Paterson Province – Applications for New Licences

First Development Resources plc (AIM: FDR), the UK-based, Australia-focused exploration company with mineral interests in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, is pleased to announce that it has applied for three new Exploration Licences in the Paterson Province of Western Australia.

The new applications, E45/7205, E45/7206 and E45/7207, are located immediately to the east of the Company's existing Wallal Project licences (Figure 1) and cover ground previously held by Rio Tinto Exploration.

Figure 1: FDR's New Exploration Licence applications pending approval. Paterson Province, Western Australia

The statutory objection period under the Mining Act 1978 (WA) for the new licences closed on 12 and 13 January 2026, and the Company confirms that no objections were lodged in that statutory period.

The licence applications are now being assessed by the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) in Western Australia to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including environmental and land use considerations.

In parallel, FDR is engaging with relevant Traditional Owner groups as part of the Aboriginal Heritage Act and Native Title Act consultation process to ensure that exploration activities respect cultural heritage.

Any future exploration work will only proceed once all statutory approvals, including relating to Native Title and heritage clearances, have been secured.

Once granted, these licences will further consolidate FDR's strategic land position in the highly prospective Paterson Province and enhance the Company's exploration footprint in the region. The Company looks forward to advancing exploration planning in a responsible and compliant manner.