BUNIA, Democratic Republic of Congo, January 28, 2026 — Black & Yellow Minerals SARL ("BYM" or the "Company") today hosted an official site visit by the Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo, accompanied by a delegation including the Provincial Governor of Ituri, the Head of the Provincial Mining Division, and senior officials from the mining cadastre (CAMI). The delegation toured BYM's operational facilities at Concessions P3 and P1, observed active mining and processing operations, and participated in a briefing on the Company's cooperative consolidation model.
During the visit, the Minister commended BYM for demonstrating that artisanal mining cooperatives can be successfully integrated into structured, semi-industrial operations without displacing community miners. The Minister described BYM's model as "an example of what responsible mining development should look like in the DRC" and indicated that the Ministry would study the cooperative consolidation framework for potential broader application across other mining provinces.
"We are honored by the Minister's visit and deeply encouraged by the endorsement of our operating model," stated the Chief Executive Officer. "BYM was founded on the conviction that formalizing and modernizing the artisanal mining sector — rather than bypassing it — creates the most sustainable value for investors, communities, and the national economy. The Minister's recognition validates this approach and opens dialogue for constructive policy engagement."
The delegation was briefed on key operational metrics including cumulative gold production, employment figures, community investment expenditures, and environmental management practices. The Minister expressed particular interest in BYM's production-sharing framework with COMIPED and COMEAD cooperatives, the Community Development Fund structure, and the Company's ESG reporting practices. Provincial officials noted that BYM's operations have contributed measurably to local tax revenues and economic activity in the Territory of Djugu.
The visit also provided an opportunity for BYM to present its growth strategy, including the planned activation of Concessions P2 and P4 and the Company's interest in evaluating additional cooperative partnership opportunities in the Ituri Province. The Minister expressed support for responsible expansion and indicated that the Ministry would facilitate a constructive regulatory environment for well-governed mining operations that demonstrate community benefit and environmental compliance.
BYM extends its gratitude to the Minister, the Provincial Governor, and all members of the delegation for their visit and constructive engagement. Contact: BYM Investor Relations — ir@bym-minerals.com.