Article content

MONTREAL, Aug. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA; NASDAQ: AYA) (“Aya” or the “Company”) today announced its financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

Article content

Q2-2026 Highlights

Article content

Article content

Financial Highlights

Article content

Article content

Article content

Operational Highlights

Article content

Article content

Article content

 Development and Exploration  

Article content

Article content

Corporate Highlights

Article content

Article content

Article content

“Q2 was a record operating quarter for Aya. Zgounder delivered record mining and processing rates,  demonstrating the plant’s ability to operate at sustained rates well above the nameplate capacity and in line with the updated Zgounder Technical Report. This strong operational performance is translating into lower cash costs, increased operating leverage and strong cash flow generation, while keeping us firmly on track to deliver our 2026 guidance.” said Benoit La Salle President & CEO.

Article content

“At the same time, we continue to advance our district-scale Boumadine project, including infill drilling ahead of an updated MRE and PEA. These achievements reflect the strength of our assets and the execution capabilities of our team, positioning Aya for continued growth and long-term value creation.”

Article content

Financial Review

Article content

Revenue totaled $97M in Q2-2026, up 151% YoY, driven by higher average net realized price of $64.22/oz AgEq (up 90%), and increased consolidated ounces sold, of 1.5 Moz AgEq (up 32%).

Article content

Net income of $35M (basic EPS of $0.24 and diluted EPS of $0.23) increased from $9M (basic EPS of $0.07 and diluted EPS of $0.06) in the prior year. The increase was driven by stronger operating income, partly offset by a higher effective tax rate. Included in Q2-2026 net income are approximately $5M of costs, primarily related to professional fees incurred in connection with the Company’s previously disclosed litigation with Duro Felguera S.A. (“DF”)⁵, which remains ongoing, and costs associated with the Company’s Nasdaq listing.

Article content

Aya generated $48M in cash flow from operating activities in the second quarter including $45M before changes in working capital. Exploration expenditures of $11M were focused on infill drilling program to support the Boumadine feasibility study, and $11M was invested in capital projects at Zgounder. Capital expenditures remained focused on mine infrastructure development and other site optimization projects to support higher throughput. Phase 2 of the tailings storage facility (TSF) was completed in early Q3-2026, as planned. Underground development continued with decline advancement and infrastructure improvements to enhance mine access, ventilation and safety, while supporting underground production and exploration at depth. The open pit is now fully operational and integrated into production.

Article content

The quarter ended in a strong financial position, including $183M in cash and cash equivalents and $16M of restricted cash. During the quarter, the Company reimbursed $15M to EBRD for the facility it had engaged and announced on May 12, 2025.  The facility is now fully repaid, ahead of maturity.

Article content

Article content

Financial Highlights (in thousands of US$, except per share amounts)

Article content

Article content

*NM – Not Meaningful

Article content

Operational Review

Article content

Consolidated silver equivalent production reached 1.7 Moz AgEq, up 61% YoY, and included 1.5 Moz of silver from Zgounder and 0.2 Moz AgEq² from the Boumadine stockpile reclaim operation launched in Q4-2025. Consolidated production was up 12% QoQ, with cash costs averaging $16.82/oz AgEq sold⁴.

Article content

Article content

Zgounder Silver Mine

Article content

Zgounder produced 1.5 Moz of silver in Q2-2026, an increase of 43% YoY reflecting the ramp-up of mining and milling operations. Silver production increased 18% QoQ reflecting continued operational improvements and a rebound from the seasonally lower first quarter.  

Article content

Cash costs per silver ounce sold⁴ of $17.69 decreased 17% and 5%, respectively, from Q2-2025 and Q1-2026, driven in both cases by higher throughput, increased production volumes and efficiencies from optimization initiatives. Unit costs in the quarter also benefited from a strip ratio of 10, reflecting continued mining of ore-rich zones.

