Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – June 23, 2025) – Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) (“Founders” or the “Company”) announces mid-year drilling results and provides a comprehensive overview of 2025 activities at the Antino Gold Project (“Antino” or “Project”) in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). The Company is on-track and fully financed to complete 60,000+ metres (m) of drilling in 2025 alongside an aggressive surface exploration program within the 200 km2 Antino land package.
Colin Padget, President & CEO of Founders, commented “The Companys 2025 drilling campaign is delivering exceptional results that continue to expand gold mineralization across the property. At Upper Antino we see three major opportunities for growth: connecting the dots between Froyo and Donut, doubling the depth with deeper drilling, and extending north and south along strike. With Lower Antino, we are thrilled to report gold over substantial intervals in every hole. Lower Antino drilling demonstrates this is a large gold system and provides an opportunity to add ounces if combined with the nearby high-grade at Upper Antino.”
“Our excitement around the potential of Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Lawa remains high given their strong initial results. Additionally, we recently began drilling at Maria Geralda, where our excitement led to rushing the first batch of holes with results expected shortly.”
Due to uncommonly high precipitation during the 2025 rainy season, the Company is temporarily focusing more of its drilling closer to its main camp at Upper Antino. The decision was made to maintain efficient, cost-effective drilling, and has enabled near-continuous four-rig operation while avoiding the supply chain and logistical challenges associated with working on more remote targets during wet conditions. Drier conditions typically return mid-August, after which point the Company intends to resume drilling at further away targets including, Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Lawa.
Upper Antino represents the Companys most advanced target, with drilling having defined a substantial mineralised footprint spanning 1,700 m of strike, up to 450 m wide, and extending to 280 m depth. Founders has released assay results for ~6,500 m to date of its planned 20,000-metre Upper Antino 2025 drill program. Ongoing drilling focuses on the following three major opportunities for growth:
Connecting the dots: Grid drilling program testing for additional parallel gold mineralization between Froyo and Donut; potential to increase the mineralized footprint across-strike to over 1,000 m.
Drilling deeper: New deep drilling program to test depths of up to 550 m from surface; potential to nearly double depth extent of current maximum depths of ~280 m.
North and south extensions: Systematic grid drilling along strike of Upper Antino gold mineralization testing up to 800 m of further growth to the south and north/northwest.
Drilling at Lower Antino has defined parallel, northeast-trending gold zones extending up to 700 m along strike with potential for considerable additional growth. Drill hole LA024 significantly extends the mineralized footprint, stepping out 475 m across strike from previously released drill hole LA003, which returned 81.9 m of 1.01 g/t Au. LA024 intersected 50.0 m of 1.02 g/t Au from 72.0 m down hole, demonstrating strong continuity of mineralization across a substantial distance. Other significant gold intervals from the current program include 20.9 m of 1.11 g/t Au in LA019 and 21.0 m of 1.00 g/t Au in LA028 (Figure 2 & 3).
Lower Antino gold mineralization is consistently hosted in intensely sericite-altered, moderately sheared, tonalitic intrusive rocks with generally consistent grade distribution throughout the mineralized intervals. All zones remain open along strike and to depth, indicating significant potential for further discoveries across strike. The Company has completed ~7,500 m of drilling to date at Lower Antino and plans to drill up to an additional 2,500 m by years end.
Buese gold mineralization occurs over broad intervals of moderate grade within and at the margins of tonalitic intrusive rocks. High-grade gold mineralization is also present at Buese, occurring mostly within high strain and/or breccia zones. Further details are discussed in the April 23, 2025 news release. Founders drilling demonstrates gold is present along 2,000+ m of strike and to depths of up ~250 m. The Company has released assay results for ~3,100 m of Buese drilling in 2025 and plans to complete up to 7,000 m this year.
Moving forward, follow-up drilling will concentrate on extending the drill-confirmed gold mineralization both northwest and southeast, while systematically testing for high-grade mineralized shoots within the broader intrusive complex. Additionally, auger work will resume in drier conditions to continue evaluating the substantial tailings opportunity and expand upon initial positive results.
Gold mineralization at Da Vinci is hosted in a mixed sequence of sedimentary rocks. The estimated true widths of gold-bearing intervals range from ~7.5 m to 40 m along 150 m of strike and to true depths of ~250 m. Newly drilled intervals include 25.0 m of 1.01 g/t Au (DV007) and 29.9 m of 0.94 g/t Au (DV008), further expanding Da Vinci mineralization. Like gold mineralization at Upper Antino, drill core and mapping data suggest higher-grade zones occur where the main NW structure has been refolded (NE striking axial plane) providing new opportunities for targeting along strike mineralization and offering potential for new discoveries across-strike where similar late folding may have affected structures to the main shear (Figure 4 & 5).
