30 September 2025 – Minco Exploration PLC (“Minco Exploration”, “Minco”, or the “Company”) announces the publication of its Half-Year Report for the six months ended 30 June 2026.

Click here to download Minco’s Half-Year Report 2026. (PDF)

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Minco Exploration PLC

Interim Report for the six months ended 30 June 2026

HIGHLIGHTS

• • Drilled Approximately 18,000 Metres in 32 Holes at Rapla Since August 2025 (28 Completed and 4 in Progress), with Permits in Place for a Further 38 Holes
  • Drill Hole 3312-82, Reported December 2025, Returned 16.5 Metres Grading 10.99% Zinc, 3.07% Lead, 1.39% Copper and 296 g/t Silver, Including 4.5 Metres Grading 19.45% Zinc, 8.18% Lead, 5.05% Copper and 1,028 g/t Silver, One of the Highest Grade Holes Drilled in Ireland in Decades. See News Release dated 19 December 2025.
  • Step-Out Drilling Has Intersected Mineralization in Every Hole Drilled to Date in the Main Zone, including 5.0 Metres Grading 17.89% Zinc, 6.41% Lead and 57 g/t Silver in Hole 3312-104, with a High-Grade Interval of 1.9 Metres Grading 32.08% Zinc, 11.84% Lead and 105 g/t Silver. See News Release dated 15 September 2026.
  • Aghmacart Zone Expanded with a Second Lower Mineralized Horizon confirmed in the Lisduff Oolite, and Base Metal Sulphides Intersected up to 1km East of the Main Zone in the Eastern Extension Zone
  • Completed €1.66 Million Financing in February 2026 Led by Irish Minerals Fund LP and the Strategic Investor
  • Completed €877,624.80 Financing on 31 August 2026, the Strategic Investor’s Final Equity Participation Option Tranche

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Minco Exploration PLC (“Minco” or the “Company”) is a mineral exploration company which holds interests in Prospecting Licences in Ireland which are considered highly prospective for the discovery of zinc-lead mineralisation. Minco has interests in four projects located within the Irish Midlands Orefield that are operated by Minco’s wholly owned subsidiaries, either alone or in joint venture with Boliden Tara Mines DAC (“Boliden”).

Minco’s primary focus is its 100% owned Rapla Project in County Laois, strategically located just 5 km northeast of the former Galmoy Mine (10.9Mt @ 12.4% Zn, 1.6% Pb) and 15 km northeast of the former Lisheen Mine (22 Mt @ 11.5% Zn, 1.9% Pb). Positioned within the prolific Lisheen–Galmoy mineralising system along the Rathdowney Trend, Minco’s Rapla Project, where drilling started in August 2025, is emerging as a new discovery in one of Ireland’s most productive zinc-lead districts.

In December 2025 Minco reported one of the highest-grade drill holes seen in Ireland in decades. The drilling at Rapla since then has demonstrated that hole 3312-82 was not an isolated result and every hole drilled in the Main Zone has intersected mineralization, with grades of up to 32% zinc in step-out drilling.

MINCO COMPLETES SERIES OF FINANCINGS TOTALLING €4.08 MILLION

In July 2025, Minco closed a private placement with the Strategic Investor for proceeds of €800,000, followed by an additional €745,000 financing from the Strategic Investor in December 2025 to expand the drilling programme. Minco and the Strategic Investor have formed a technical committee to collaboratively advance exploration of the Rapla Project.

In February 2026, Minco completed financings for total proceeds of €1.66 million, comprising €1.125 million from Irish Minerals Fund LP for 12,959,258 Ordinary Shares, €250,000 from the Strategic Investor for 2,880,184 Ordinary Shares at €0.075 per Ordinary Share, €155,000 representing a tranche of the Strategic Investor’s Equity Participation Options for 2,066,667 Ordinary Shares, and €130,000 from two directors and Buchans Resources Limited for 1,497,696 Ordinary Shares, all at €0.0868 per Ordinary Share.

On 31 August 2026, Minco completed a further €877,624.80 financing. The Strategic Investor completed the final tranche of its Equity Participation Options, purchasing 8,701,248 Ordinary Shares at €0.10 per Ordinary Share for proceeds of €870,124.80 (increased from the originally granted 8,000,000 Ordinary Shares / €800,000, in an amendment enabling the Strategic Investor’s holding to reach the 29.99% threshold contemplated under the Equity Participation Option Agreement dated 16 July 2025). Following completion, the Strategic Investor holds approximately 29.99% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares and its Equity Participation Options have been exercised in full.

Minco had 132,057,102 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding at 30 September 2026.

