On January 16, 2026, Kestrel Gold Inc. named Duncan McBean to its board of directors. Mr. McBean brings 35 years of hands-on experience in every stage of mineral project development—from grassroots exploration through feasibility and production—across orogenic gold systems, kimberlite diamond targets and lithium plays. His resume includes leading multi-rig drilling campaigns that yielded discoveries subsequently advanced to feasibility studies, managing annual exploration budgets exceeding CA$20 million and negotiating joint ventures with major mining groups. Investors can expect his oversight to refine Kestrel’s drill programs and technical due diligence, particularly on high-grade targets in the Canadian Cordillera.

Concurrent with his appointment, Mr. McBean received stock options on 1,000,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.065, vesting immediately and expiring September 15, 2030. This grant represents potential equity dilution of less than 1.5% on a fully diluted basis, assuming full exercise. By tying a portion of his compensation to share performance over the next four years, the board is signalling confidence in the near-term upside of Kestrel’s flagship assets—the 100%-held QCM property (subject to a 2% NSR with buydown) in British Columbia’s Manson-Germanson district and the 100%-held KSD property (subject to a 2.5% NSR with buydown) in Yukon’s Tintina Gold Belt. Success in drilling or permitting to expand resources at these targets could drive re-rating of the stock as exploration milestones are met.