Athena Gold Corporation has appointed Fred Leigh to its board of directors, filling a vacancy left by Brian Power, who will continue working with the company in a consulting capacity.

Leigh brings nearly 40 years of resource sector experience, having founded VC7K Capital Inc. and backed early-stage mining ventures including Wheaton River Minerals, Hathor Exploration, Blue Pearl Mining, and Great Bear Resources.

“I would like to personally welcome Fred to Athena's Board. Fred has been an early backer of several of the most successful mining ventures in Canada over the past four decades. I look forward to working closely with Fred as we advance Laird Lake and look to prove out the next major gold discovery in Red Lake,” said Koby Kushner, President and CEO of Athena. “On behalf of the Board, I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brian for his hard work and dedication to the Company over the last several years, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new consulting role.”

— Koby Kushner, President and CEO of Athena

Athena’s flagship Laird Lake project is situated in Ontario’s Red Lake Gold District. The company recently completed a 5,134-metre diamond drill program at the property, returning a grassroots discovery at the Scooby Zone that yielded 23.85 grams per tonne gold over 5 metres.

“There is significant value to be unlocked across Athena's portfolio. I am excited to join the Board and to be part of what I believe will become another Canadian mining success story,” said Fred Leigh, incoming Director of Athena.

— Fred Leigh, incoming Director of Athena

In connection with the appointment, Athena has granted 2,000,000 stock options to directors, officers, and consultants at an exercise price of $0.34 per common share. The options vest immediately, expire ten years from the grant date, and are subject to Canadian Securities Exchange approval and a four-month statutory hold period.

Athena’s portfolio also includes the Excelsior Springs project in Nevada, where option partner Mammoth Minerals Limited is working toward a maiden resource estimate for the Buster Trend expected in the third quarter of 2026.

Read the full announcement: Athena Appoints Fred Leigh to Board of Directors