2026 DRILLING PROGRAMME EXTENDS HIGH-GRADE ZINC AND LEAD MINERALIZATION ACROSS MULTIPLE ZONES

Main Zone

• 5.0m grading 17.89% Zn, 6.41% Pb and 57 g/t Ag from 595.9m in hole 3312-104 at the base of the Waulsortian Limestone, circa 120m north-west of discovery hole 3312-82, including:
  • 1.9m grading 32.08% Zn, 11.84% Pb and 105 g/t Ag from 598.7m – among the highest grades drilled at Rapla to date
• 20.5m grading 5.12% Zn, 2.35% Pb and 21 g/t Ag from 599.0m in hole 3312-106, circa 80m north-east of 3312-82, including
  • 1.5m grading 14.37% Zn, 3.67% Pb, 0.56% Cu and 41g/t Ag and
  • 1.5m grading 10.82% Zn, 9.68% Pb and 57 g/t Ag
• 17.00m grading 8.34% Zn, 2.48% Pb, 0.82% Cu, 114g/t Ag from 586.5m in hole 3312-107, circa 15m west-northwest of 3312-82, including
  • 7.0m grading 14.98% Zn, 4.52% Pb, 1.47% Cu, 237g/t Ag, 0.29% Sb, 0.13% Ni and 0.04% Co

Aghmacart Zone

• Aghmacart Zone, circa 200m north of the Main Zone expanded with
  • 6.0m grading 5.45% Zn, 2.58% Pb, 0.14% Cu and 28 g/t Ag, including
  • 0.65m grading 24.80% Zn, 18.25% Pb and 122 g/t Ag in hole 3312-102
• Second mineralized horizon confirmed in the Lisduff Oolite, circa 200m below the base of the Waulsortian Limestone
  • 3.0m grading 6.65% Zn, 1.88% Pb and 14 g/t Ag in hole 3312-89

Eastern Extension Zone

• Base metal sulphides intersected at the base of the Waulsortian Limestone in wide-spaced drilling in the Eastern Extension Zone up to 1km east of the Main Zone including
  • 1.50 m @ 4.58% Zn, 0.38% Pb in hole 3312-108

EXPLORATION UPDATE

Rapla (100% interest)

Minco holds 100% interest in three Prospecting Licences (“PL”s) around the Rapla Prospect, located approximately five kilometres northeast of the past operating Galmoy Mine (10.9Mt @ 12.4% Zn, 1.6% Pb) that is currently being re-developed by Shanoon Resources Ltd. (“Shanoon”), and approximately fifteen kilometres from the past producing Lisheen Mine (22 Mt @ 11.5% Zn, 1.9% Pb). The Rapla Prospect lies within the Rathdowney Trend, in a highly prospective segment that may be considered to be part of the greater Lisheen / Galmoy mineralising system with strongly analogous geological and structural settings.

Mineralization at Rapla was discovered in the 1990s and the area has been previously explored by a series of operators. The objective of the historical exploration was to discover a Lisheen look-alike. As a result, the historical drilling is widely spaced with a nominal grid of 400 by 400m, in a range of 170 to 700m – very broadly-spaced for this style of mineralization.

The Rapla mineralization occurs within an east north-east trending zone over 3,600m of strike at or near the contact between the Waulsortian and the underlying Argillaceous Bioclastic Limestone (ABL) at a depth of 550 – 650m. The mineralization is spatially associated with the Rapla Fault system – an en echelon or relay style extensional fault system analogous to the ore controlling structures at Lisheen and Galmoy. An additional ten prospecting licences, to the south-west of Rapla, along strike from Lisheen, have been issued to Westland Exploration Ltd, a wholly owned Minco Exploration. These licences will be operated as part of the Rapla Project.

Drilling Update

Drilling at Rapla began in August 2025 with four drill rigs operating, testing priority targets identified from historical exploration data. As of 30 September 2026, Minco had drilled approximately 18,000 metres in 32 holes (28 completed and 4 in progress), as part of a 70-hole exploration programme permitted by Ireland’s Geoscience Regulation Office, with permits in place for a further 38 holes.

Drilling has focused on three areas: the Main Zone, which includes discovery hole 3312-82; the Aghmacart Zone, approximately 200 metres to the north; and the Eastern Extension Zone, testing the mineralized system 1.0 to 1.25km east of the Main Zone.

In the Main Zone, step-out drilling around discovery hole 3312-82 (16.5 metres grading 10.99% zinc, 3.07% lead, 1.39% copper and 296 g/t silver) has intersected mineralization in every hole drilled to date, including 5.0 metres grading 17.89% zinc, 6.41% lead and 57 g/t silver in hole 3312-104, with a high-grade interval of 1.9 metres grading 32.08% zinc, 11.84% lead and 105 g/t silver — among the highest grades drilled at Rapla to date.