Article content

During the quarter, the mill processed 353,888 tonnes (“t”) of ore (3,889 tpd), while maintaining strong mill availability and metallurgical recovery. Mining operations achieved record production rates across both underground and open-pit operations during the quarter. The Company advanced phase 2 of the tailings storage facility during the second quarter, with construction completed shortly after quarter-end. Zgounder now has approximately three years of tailings storage capacity.

Article content

The ore stockpile increased to 373,884 t during the quarter.

Article content

Boumadine Pyrite Reclaim Operation

Article content

During Q2-2026, the pyrite reclaim operation produced 187,784 oz AgEq (Au:Ag ratio of 61:1)^1,2. At the end of Q2-2026, crushed inventory stood at 298,977 oz AgEq equivalent, located at various ports, awaiting shipment. Reclaimed pyrite inventory is increasing in preparation for bulk shipments in H2-2026, in addition to ongoing containerized shipments.

Article content

The reclamation and sale of the historical pyrite stockpile at Boumadine, announced on November 19, 2025, is expected to be of limited duration, lasting approximately 20 to 24 months from that date, or until the stockpile is depleted. The overall Boumadine polymetallic project remains at the exploration and evaluation stage and is not in commercial production.

Article content

Operational Highlights

Article content

Article content

Article content

*NM – Not Meaningful

Article content

2026 Development and Exploration

Article content

Zgounder

Article content

In Q2-2026, Aya completed 4,440 m of diamond drilling, bringing year-to-date drilling to 10,278 m  advancing approximately 34% of its 2026 exploration program. Drilling continued to intersect high-grade silver mineralization across key near-mine targets, including previously reported intercepts of up to 1,867 g/t Ag over 6.0 m (Hole ZG-RC-26-946). Development of the 1,825-metre exploration drift advanced during the quarter, supporting H2-2026 drilling beyond the Western Fault, while regional exploration commenced at North Zgounder targeting silver-gold-copper anomalies.  

Article content

Boumadine

Article content

In Q2-2026, 50,567 m of diamond drilling was completed at Boumadine, bringing year-to-date drilling to 93,394 m and advancing approximately 47% of its 2026 program. Drilling continued to confirm the continuity and high-grade nature of the Boumadine Main Trend, while identifying new parallel mineralized structures with potential to expand Mineral Resources and extend the open pit at depth. Previously reported highlights included hole BOU-DD25-745, which intersected 890 g/t AgEq over 51.5 m, along with additional high-grade intercepts.

Article content

Article content

Corporate Highlights

Article content

During the quarter, Aya achieved several corporate milestones, including the commencement of trading of its common shares on Nasdaq while maintaining its listing on the TSX. Aya was subsequently included in the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX), increasing the Company’s exposure to a broader global investor base. At the 2026 Annual General Meeting, shareholders elected the Company’s Board of Directors, including new independent directors Ms. Krystal Ramsden and Mr. Yves Bonin, bringing additional expertise and perspectives to the Board. The Board also appointed Ms. Ghislane Guedira as Chair, leveraging her extensive mining, financial, and Morocco-based experience as Aya advances its growth strategy. With these appointments, women now represent 50% of Aya’s Board of Directors.

Article content

2026 Outlook

Article content

2026 operation outlook remains unchanged from the outlook disclosed in the Company’s March 31, 2026 news release.

Article content

Recent Developments

Article content

On August 6, 2026, Aya announced the completion of its acquisition of a strategic exploration portfolio comprising three mining licenses and 18 exploration permits covering approximately 259 km² across three distinct exploration projects in Morocco: Zagora, Agadir-Melloul and Goulmim. The portfolio is located within highly prospective and underexplored mineral belts in Morocco. The total consideration for the acquisition was MAD 10 million, with additional contingent payments that may become payable to the sellers, as described in the Company’s June 30, 2026 Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”). Certain customary post-closing administrative formalities in Morocco remain. For further details regarding the acquisition and the terms of the transaction, please refer to the Company’s press release dated August 6, 2026, and the Company’s Q2-2026 MD&A, available on the Company’s website, SEDAR+ and EDGAR.

