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Aya Announces Board Transition and Secondary Market Transaction by Insiders

MWN-AI** Summary

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF) announced a significant transition on its Board of Directors, with Robert Taub and Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht stepping down at the end of their current terms. Taub has been an integral part of Aya since its founding, serving as Chair of the Board for the past three years and instrumental in guiding the company through a successful transformation over five years. Dr. Hambrecht, serving since 2019, has played a critical role in enhancing the corporation's governance framework and practices. CEO Benoit La Salle expressed gratitude for their contributions, highlighting their pivotal role in value creation for shareholders.

In relation to this leadership change, both Taub and Hambrecht sold a collective 7.5 million shares through a secondary market transaction, though they remain substantial long-term shareholders. Additionally, members of Aya's executive management team sold around 1.1 million shares, which is approximately 12% of their holdings. These sales are described as part of standard portfolio management, with management maintaining a solid commitment to the company, as they hold around 7.7 million securities.

Aya is committed to regulatory compliance and internal policies regarding these transactions. As the company prepares for its next annual general meeting, it will be announcing new board nominees, ensuring a Board that fosters strong independent oversight and governance aligned with long-term shareholder interests. Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is dedicated to growing its operations in Morocco, focusing on responsible mining and sustainable value creation for all stakeholders involved. For more information, visit Aya’s website.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA) has recently announced a significant transition within its Board of Directors, with the retirement of two long-standing members, Robert Taub and Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht. This change, while notable, should be viewed within the broader context of the company’s strategic direction and market performance.

The decision of Taub and Hambrecht not to stand for re-election could signal a shift in governance and strategic focus, which might impact investor sentiment. Their extensive experience and foundational contributions have undoubtedly shaped Aya's recent growth trajectory. However, transitions in leadership often come with opportunities for fresh perspectives and strategies. Investors should be monitoring the nomination of new board members closely, focusing on their industry experience and vision for Aya's future, particularly regarding ongoing projects in Morocco, such as the expansion of the Zgounder silver mine and the Boumadine project feasibility study.

In conjunction with the board changes, both directors, along with some management members, executed a sale of shares totaling approximately 7.5 million shares. While insider selling can raise alarm, it's essential to recognize that it often stems from personal financial planning and not necessarily negativity about the company’s future prospects. The remaining shareholdings of key insiders suggest they still maintain significant confidence in Aya's growth narrative.

Given Aya's strong fundamentals, rooted in its exploration capabilities and commitment to sustainability, investors may find this period of transition an opportune moment to assess their positions. The key will be how successfully the company can continue leveraging its assets while integrating new board leadership that aligns with its vision for sustainable growth. Investors should remain vigilant but also open to the potential for positive outcomes as Aya navigates this change, reaffirming its commitment to developing shareholder value in the vibrant mining sector.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: GlobeNewswire

MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA; OTCQX: AYASF) (“Aya” or the “Corporation”) today announced that two long-standing members of its Board of Directors, Robert Taub, Chair of the Board, and Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, Lead Independent Director, will not stand for re-election at the Corporation’s upcoming annual meeting, and will retire from the Board at the conclusion of their current terms.

Robert Taub has served on the Board for 10 years, including as Chair since 2020. As a founding member with a significant stake since the inception of the business, he has played a pivotal role in Aya’s evolution and successful turnaround over the past five years, providing strategic leadership guided by innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht has served on the Board since 2019 and has been instrumental in strengthening Aya’s governance framework and advancing best-in-class Board practices.

“Robert and Jürgen have been exceptional partners to management, and key contributors to value creation for Aya and its shareholders,” said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO. “Their insight, leadership and governance discipline played a critical role in Aya’s transformation. We are truly grateful for their contributions, which will have a lasting impact.”

In connection with this Board transition, Robert Taub and Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht each sold today, by way of a secondary market transaction, a portion of their holdings, together totaling 7.5 million shares, while remaining meaningful long-term shareholders of Aya. Furthermore, members of management have sold approximately 1.1 million shares, representing approximately 12% of the executive management team’s holdings and, largely consisting of shares issued upon the exercise of long-term incentive plan options. The sale was conducted as part of the ordinary course of portfolio management, with Aya’s management team remaining meaningfully invested, holding approximately 7.7 million securities, reflecting continued confidence in the Corporation’s future growth prospects. These transactions will be conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and Aya’s internal policies.

Aya thanks Robert and Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht for their years of dedicated service and looks forward to continuing to execute its strategy. Board nominees for election at the next annual general meeting will be announced in due course, as Aya remains committed to maintaining a Board that delivers strong independent oversight, disciplined governance, and alignment with the long-term interests of shareholders.

About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.

Aya Gold & Silver is a Canadian precious metals mining company anchored in Morocco and active across the full mining value chain. The Corporation has established exploration leadership through a systematic, technology-led, data-driven approach and is focused on expanding its resource base and land package along the Anti-Atlas Fault — one of Africa’s most geologically rich, underexplored and mining-friendly regions.

Aya operates Zgounder, a rare primary silver mine, and produces silver doré from its newly expanded processing facility. Aya’s growth pipeline includes the Boumadine polymetallic project, where feasibility study work is underway. The project hosts a substantial mineral resource, a large mineralized footprint and significant exploration potential.

Led by a proven team of mining professionals, Aya is guided by a vision of responsible mining and is committed to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees and host communities.

For additional information, please visit Aya’s website at www.ayagoldsilver.com.

Or contact

Benoit La Salle, FCPA, MBA
President & CEO
Benoit.lasalle@ayagoldsilver.com
Alex Ball
VP, Corporate Development & IR
alex.ball@ayagoldsilver.com



FAQ**

How will the departures of Robert Taub and Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht from Aya Gold & Silver Inc. AYA:CC's Board impact the company's strategic direction and governance moving forward?

The departures of Robert Taub and Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht from Aya Gold & Silver Inc.'s Board may lead to shifts in strategic focus and governance dynamics, potentially affecting decision-making processes and the company's future direction in the silver mining sector.

Can you provide insights into the rationale behind the recent share sales by Robert Taub, Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, and members of management at Aya Gold & Silver Inc. AYA:CC?

The recent share sales by Robert Taub, Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, and members of management at Aya Gold & Silver Inc. may indicate personal liquidity needs, strategic diversification of assets, or a response to market conditions, rather than a lack of confidence in the company.

What are the expected outcomes from the ongoing feasibility study at the Boumadine polymetallic project, and how does it align with Aya Gold & Silver Inc. AYA:CC's growth strategy?

The ongoing feasibility study at the Boumadine polymetallic project is expected to confirm economic viability and enhance resource extraction potential, aligning with Aya Gold & Silver Inc.'s growth strategy by diversifying its portfolio and expanding production capabilities.

How is Aya Gold & Silver Inc. AYA:CC planning to enhance its exploration strategy along the Anti-Atlas Fault in Morocco, especially following leadership transitions within the Board?

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is focusing on advancing its exploration strategy along the Anti-Atlas Fault in Morocco by leveraging new leadership insights and expertise to drive targeted geological assessments and strategic investments in promising projects.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Aya Gold & Silver Inc (OTC: AYASF).

Aya Gold & Silver Inc

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