• 3312-107 (circa 15m west-northwest of 3312-82): 17.00m grading 8.34% Zn, 2.48% Pb, 0.82% Cu, 114g/t Ag from 586.5m circa 15m west-northwest of 3312-82, including 7.0m grading 14.98% Zn, 4.52% Pb, 1.47% Cu, 237g/t Ag, 0.29% Sb, 0.13% Ni and 0.04% Co.
• 3312-104 (circa 120m north-west of 3312-82): 5.0m grading 17.89% Zn, 6.41% Pb and 57 g/t Ag, including 1.9m grading 32.08% Zn, 11.84% Pb and 105 g/t Ag – massive sulphides, with banded sphalerite, circa 9m above the base of Waulsortian Limestone
• 3312-106 (circa 80m north-east of 3312-82): 20.5m grading 5.12% Zn, 2.35% Pb and 21 g/t Ag within a 23m mineralized interval of fracture- and vein-hosted, disseminated, semi-massive and massive sulphides, including 1.5m grading 14.37% Zn, 3.67% Pb, 0.56% Cu and 41g/t Ag and 1.5m grading 10.82% Zn, 9.68% Pb and 57g/t Ag
• 3312-103 (circa 80m east of 3312-82, proximal to the Rapla Fault): 7.35m grading 3.51% Zn, 1.26% Pb and 76 g/t Ag, including 3.05m grading 6.25% Zn, 1.58% Pb and 84 g/t Ag, within a 22.55m mineralized interval
• 3312-99 (circa 90m west of hole 3312-71): 4.9m grading 5.43% Zn and 0.99% Pb, including 0.9m grading 14.67% Zn and 3.36% Pb
• 3312-95: 11.9m grading 4.98% Zn and 0.67% Pb, including 2.0m grading 9.00% Zn and 1.81% Pb
• 3312-89 (circa 100m north of 3312-82): 2.0m grading 4.05% Zn, 0.30% Pb, 1.08% Cu and 51 g/t Ag within a 22m mineralized interval
• 3312-100 (150m north-east of 3312-82): intersected narrow fracture- and vein-hosted mineralized intervals interpreted to reflect the eastern margin of the Main Zone.

A second mineralized area, the Aghmacart Zone, has been established circa 200m north of the Main Zone, where all 4 holes drilled to date have intersected zinc-lead mineralization, and a second lower mineralized horizon has been confirmed in the Lisduff Oolite, approximately 200 metres below the base of the Waulsortian Limestone:

• 3312-102: 9.55m grading 5.06% Zn and 0.58% Pb, including 2.1m grading 13.14% Zn and 1.75% Pb; and 6.0m grading 5.45% Zn, 2.58% Pb, 0.15% Cu and 28 g/t Ag, including 0.65m grading 24.80% Zn, 18.25% Pb and 122 g/t Ag – extending the zone by at least 80m to the south
• 3312-91: 2.75m grading 9.60% Zn, 4.44% Pb and 38 g/t Ag
• 3312-94: 4.0m grading 4.74% Zn, 3.41% Pb and 18 g/t Ag
• 3312-98: 3.0m grading 5.19% Zn and 4.18% Pb, including 1.0m grading 6.43% Zn, 11.22% Pb and 30 g/t Ag

The presence of copper with anomalous nickel and antimony in hole 3312-102 (including 0.4m grading 1.65% Cu) is interpreted to suggest proximity to a feeder structure that has yet to be identified. Drilling is commencing from a platform midway between the Main and Aghmacart zones to test for mineralization between the two zones.

In the Eastern Extension Zone, base metal sulphides have been intersected at the base of the Waulsortian Limestone in wide-spaced drilling, which is on-going to confirm results from historic drilling along the interpreted eastern extension of the mineralized system up to 1.25km east of the Main Zone.

• 3312-97 intersected an extensive zone of variably developed fracture-controlled base metal sulphides, with twelve mineralized intervals through a 112m section of the basal Waulsortian Limestone.
• 3312-108, 1.0km east of 3312-82, intersected fracture-hosted and disseminated sulphides, with a 1.50m interval assaying 4.58% Zn, 0.38% Pb at the base of Waulsortian Limestone circa 150m north of the projected trace of the Rapla Fault. A follow-up hole, angled to the south towards the Fault, is in progress.
• 3312-105, on the most easterly traverse of the current programme intersected 2m grading 2.40% Zn and 0.29% Pb confirming continuity of the mineralizing system. A follow-up hole, angled to the south from the 3312-105 platform will test the base of the Waulsortian closer to the Rapla Fault.

Concurrent structural and stratigraphic studies have confirmed that the mineralization is spatially associated with a major fault system and have identified a sub-parallel structure (the “Northern Fault”) approximately 800 metres north of the Main Zone, representing approximately 2.5km of untested strike length. Compilation of historical analytical data further suggests that the footprint of the mineralizing system may extend significantly further east than previously interpreted, and the system remains open.

