East Africa Metals receives extension of mine development periods for Mato Bula, Da Tambuk and Terakimti Projects

Vancouver, British Columbia – May 24, 2024 – East Africa Metals Inc. (TSX-V: EAM and Frakfurt: EA1) is pleased to announce it has received formal notification from the Ethiopian State Minister of Mines of the approval for an extension to the mine development period for the Mato Bula, Da Tambuk and Terakimti projects located in the Tigray region of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The extensions of these mine development periods resolve permitting issues that arose out of the regional conflict and force majeure conditions that ended with the signing of the Pretoria Agreement in November 2023. The formal approval of these extensions to the mine development periods will allow for the importation of mining equipment and clear the way for the initiation of construction work.

The mine development period for the Da Tambuk (License no MOM\LSML\163\2018) and the Mato Bula (License no MOM\LSML\166\2017) mining licences, (which is owned by Tibet Huayu and EAM, 70% and 30% respectively) collectively referred to as the Adyabo Project, has been extended for four years until February 1, 2028, to allow the mine construction to begin.

The mine development period for the Terakimti mining license (License no MOM\LSML\168\2017), (which EAM has a 70% interest) referred to as the Harvest Project, has been extended until December 5, 2028.

About East Africa Metals

The Company’s principal assets include a 30% Net Profits Interest in the Mato Bula and Da Tambuk projects (collectively “Adyabo Project”) and a 70% interest in the Harvest polymetallic VMS Exploration Project in the Tigray Region of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In addition, the Company has a 30% Net Streaming Interest in the Magambazi Mine in the Tanga Region of Tanzania.

EAM has invested US$66.8M in African exploration since 2005 and has identified a total of 2.8 million ounces of gold and gold-equivalent resources representing an average discovery cost per ounce of US$24.

Andrew Lee Smith is a Qualified Person under the definitions of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release

On behalf of the Board of Directors:
Andrew Lee Smith, P.Geo., CEO

For further information contact:
Nick Watters, Business Development
Telephone:       +1 (604) 488-0822
Email                info@eastafricametals.com
Website:           www.eastafricametals.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “project”, “budget”, “schedule”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “indicate” or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by East Africa as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of East Africa to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: timing of receipt of mining permit; timing of mining development; projected heap leach recoveries; early exploration; the closing of the agreement with the exploration and development company to advance  the Magambazi Project or identify any other corporate opportunities for the Company;  mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of East Africa’s projections and estimates, including the initial mineral resource for the Adyabo, Harvest  and Magambazi Properties; interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; foreign taxation risks; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; the speculative nature of strategic metal exploration and development including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves; contests over title to properties; and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, as well as those risk factors set out in  in East Africa’s management’s discussion and analysis for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and for the year ended March 31, 2023. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The contained gold, copper and silver figures shown are in situ. No assurance can be given that the estimated quantities will be produced. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the timely closing of the financing; the ability of East Africa’s operating partner in Tanzania to reactivate the mining operations at Magambazi or the success of East Africa to recover the Magambazi project from the operating partner and engagement of new operating partners; the price of gold, silver, copper and zinc; the demand for gold, silver, copper and zinc; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the renewal or extension of exploration Licenses; the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although East Africa has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that 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 information. The Company does not update or revise forward looking information even if new information becomes available unless legislation requires the Company do so. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.