Article content

Q2-2026 Conference Call Details

Article content

Aya will release its second quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after market close. Management will host a conference call on Friday, August 14, at 10 a.m. ET to discuss the results and provide a corporate update.

Article content

Article content

Webcast link: Instructions for obtaining conference call dial-in numbers:

Article content

Article content

Qualified Person

Article content

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release have been reviewed and approved by David Lalonde, B. Sc, Vice-President, Exploration, and Raphaël Beaudoin, P.Eng, Vice-President, Operations of Aya, both of whom are each a “Qualified Person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).

Article content

Article content

The NI 43-101 technical reports referenced herein are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+, on EDGAR, and on the Company’s website. For more information on the technical reports referenced herein, you may refer to section “Technical Reports” below.

Article content

About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.

Article content

Aya Gold & Silver is a Canadian precious metals mining company anchored in Morocco and active across the full mining value chain. The Company has established an exploration track record through a systematic, technology-led, data-driven approach and is focused on expanding its resource base and land package along the Anti-Atlas fault — one of Africa’s most geologically rich, underexplored and mining-friendly regions.

Article content

Aya operates Zgounder, a rare, silver-only mine, producing silver doré from its new processing facility. Aya’s growth pipeline includes the Boumadine polymetallic project, where feasibility study work is underway. The project hosts a sizable mineralized footprint, and potential for further discovery.

Article content

Led by a proven team of mining professionals, Aya is guided by a vision of responsible mining and is committed to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees and host communities.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Or contact

Article content

Article content

Forward-Looking Statements

Article content

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are included to provide information about management’s current expectations, estimates and projections regarding Aya’s future growth and business prospects (including the timing and development of deposits and the success of exploration activities) and other opportunities as of the date of this press release.

Article content

All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, regarding the Company’s strategy, future operations, technical assessments, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Wherever possible, words such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “assume”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “goal”, “guidance”, “intend”, “objective”, “plan”, “potential”, “strategy”, “target”, and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will”, or are “likely” to be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the average net silver equivalent (“AgEQ”) price estimates; cash costs estimates; the development of the Company’s mining assets; the potential for expansion and extension of the Company’s mining assets; the 2026 guidance and operation outlook; the Company achieving its 2026 guidance; the Company’s vision; the Company’s expectations that cash and cash equivalents will support the development of Boumadine; the Company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees and host communities; the Company’s key priorities, strategies and objectives for 2026; the Company’s estimate on tailings storage capacity for Zgounder; Aya’s growth strategy; the updated Boumadine preliminary economic assessment (including update of the mineral resource estimate), content and timing thereof; the 2025 PEA; the Boumadine feasibility study and timing thereof; the Company’s assessment of the strength of its mining assets; Boumadine operational targets, goals and timing thereof, including timing for shipment in bulk of pyrite inventory in H2-2026 and the duration of the pyrite reclaim initiative to be 20-24 months; the Company’s 2026 exploration program and future drilling targets; the potential of any new mineralized structure; the completion of the post-closing formalities in Morocco following the acquisition of the portfolio of mining licences and exploration permits in Zagora, Agadir-Melloul and Goulmim; commodity prices;  and the Company’s future operating results, economic performance, and objectives.