The objective of the current phase of drilling is to evaluate the continuity of mineralization and grade along and across strike from historic drill holes, and to advance toward a resource estimation and assessment of the economic viability of the Project. The programme for the second half of 2026 is designed to test for mineralization between the Main and Aghmacart zones and continue to test the growing mineralized footprint, including infill drilling and “brownfield” testing of the Eastern Extension and other targets.

Slieve Dart (100% interest)

Minco continued its evaluation of the Slieve Dart block in County Galway. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, exploration by predecessor companies discovered numerous small concentrations of mineralisation within the Waulsortian limestones to the north-east of Tuam.

Minco now holds a 100% interest in the project following Boliden’s decision to focus its attention on the Navan area surrounding its Tara mine and withdraw from the joint venture, and Ministerial approval in early-2025 for the assignment of Boliden’s interest in the Prospecting Licences to Minco. Resulting from its re-evaluation Minco has surrendered three (3) of the six (6) prospecting licenses.

Navan – Tatestown (PL 1440R) and Kells (PL 3373)

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Westland Exploration Ltd, Minco holds a 20% joint venture interest with Boliden Tara Mines DAC (80%) on Prospecting Licence 1440R (Tatestown), which lies immediately adjacent to Boliden’s large 130 million tonne Tara zinc-lead mine at Navan, County Meath, and hosts part of the small Tatestown–Scallanstown zinc-lead mineral deposit.

Minco also holds a 50% interest, with an option to earn up to 75% by funding an exploration programme, in Prospecting Licence 3373 (Kells), contiguous to the west of PL 1440R and about 15 km west of the Tara Mine. Having elected to focus its resources on the 100% owned Rapla Project, Minco has no current plans for further exploration on PL 3373

OUTLOOK

The mineral exploration sector is entering a transformative period, with the strategic importance of critical raw materials at an all-time high. Minerals such as zinc and lead, which are found in Ireland, are essential to the global transition to cleaner energy, modern infrastructure, and advanced technologies, placing minerals squarely at the centre of investor interest.

Minco is committed to advancing high-quality exploration in Ireland, focusing on critical raw materials that are increasingly in demand. Through sustainable practices, rigorous exploration programs, and collaborative engagement with local communities and stakeholders, we aim to deliver long-term value for our shareholders.

The Rapla programme for the second half of 2026 is designed to build on the results to date, test for mineralization between the Main and Aghmacart zone and continue to test a growing mineralized footprint. We now have four rigs turning and permitting for 38 more holes, and ten new Prospecting Licences granted along the Rathdowney Trend. With the Aghmacart Zone upgraded, a second lower mineralized horizon in the Lisduff Oolite, and sulphides now intersected more than a kilometre to the east, Rapla is emerging as a mineral system of significant scale.

With global demand for critical raw materials rising, the outlook for the mineral exploration and mining industry, including for zinc and lead, has never been stronger. The coming years hold significant potential for discovery, growth, and value creation in this strategically vital sector.

On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support. As we move forward, Minco is well placed to build on its strong foundation, advance our projects, and create long-term value for our shareholders. We look forward to updating you on our progress in the months ahead.

John F. Kearney                                    Chairman	Peter McParland Chief Executive & Director	John Clifford Director – Exploration
30th September 2026

Competent Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by EurGeol John A. Clifford, P.Geo, Minco’s Director, Exploration and “Competent Person” as defined under the 2021 Pan-European Reporting Standard for the Public Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.

ABOUT MINCO EXPLORATION PLC

Minco Exploration PLC is a mineral exploration company that holds interests in Prospecting Licences in Ireland considered highly prospective for the discovery of zinc-lead mineralisation. Minco has interests in four projects located within the Irish Midlands Orefield that are operated by Minco or in joint venture with Boliden Tara Mines.

Minco’s primary focus is its 100% owned Rapla Project, which is located approximately 5 km and 15 km northeast of the past producing Galmoy Mine (10.9Mt @ 12.4% Zn, 1.6% Pb) and Lisheen Mine (22 Mt @ 11.5% Zn, 1.9% Pb), respectively, and lies within the Rathdowney Trend, a highly prospective corridor of mineralization which contains the Lisheen and Galmoy deposits and the Ballywire project.

Minco also holds (i) a 100% interest in the Slieve Dart prospecting licence block in County Galway; (ii) a 20% joint venture interest with Boliden (80%) on Licence 1440R (Tatestown), which lies immediately adjacent to Boliden’s large 130M tonne Tara zinc-lead mine at Navan; and (iii) a joint venture interest with Boliden on Licence 3373 (Kells), contiguous to the west of Licence 1440R, where Minco can earn up to a 75% interest.

Additional information about the Company is available at www.MincoExploration.com.

Click here to download the full News Release. (PDF)

Peter McParland Chief Executive Officer	John Clifford Director, Exploration
E: pmcparland@mincoexploration.com	E: jclifford@mincoexploration.com
T: +353 46 907 9210	T: +353 87 957 3754