Founders discontinued drilling at Da Vinci due to wet weather conditions and anticipates returning for follow-up work by early September. Drilling will further test mineralization along-strike and to the NE and SW for additional repeating structures and gold zones. Prospecting and auger program at the Da Vinci area is also underway to support further exploration drill targeting in the area.
Initial Van Gogh drilling intersected substantial intervals of high-grade gold mineralization including previously released 28.5 m of 7.12 g/t Au (VG001) and 72.0 m of 2.29 g/t Au (VG004). March 17, 2025 news release (Figure 6). Subsequent drill holes VG005 and VG006 were drilled to test apparent along-strike continuity, however, neither hole returned significant assay results. There remain several possible orientations and hypotheses to test regarding the early impressive gold mineralized intervals. Founders intends to complete additional surface work first before continuing to drill.
Drill core and orientation data collected to date has been critical to improving our understanding of the Van Gogh gold system and is currently being complimented by a systematic surface exploration program. Concurrent with similar work in the Da Vinci area, the program includes augering, trenching, and structural mapping and is intended improve the targeting of future holes. Given the scale and very high-grade nature of the initial Van Gogh results, the Company intends to return to Van Gogh to complete up to 3,500 m of drilling.
The Lawa target represents a major structural corridor with significant discovery potential, comprising over 8.0 km of mapped shearing and extensive artisanal workings. Gold mineralization occurs within sheeted tension vein arrays, presenting as both disseminated pyrite and visible free gold in sheared quartz veins that run sub-parallel to regional structures (Figure 7).
Recent exploration has yielded promising results, including channel sampling at Lawa North returning 27.0 m of 1.99 g/t Au (Figure 7). Initial drilling at Lawa South has consistently intercepted broad intervals of gold mineralization in all holes, including visible gold in LW002. Although initial assay results are generally lower grade, the abundant gold-bearing veins and structures suggest a substantial gold system capable of hosting high-grade zones within the expansive 40+ km2 exploration area.
The Company plans comprehensive follow-up work including additional surficial exploration and an expanded drilling program targeting up to 5,000 m at Lawa in 2025. This systematic approach will help define the systems full potential while identifying the most prospective areas for higher-grade mineralization.
Maria Geralda remains readily accessible despite current rainy conditions, with an initial ~1,500 m drill program now underway. Recent auger sampling has identified a 500 m by 400 m gold anomaly, where 54% of samples returned assays above 0.1 g/t Au (Figure 9). The area is favourably positioned along a major northwest-trending lineament identified through lidar and regional aeromagnetic data, situated at a critical geological boundary between intrusive rocks and mixed metavolcanic-metasedimentary formations.
While no previous drilling was conducted at Maria Geralda, historical channel sampling yielded encouraging results, including 12.3 m of 4.52 g/t Au and 5.0 m of 2.98 g/t Au. These historical results, combined with the recent geochemical anomaly and favorable structural setting, support the decision to advance with systematic drilling to test the targets potential.
Parbo is approximately 4 km east of Lower Antino and accessible by existing road infrastructure. The area hosts an expansive, 1,200 m x 700 m, historical gold-in-auger anomaly, where samples have returned grades up to 51.42 g/t Au (Figure 10).
Founders plans to begin a surficial exploration program by mid-July that includes up to 1,500 m of trenching, expansion of the historical auger grid, and detailed geological mapping. Following evaluation of results from this surficial program, the Company is planning a preliminary drill program of up to 2,000 m in Q4 2025.
Intervals are down-hole depths. True widths of mineralization are estimated to be ~75% of the down-hole interval for all Lower Antino holes (LA) based on preliminary results and observations. Results from all zones outside of Upper Antino, Lower Antino and Buese have not seen sufficient drilling to provide estimated true widths.
Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company is fully financed for up to 60,000 metres of drilling in 2025.
1 2022 Technical Report – Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrançois, BSc, P.Geo.
Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Companys recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect “, “is expected “, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Companys most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Art lovers and teddy bear enthusiasts alike have something exciting to look forward to – Build-A-Bear has collaborated with the Van Gogh Museum to launch a new line of plush toys and accessories featuring the works of Vincent Van Gogh This pawsome collection brings the iconic paintings of the Dutch Post-Impressionist master to life in huggable stuffed animal form,
An Artistic Addition to Any Bear-y Good Home
Vincent Van Gogh’s instantly recognizable paintings like The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Almond Blossom now grace soft plush canvases, adding a pop of color and culture to any room. Build-A-Bear has recreated four of Van Gogh’s paintings into lovable stuffed animals, each complete with the artist’s signature brush strokes and colors.