Article content

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon a number of factors, assumptions and information currently available to management that Aya believes to be reasonable at the time of the statements. Key assumptions upon which Aya’s forward-looking information is based include Aya’s ability to raise additional financing when needed and on reasonable terms; Aya’s ability to achieve current exploration, development and other objectives concerning Aya’s properties; Aya’s expectation that the current price and demand for gold and silver and other commodities will be sustained or will improve; Aya’s ability to obtain, maintain and renew requisite licenses, permits, and necessary governmental approvals; Aya’s ability to attract and retain key personnel; general business and economic conditions, including competitive conditions in the market in which Aya operates; Aya’s assumption that applicable tax rates and taxation regimes will remain substantially unchanged from current levels; Aya’s assumptions that rates indices will remain within ranges consistent with current levels; Aya’s assumptions with respect to the outcome of any ongoing litigation; the updated Boumadine preliminary economic assessment and the Boumadine feasibility study to be completed on the timeline anticipated; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; Aya’s assumption that current performance is sufficient to support the achievement of the 2026 guidance; the absence of force majeure events, including natural disasters, pandemics, geopolitical disruptions, wars or other extraordinary events, that could materially affect the Company’s operations or development plans; the availability of qualified contractors, equipment and supplies required to execute the Company’s operational, exploration and development plans; applicable laws and regulations remain substantially unchanged from those currently in effect in Canada and Morocco; Aya’s assumption that weather and environmental conditions at its operating sites will remain within ranges consistent with historical norms;  the Company’s ability to meet current and future obligations; the availability and cost of inputs; foreign exchange rates; Aya’s ability to complete the post-closing formalities in Morocco following the acquisition of the portfolio of mining licences and exploration permits in Zagora, Agadir-Melloul and Goulmim; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.

Article content

Article content

Notwithstanding the foregoing, these forward-looking statements and underlying assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies which means that actual results performance, prospects and opportunities in future periods can differ materially from those expressed or implied with such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, Aya’s ability to execute plans relating to its Zgounder Silver Mine and the Boumadine Project, including the timing thereof; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development, and mining, including environmental hazards, potential unintended releases of contaminants, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins, and flooding; risks related to Aya’s operations in Morocco; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; the inability to determine, with certainty, the production of metals and cost estimates, or the prices to be received before mineral reserves or mineral resources are actually mined; inadequate or unreliable infrastructure (such as roads, bridges, power sources and water supplies); fluctuations in forward markets for silver and other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); restrictions on mining in the jurisdictions in which Aya operates; change of laws and regulations governing our operation, exploration, and development activities, including international laws and legal norms, such as those relating to Indigenous peoples and human rights; the Company’s ability to mitigate the risks pertaining to fund repatriation; expectations with respect to any future pandemics on our operations, and assumptions related thereto; Aya’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees and contractors; Aya’s ability to obtain, maintain and renew necessary permits and licenses in due time and under conditions acceptable for Aya; inherent risks associated with tailings facilities and heap leach operations, including failure or leakages; Aya’s growth strategy; Aya’s ability to obtain and maintain insurance; occupational health and safety risks; adverse publicity risks; third party risks; disruptions to Aya’s business operations; Aya’s reliance on technology and information systems; litigation risks; interest and exchange rates risks; tax risks; unforeseen expenses; public health crises; general economic conditions; commodity prices; gold and silver demand; volatility of share price; public company obligations; competition risk; policies and legislation; force majeure, including war or geopolitical disruption; climate risks; climate changes; weather disruptions; the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; risks related to competition in the mining industry; changes in technology; risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI); and other risks described in the Company’s documents filed with securities regulatory authorities. Further information with respect to these and other risks can be found in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section of the MD&A, and in other filings with the securities regulatory authorities, including the “Risk Factors” set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form, available on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR.

Article content

Article content

These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Aya. These factors should be considered carefully and prospective or existing investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in them.

Article content

Forward-looking statements and other information contained herein concerning, among other things, mineral exploration and management’s general expectations concerning the mineral exploration industry, are based on estimates prepared by management using data from publicly available industry sources as well as from market research and industry analysis as well as assumptions based on data and knowledge of the industry which management believes to be reasonable, including, among other things, the ability to obtain any requisite Moroccan governmental approvals, the accuracy of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, silver price, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, future economic conditions and courses of action. However, this data is inherently imprecise, although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics. While management is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, mineral exploration involves risks and uncertainties, and industry data is subject to change based on various factors. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risk factors and assumptions are not exhaustive of all risk factors and assumptions which may have been used. In addition, statements relating to “reserves” or “resources” are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the resources and reserves described can be profitably mined in the future.

