OceanaGold Corporation announced results from ten drillholes from the ongoing exploration and resource conversion program at Wharekirauponga (WKP), New Zealand. These holes were completed subsequent to the cut-off date for the December 31, 2023 Mineral Resources estimate, which outlined an Indicated resource of 1.0 million ounces at a grade of 15.9 g/t gold. The Company also welcomes yesterday?s announcement by New Zealand?s recently elected Government to create a new one-stop-shop fast track consenting (permitting) regime that will promote streamlined processes for regional and national projects of significance.

The new bill looks to accelerate the development of major projects and the Company believes that the Waihi North Project, which includes the development of Wharekirauponga, has the potential to meet the requirements for consideration. Highlight drill intercepts include (estimated true width): 61.9 g/t Au over 4.0 m from 534.4 m, EG Vein (WKP118C); 31.0 g/t Au over 5.2 m from 513.7 m, EG Vein (WKP124A); 58.5 g/t Au over 2.5 m from 474.7 m, EG HWS Vein (WKP118C); 19.0 g/t Au over 6.3 m from 471.9 m, EG Vein (WKP113A); 11.3 g/t Au over 6.7 m from 523.0 m, EG Vein (WKP111D) Wharekirauponga Drill Results Since the 2023 resource model data cut-off, drilling has continued to intersect high-grade mineralization in 10 holes on the East Graben (EG) Vein system in both the southern and northern shoots. Opportunities remain for up-plunge, down-plunge and along-strike extensions of the EG Vein.

High-grade intercepts remain open. Step-out drilling in hole WKP100, the most southerly hole on the EG Vein (previously released), confirmed mineralization of comparable width occurs a further 200 metres along strike of the currently defined high-grade southern shoot. Final approvals are pending for a new drill site to enable more effective drill testing of this strike extension.

The EG Vein system remains the primary, nearterm target for drilling with 11,300 metres planned in 2024, targeting resource conversion and growth. About Wharekirauponga and the Waihi North Project: The Wharekirauponga low sulphidation epithermal Au-Ag vein system is located approximately 10 kilometres to the north of the Company?s Waihi Gold Mine. Resource conversion drilling at Wharekirauponga during 2023 has increased the Indicated Resource to 2.0 million tonnes grading 15.9 g/t Au for 1.01 million ounces of gold and 1.2 million tonnes grading 9.0 g/t Au for 0.35 million ounces of gold in the Inferred category.

Wharekirauponga is part of the Waihi North Project, which has the potential to create significant socioeconomic contributions for the communities in the Coromandel region and for New Zealand. This includes significant in-country investments and a substantial increase to direct and indirect employment opportunities. The Company envisages the development of a mine that aligns with its objective to reducing its carbon footprint.

OceanaGold operates to the highest environmental and social standards which has enabled it to run a successful and responsible mining business in New Zealand for over three decades. The Company has lodged a resource consent application for its proposed Waihi North Project with Hauraki District Council and Waikato Regional Council.