Choose from the brilliant yellow Sunflowers bear, featuring Van Gogh’s iconic still life, the enchanting Almond Blossom bunny with its pretty pink hues, the charming Wheatfield with Crows frog set against Van Gogh’s windswept landscape, or the magical Starry Night unicorn, depicting the glittering night sky over the Rhone that Van Gogh painted from his asylum room window
In addition to the plush animals, the collection includes Starry Night pajamas, tote bags, mugs, and more, so you can surround yourself with Van Gogh’s art.
Inspiring Creativity with Timeless Works of Art
Beyond being adorable additions to your stuffed animal family, these plush pieces of art history provide a fun and interactive way to introduce children to iconic works of art. The Van Gogh Museum has made the painter’s work more engaging and accessible for a younger audience.
Now your kids can learn about art and art history while cuddling their very own Sunflowers or Starry Night plush. The famous paintings will inspire young imaginations as children invent stories and adventures for their new artistic pals.
Build-A-Bear’s collaboration with the museum brings Van Gogh’s vision to life in a soft, huggable form that kids and adults alike will treasure. Any art loving family will appreciate these special plush mementos celebrating Vincent Van Gogh’s incredible contributions to the world of art.
Bringing Van Gogh to All Through Accessible Art
Part of what makes this collection so special is its commitment to making fine art more accessible.
Art museums can sometimes feel stuffy and exclusive, but the Van Gogh Museum’s fun partnership with Build-A-Bear helps introduce Van Gogh’s iconic works in an approachable way. The famous paintings are transformed into soft, colorful plush pets, welcoming art into everyday life.
Build-A-Bear makes enjoying art a hands-on, interactive experience. Now people of all ages can appreciate Van Gogh’s genius through cuddly, imaginative stuffed animals. The collaboration makes Van Gogh feel familiar and relevant instead of distant and intimidating.
The collection also makes Van Gogh’s works more affordable and available. Owning an original Van Gogh painting is out of reach for most of us, but now anyone can have their very own Starry Night or Sunflowers to love thanks to Build-A-Bear’s inclusive pricing.
Immerse Yourself in an Artistic Experience
This exciting launch allows teddy bear and art aficionados to fully immerse themselves in Van Gogh’s world. In addition to the stuffed animals, Build-A-Bear has created a whole collection of clothing, accessories, and home goods featuring Van Gogh’s masterpieces.
Little ones will love drifting off to sleep all bundled up in cozy Starry Night footie pajamas. Display your Build-A-Bear Vincent Van Gogh plushies in their very own Almond Blossom carrier bag. Start each day sipping from a Sunflowers mug full of your favorite hot drink.
Build-A-Bear makes it easy to incorporate Van Gogh’s artwork into your home decor with fun accents like Starry Night string lights or a Wheat Field With Crows pillow. Use Sunflowers blankets and towels to add a pop of happy color to any room. With this delightful collection you can surround yourself with the beauty of Van Gogh’s paintings.
For art lovers, Van Gogh devotees, or any family looking for a new furry friend, this playful collaboration is a can’t-miss way to experience some of the most famous works of art through imaginative stuffed animals and accessories.
Share Your Love of Art with Pawsome Gifts
In addition to being the perfect treat for yourself, Build-A-Bear’s Van Gogh collection makes one-of-a-kind gifts for the art enthusiasts in your life.
Surprise your artistic friends with a stuffed Sunflowers bear to brighten their home or inspiration for their next still life painting. Gift a budding art student the magical Starry Night unicorn to fuel their creativity and dreams. Thank teachers for sharing their passion for art with a fuzzy Almond Blossom bunny as a graduation gift.
Share your love of great artists with children by giving them their very own huggable Vincent Van Gogh painting. Or pick out an artistic plush buddy to display in your local library, school, or children’s museum to delight and inspire kids.
With its commitment to making art more playful, hands-on, and accessible, this collection is perfect for gift giving. It allows you to share the vibrance and beauty of Van Gogh’s legacy through fanciful plush pieces.
A Pawsome Partnership Merges Art and Play
Build-A-Bear’s clever collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum merges the worlds of art, imagination, and play for an innovative, interactive experience. Now you can cuddle up with Sunflowers, drift to sleep with Starry Night, and let Almond Blossom inspire your own creations.
By transforming Van Gogh’s iconic works into whimsical plush animals and accessories, Build-A-Bear has made fine art more approachable and engaging. This delightful collection offers art lovers new ways to enjoy Van Gogh’s brilliance through imaginative play and storytelling.
So get ready to start your own artistic adventure with Build-A-Bear’s Pawsome Van Gogh Museum line. A whole world of art history awaits you and your new furry friends.
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Build a Bear News – Vincent Van Gogh 12 Sunflower Bear
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