• KNP selected for Australian Government Investor Front Door (IFD) pilot, recognizing its national significance and strategic global importance
• IFD support provides dedicated Federal Government engagement to streamline multi-agency approvals and improve regulatory certainty
• Facilitates access to government financing pathways, complementing strong interest from Ardea's local and international partners

Ardea Resources Limited (ASX: ARL) is pleased to announce that the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP) has been selected to participate in the Australian Government's prestigious and competitively sought Investor Front Door (IFD) program. The IFD pilot is a whole of government initiative designed to streamline regulatory approvals and improve access to government financing pathways for nationally significant projects. Under the pilot, selected projects receive support from a dedicated engagement manager to navigate regulatory processes, coordinate agency interactions and identify relevant government financing opportunities. Ardea's participation follows the Company being invited to submit a formal Expression of Interest submission, prepared collaboratively across the executive team. Ardea's application met all eligibility requirements, and the team engaged actively with Federal Treasury's IFD unit throughout 2025 and into early 2026. Participation in the IFD pilot aligns strongly with the advancement of the KNP - Goongarrie Hub, providing dedicated support in navigating multi-agency approvals, improving certainty and reducing administrative delays, as well as facilitating government financing discussions, complementing strong interest from Ardea's international partners.

Ardea expects direct engagement with the IFD team to accelerate and assist with expediting the progression of the KNP - Goongarrie Hub through the approvals and funding processes.