Article content

All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are qualified by these cautionary statements, and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein. Although Aya believes its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions and has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. As such, these risks are not exhaustive; however, they should be considered carefully. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements found herein. Due to the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions inherent in forward-looking statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding Aya’s business plans, financial performance and condition, and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Article content

Article content

The forward-looking statements  and other information contained herein are made only as of the date hereof. Aya disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Article content

Technical Reports

Article content

Boumadine Project

Article content

The preliminary economic assessment for the Boumadine project titled “Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Boumadine Polymetalic Project, Kingdom of Morocco” with an effective date November 4, 2025 and filed on SEDAR+ on December 18, 2025 (the “2025 PEA”), is based on an updated mineral resource estimate effective as of February 24, 2025, disclosed in a technical report titled “Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate of the Boumadine Polymetallic Project, Kingdom of Morocco” dated as of March 31, 2025, and filed on SEDAR+ as of such date. The key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral and the identification of known legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources are described in the 2025 PEA.

Article content

Article content

The 2025 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the 2025 PEA will be realized.

Article content

Zgounder Project

Article content

The Zgounder technical report for the Zgounder project titled “Technical Report – Updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Estimate of the Zgounder Silver Mine Operation, Kingdom of Morocco” dated as of December 16, 2025, and filed on SEDAR+ as of such date (the “Zgounder Technical Report”), is based on a mineral resource estimate as of June 30, 2025, and a mineral reserve estimate as of September 30, 2025. The key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral and the identification of known legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources are described in the Zgounder Technical Report.

Article content

Notes to Investors on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves

Article content

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that mineral resources will be converted to mineral reserves.

Article content

Non-GAAP Measures

Article content

The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios in this press release, including “Cash costs per silver equivalent ounce sold” (“AgEq ounce”), “Production cost per tonne”, and “Available liquidity”, to supplement its unaudited consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS. The terms IFRS and generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are used interchangeably throughout this document.

Article content

The Company believes that these measures, together with IFRS measures, provide investors with enhanced transparency and a better ability to evaluate the Company’s underlying operating performance and liquidity. Cash cost per silver equivalent ounce sold and Production cost per tonne are widely used in the mining industry as performance benchmarks. However, our non-GAAP measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Article content

Article content

Silver Equivalent Ounces Sold (“AgEq”)

Article content

Silver equivalent ounces are calculated by converting gold production into silver ounces using relative metal prices for the applicable reporting period. AgEq ounces allow the Company to present consolidated production and cost metrics on a comparable basis, as its operations may produce more than one metal.

Article content

AgEq ounces are provided for additional information purposes only.

Article content

Cash Costs per AgEq Ounce Sold and Production Costs per Tonne Processed

Article content

Cash costs per AgEq ounce sold and production costs per tonne processed are non-GAAP measures used by management to monitor and evaluate operating performance at both the mine and consolidated levels, in conjunction with the most directly comparable IFRS measures where applicable.

Article content

These metrics are widely reported in the mining industry as benchmarks for cost performance. Management and investors use them to assess the Company’s cost structure and operating efficiency, to compare operating performance with industry peers, and to evaluate the performance of individual mining operations within the Company’s portfolio.

Article content

Article content

Where applicable, cost metrics are calculated in a manner consistent with the guidelines published by the World Gold Council (“WGC”).

Article content

Cash Costs per AgEq Ounce Sold

Article content

Cash costs per AgEq ounce sold are calculated by:

Article content

Article content

Cash costs per AgEq ounce sold are intended to reflect the cash expenditures directly associated with production during the period and are used by management to evaluate the Company’s operating efficiency and cost performance.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Production Costs per Tonne Processed

Article content

Production costs per tonne processed is calculated by:

Article content

Article content

Article content

Production costs per tonne processed is used by management to assess processing efficiency, cost control relative to throughput levels, and overall operational performance.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content