is convertible into common shares of the Company at $12.50 per share, on the terms described in the Company’s news release dated August 24, 2026. Net proceeds, together with cash on hand, will be used to repay in full the Company’s $259 million convertible notes due January 2027. The Company’s joint venture with Ganfeng in respect of the consolidation of the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project (“PPG”) remains on track to be completed by the end of September 2026.

Ganfeng currently owns approximately 9.6% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. Assuming full conversion, Ganfeng would receive 14.4 million additional common shares and would own approximately 16.1% of the Company’s common shares on a fully diluted basis.

ABOUT LITHIUM ARGENTINA

Lithium Argentina is a producer of lithium carbonate for use primarily in lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. The Company, in partnership with Ganfeng, operates the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation in the Jujuy province of Argentina and is advancing PPG in the Salta province of Argentina. Lithium Argentina currently trades on the TSX and on the NYSE under the ticker “LAR”.

For further information contact:
Investor Relations
Telephone: +1 778-653-8092
Email: kelly.obrien@lithium-argentina.com
Website: http://www.lithium-argentina.com

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (which we refer to collectively as forward-looking information) under the provisions of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “propose”, “potential”, “target”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “scheduled”, “implement” and similar words or expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release include, without limitation, information with respect to the following matters or the Company’s expectations relating to such matters:  the anticipated benefits of PPG and the Strategic Investment; the expected use of proceeds from the Strategic Investment, together with cash on hand, to repay, in full, the convertible notes due January 2027, and the anticipated benefits therefrom; the anticipated shareholdings of Ganfeng in the Company following conversion of the Note; the Company’s plans and next steps to advance PPG; the Company’s plans to advance the Stage 2 expansion at Cauchari-Olaroz and to support PPG, including the timing and phasing thereof and the anticipated benefits therefrom; and the Company’s balance sheet, net debt, maturity profile and cost of capital and the anticipated flexibility therefrom; and the expected timing of closing of the PPG joint venture.

Forward-looking information may involve known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties which may cause the Company’s actual results or performance to differ materially. This information reflects the Company’s current views with respect to future events and is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company today, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, and accordingly, the Company can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. With respect to forward-looking information included in this news release, the Company has made assumptions regarding, among other things: current technological trends; the business relationship between the Company and Ganfeng; ability to fund its operations; the ability to operate in a safe and effective manner; uncertainties relating to obtaining and/or maintaining mining, exploration, development, environmental and other permits or approvals in Argentina; demand for lithium; impact of increasing competition in the lithium business, including the Company’s competitive position in the industry; general economic conditions; stability and support of legislative, regulatory and community environment in the jurisdiction where it operates; estimates of and changes to market prices for lithium and commodities; estimates costs for the project or operation; estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, including whether mineral resources will ever be developed into mineral reserves; reliability of technical data; and the ability to achieve full production; and accuracy of budget and estimates. Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks that may cause actual results to differ materially, these risks include, among others: the anticipated benefits of PPG and the Strategic Investment may not be realized as contemplated, or at all; the Company may not be able to use proceeds from the Strategic Investment, together with cash on hand, or realize the benefits from the intended use, as contemplated, or at all;; the Company may not be able to complete the financing process for PPG as contemplated, or at all; the Company’s plans for PPG and PPG may not be implemented as contemplated, or at all; the Company’s plans and next steps to advance PPG may not be implemented as contemplated, or at all; the benefits from the Company’s advancement of PPG may not be realized as anticipated, or at all; the benefits of RIGI may not be realized as anticipated, or at all; the operations may not operate and produce as planned; cost overruns; market prices affecting development of the operation; risks associated with co-ownership arrangements; risks with ability to successfully secure adequate financing if necessary; risks to the growth of the lithium markets; lithium prices; inability to obtain any future required governmental permits and that operations may be limited by government-imposed limitations; technology, cyber security and artificial intelligence risk; inability to achieve and manage expected growth; political risk associated with foreign operations, including co-ownership arrangements with foreign domiciled partners; emerging and developing market risks; operational risks; changes in government regulations; changes in environmental requirements; failure to obtain or maintain necessary licenses, permits or approvals; insurance risk; receipt and security of mineral property titles and mineral tenure risk; changes in project or operation parameters; uncertainties associated with estimating mineral resources and mineral reserves, including uncertainties regarding assumptions underlying such estimates; whether mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves; opposition to the Company’s projects; geological or technical or processing problems; liabilities and risks; health and safety risks; unanticipated results; unpredictable weather; unanticipated delays; reduction in demand for lithium; inability to generate profitable operations; restrictive covenants in debt instruments; intellectual property risks; dependency on key personnel; currency and interest rate fluctuations; and volatility in general market and industry conditions. Additional risks, assumptions and other factors are set out in the Company’s management discussion analysis and most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca

Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks and assumptions, given the inherent uncertainties in such forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results to differ materially. Forward-looking information is made as of the date hereof and the Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.