First Tellurium Corp. Reports Death of Drilling Contractor, Suspends Exploration Activities

Vancouver, BC, Canada — October 9, 2026 — Leads & Copy — First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL, OTC: FSTTF) announced on Friday the suspension of all exploration activities at its Deer Horn Property in west-central British Columbia for the remainder of 2026. This decision follows the tragic death of longtime drilling contractor John “Phil” McLean, who died in an accident at Ootsa Lake, near the Company’s property.

McLean was recognized as a highly respected and experienced drilling contractor with extensive work experience throughout British Columbia. He was a well-known figure within the mineral exploration community.

Tyrone Docherty, President and CEO of First Tellurium, shared a personal connection with McLean, having known him for approximately 50 years. Docherty described McLean as “one of those rare people you never forget” and “the most generous person I have ever met.” He characterized the loss as devastating for those who knew him personally and for the broader drilling and exploration community in British Columbia.

“Phil was a legend in the drilling business,” Docherty stated. “He had decades of knowledge and experience, but more importantly, he had an enormous heart. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”

First Tellurium expressed its deepest condolences to McLean’s family, friends, colleagues, and the numerous individuals whose lives were impacted by his long career.

First Tellurium Corp. operates with a unique business model focused on generating revenue and value through the development of tellurium-based technologies, alongside mineral discovery, project development, and project generation.

The Company is publicly traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol “FTEL” and on the OTC market as “FSTTF”. Additional information regarding FTEL and its projects is available on its website.

Source: First Tellurium Corp.