• Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP) - Goongarrie Hub documented in Japan-U.S. Critical Minerals Joint Fact Sheet
• KNP recognized as a globally significant Western Australian and strategic Australia, Japan, U.S. critical minerals project
• Ardea collaborating with Japanese partners Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation to advance the project

Ardea Resources Limited (ASX: ARL) has announced that the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP) - Goongarrie Hub has been documented in the Joint Fact Sheet for Japan-U.S. Critical Minerals Project Cooperation, released on 20 March 2026 by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA). The Joint Fact Sheet lists projects which can potentially contribute towards strengthening the critical minerals supply chain. The KNP is recognized in the context of international cooperation on critical minerals, including Ardea's engagement with its Japanese Incorporated Joint Venture partners, Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation, and support measures involving Export Finance Australia, U.S. Export Import Bank, and the Japanese Government, through METI contributing to 50% of the Goongarrie Hub Definitive Feasibility Study $98.5 million budget. Ardea welcomes the inclusion of the KNP in this high-level bilateral framework, which underscores the project's strategic importance to critical minerals supply chains. The Company continues to advance the project in line with its development strategy.