BUNIA, Democratic Republic of Congo, March 10, 2026 — Black & Yellow Minerals SARL ("BYM" or the "Company") today announced the establishment of the BYM Community Development Fund (the "Fund"), backed by an initial commitment of US$500,000 dedicated to education, healthcare, and local infrastructure programs in the Territory of Djugu, Province of Ituri.
The Fund, developed in close consultation with community leaders, cooperative partners, and provincial authorities, will prioritize three pillars: (i) construction and renovation of primary school facilities within a 15-kilometer radius of BYM concessions, (ii) establishment of a community health post staffed by trained healthcare workers, and (iii) improvement of rural access roads connecting mining communities to regional markets. Initial disbursements are expected to commence in Q2 2026.
"Responsible mining means ensuring that the communities hosting our operations share meaningfully in the benefits of resource development," said the Chief Executive Officer of BYM. "This Fund represents a structured, transparent, and accountable mechanism for delivering lasting social impact — not as charity, but as an investment in the communities that are integral to our success."
The Fund will be governed by a joint oversight committee comprising BYM management, cooperative leadership from COMIPED and COMEAD, and community-elected representatives. An independent auditor will review all disbursements annually, with reports made available to investors and stakeholders. BYM has committed to allocating a minimum of 3% of annual net revenue to the Fund on an ongoing basis.
Since commencing operations, BYM has directly employed over 120 community members, provided technical training to 85 artisanal miners transitioning to semi-industrial operations, and invested approximately $180,000 in community-related expenditures during 2025. The Fund formalizes and expands these efforts into a permanent institutional framework.
This announcement builds on BYM's Inaugural ESG Report published in July 2025 and reflects the Company's commitment to meeting or exceeding the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) performance expectations for responsible mining. For further information, please contact: BYM Investor Relations — ir@bym-minerals.com.