VANCOUVER, Canada, April 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oroco Resource Corp. (TSXV:OCO, OTCQB:ORRCF) (the "Company" or "Oroco") is pleased to provide an update on the Phase 2 drill program currently underway at its Santo Tomás copper project in northwestern Mexico.

Oroco's Executive Chairman, Craig Dalziel, commented: "Adding a second rig is an important operational milestone and keeps us on pace toward an updated MRE and a Pre-Feasibility Study. Every metre we drill increases the value of one of the largest undeveloped copper porphyry projects in the Americas."

Further to the Company's news release dated February 24, 2026, a second diamond drill rig has now been mobilized to the Santo Tomás South Zone and is operating along with the first rig. The addition of the second rig allows the Company to maintain drilling cadence in support of its targeted timeline to an updated MRE and PFS.

Core from drill holes STPH2-22 and STPH2-23 has been logged, sampled, and submitted for assay.  Assay results will be reported once received, validated, and compiled in accordance with the Company's disclosure standards.

Purpose of the Phase 2 Program

The Phase 2 drill program is designed to support the upgrading of the classification of the mineral resource in the South Zone through a combination of infill and confirmation drilling. This work is being advanced in parallel with complementary PFS-level workstreams, including hydrogeological, geotechnical, and metallurgical programs.

These programs are designed to produce the inputs required for an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and, ultimately, a Pre-Feasibility Study on the Santo Tomás Project, building on the revised MRE and updated Preliminary Economic Assessment filed in August 2024.

About the Santo Tomás Project

Mr. Craig Dalziel, Executive ChairmanOroco Resource Corp.Tel: 604-688-6200[email protected]

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Ware, P.Geo./P.Eng., a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information