VANCOUVER, British Columbia — February 26, 2026 — Leads & Copy — Rio Silver Inc. has secured permission from the local community to start planned site activities at its Maria Norte Project in Peru.
The agreement enables the company to establish the necessary infrastructure to begin exploration and development of the Maria Norte Property.
The agreement follows ongoing dialogue and participation from local residents and community leadership. Rio Silver will continue to work with the local community and the broader Huachocolpa community to enter into a formal definitive agreement for the long-term use of the area for both exploration and mining activities.
Rio Silver may now proceed with planned access preparation and related technical initiatives in alignment with the community’s support.
The Huachocolpa District has long been recognized as a region rooted in mineral development. Compañia de Minas Buenaventura initially commenced operations in this district in the 1950s and has provided employment, technical training, and opportunity for generations.
The district is home to a significant Canadian presence, including neighboring operations led by Silver X Mining Corp. and Endeavour Silver Corp., among others operating regionally. Canadian-led companies in Peru have historically operated under rigorous environmental, social, and governance standards. Rio Silver is committed to upholding those same principles of transparency, accountability, and long-term partnership.
Chris Verrico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Silver, expressed gratitude for the active and thoughtful participation demonstrated by the surrounding community. He noted the response from host neighbors reflects strong leadership, solid intentions, and a shared commitment to ensuring development proceeds in a manner that benefits all stakeholders.
Verrico added that Huachocolpa is a community shaped by mining expertise and integrity. He stated the company recognizes that the opportunity to advance Maria Norte comes with responsibility and is committed to maintaining open dialogue, respecting local values, and working collaboratively.
With formal authorization confirmed, the company intends to mobilize personnel to initiate planned site activities; advance access and portal preparation work, including camp construction; advance mineral process optimization (metallurgical) programs; and conduct systematic surface mapping and technical field programs.
These activities are structured to ensure steady advancement while maintaining continued engagement and cooperation with local stakeholders.
The company also confirmed that its previously announced metallurgical program to de-risk processing and optimize silver recoveries at Maria Norte remains actively underway. This technical work is focused on validating processing assumptions, refining the proposed flow sheet design, and supporting the company’s staged development strategy.
Upon receipt and review of the metallurgical results, Rio Silver intends to provide a comprehensive update to the market.
Further details regarding the metallurgical program are available in the Company’s prior release titled “Rio Silver Launches Metallurgical Program to De-Risk Processing and Optimize Silver Recoveries at Maria Norte,” which can be accessed at the website.
Community support is fundamental to responsible project advancement. A formal authorization is expected to follow from a duly convened assembly. With the support of the local community, the company may now proceed with planned on-site initiatives in a coordinated manner, reinforcing its commitment to long-term stakeholder value.
Rio Silver Inc. is a Canadian resource company advancing high-grade, silver-dominant assets in Peru. The company is focused on near-term development opportunities within proven mineral belts and is supported by a seasoned technical and operational team with deep experience in Peruvian geology, underground mining, and district-scale exploration.
With a clear development strategy and a growing portfolio of highly prospective silver assets, Rio Silver is establishing the foundation to become one of Peru’s next emerging silver producers.
Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to follow Rio Silver for the latest company updates, project milestones, and event announcements across the company’s official social media channels.
Source: Rio Silver Inc.
