Western Copper and Gold Extends Technical Collaboration with Rio Tinto

Press Release

Jun 16, 2025

Vancouver, B.C. Western Copper and Gold Corporation (“Western” or the “Company”) (TSX: WRN; NYSE American: WRN) is pleased to announce an extension and revision of its Investor Rights Agreement (“IRA”) with Rio Tinto Canada Inc. (“Rio Tinto”).

As part of a revised IRA, Rio Tinto will continue to hold a seat on the Casino Technical and Sustainability Committee (“TSC”), along with one representative from Mitsubishi Materials and three from Western, to promote ongoing technical collaboration. Rio Tinto’s existing standstill and trading restrictions, along with certain other obligations, will remain in effect, while the previous board observer right and potential board seat rights have been extinguished. The revised IRA will expire on the earlier of November 30, 2026, or when Rio Tinto’s ownership falls below 5%.

“We are pleased to maintain Rio Tinto’s presence on the TSC as it has been mutually beneficial to both Western and Rio Tinto,” said Sandeep Singh, President and CEO. “Rio Tinto remains a supportive shareholder, and we value the expertise they bring to bear on the project. It did make sense, however, to refine some of the previous rights, especially as we have taken steps to enhance our own independent board of directors over time.”

ABOUT WESTERN COPPER AND GOLD CORPORATION

Western Copper and Gold Corporation is developing the Casino Project, Canada’s premier copper-gold mine in the Yukon Territory and one of the most economic greenfield copper-gold mining projects in the world.

The Company is committed to working collaboratively with our First Nations and local communities to progress the Casino Project, using internationally recognized responsible mining technologies and practices.

For more information, visit www.westerncopperandgold.com.

On behalf of the board,

“Sandeep Singh”

Sandeep Singh

President and CEO

Western Copper and Gold Corporation

For more information, please contact:

Cameron Magee

Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Development

Western Copper and Gold Corporation

437-219-5576 or cmagee@westerncopperandgold.com

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