• Kalgoorlie Nickel Project - Goongarrie Hub featured in Australia-Japan joint statement on critical minerals
• Project aligns with Japan's economic security objectives, with government funding support
• Goongarrie Hub is one of the largest nickel-cobalt resources in Australia, being developed by Ardea, Sumitomo, and Mitsubishi

Ardea Resources Limited (ASX: ARL) announced that the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP) - Goongarrie Hub has been included in the Australia-Japan joint statement on critical minerals cooperation. This inclusion recognizes the Goongarrie Hub as a strategically important Australia-Japan collaboration supporting resilient, secure, and diversified critical minerals supply chains. The joint statement was announced by the Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan, reflecting shared priorities on critical minerals. The Goongarrie Hub is held and operated by Kalgoorlie Nickel Pty Ltd (KNPL), a globally significant nickel-cobalt resource being developed by the joint venture partners Ardea, Sumitomo Metal Mining, and Mitsubishi Corporation. The project has received government support initiatives, including Japanese economic security grant funding, non-binding indications of support from Export Finance Australia and the U.S. Export-Import Bank, Major Project Status, and Investor Front Door support. Ardea's Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Penkethman, stated that the inclusion of the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project - Goongarrie Hub in the joint statement is an important recognition of the project's strategic value to both Australia and Japan, as it hosts one of the largest nickel-cobalt mineral resources and ore reserves in Australia and the developed world, well-positioned to support resilient and secure critical minerals supply chains.

The company looks forward to working closely with its partners and stakeholders to continue advancing the Goongarrie Hub toward development.