Rio Silver Taps U.S. Market to Fuel Peruvian Silver Ambitions

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – February 10, 2026 – Rio Silver Inc., a Canadian resource company focused on developing high-grade silver assets in Peru, has officially commenced trading on the U.S. OTCID Market under the ticker symbol RYOOF. The strategic move provides a direct gateway for American and global investors to participate in the company's growth strategy, unlocking access to the world's largest and most liquid capital market at a pivotal time for both the company and the precious metals sector.

This uplisting is more than a procedural step; it represents a critical component of the company's plan to accelerate development of its Peruvian project portfolio. By establishing a formal trading presence in the United States, Rio Silver aims to enhance its visibility, improve share liquidity, and attract a broader base of retail and institutional investors who may have previously faced barriers to entry.

An American Gateway for Peruvian Silver

For a junior mining company, access to capital is the lifeblood that fuels exploration, permitting, and development. The uplisting to the OTCID market, a regulated platform operated by OTC Markets Group, is designed to open the taps to that vital resource. It provides a transparent and efficient mechanism for U.S. investors to gain exposure to Rio Silver's silver-dominant assets located in Peru, the world's second-largest silver producing nation.

In a statement, President and CEO Chris Verrico emphasized the strategic importance of the move. “Uplisting to the OTCID market is a meaningful step forward for Rio Silver,” he said. “The United States represents the deepest and most active capital market globally, and this move makes it significantly easier for a broader investor audience to access our story. As we continue to advance permitting, metallurgy, and access at our projects, enhanced visibility and liquidity are important enablers as we build long-term shareholder value.”

The company’s strategy hinges on a disciplined, capital-efficient approach. By gaining direct access to the U.S. market, Rio Silver anticipates it can better fund its execution-driven milestones, from securing permits to initiating underground development, ultimately supporting more efficient price discovery for its stock as it advances toward its goal of becoming an emerging silver producer.

Riding the Silver Wave

The timing of Rio Silver's market expansion aligns with a period of intense interest and volatility in the global silver market. The market is facing a projected structural supply deficit for the sixth consecutive year in 2026, a fundamental imbalance that has drawn down above-ground inventories and fueled investor appetite. This tight physical market has contributed to significant price action, with silver recently breaching the psychological $100 per ounce mark before experiencing a sharp correction and subsequent stabilization.

Despite the volatility, investor sentiment toward precious metals remains exceptionally strong. Persistent geopolitical tensions, coupled with uncertainty surrounding U.S. economic policy and inflation, have reinforced silver’s traditional role as a safe-haven asset and a hedge against economic turbulence. Analysts note a growing trend of investors seeking to diversify portfolios with tangible assets, and the new listing makes it simpler for U.S. investors to add a pure-play, silver-focused junior miner to their holdings.

While industrial demand for silver is expected to see a slight dip in 2026, due in part to thrifting in the solar sector, long-term growth drivers from emerging technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure remain robust. This complex demand picture, set against a backdrop of constrained mine supply, creates a compelling narrative for companies positioned to bring new silver production online.

On the Ground in Peru's Silver Belt

With enhanced market access secured, the focus now shifts to execution at Rio Silver's portfolio of high-potential assets in Peru. The company's flagship asset, the Maria Norte Project, is located in the country's prolific Huachocolpa silver district. Recent independent sampling confirmed the presence of high-grade, silver-dominant mineralization at surface, with assays ranging from 396 g/t to 991 g/t silver.

The company is actively advancing the project, having initiated the formal regulatory process to secure permits for physical access and underground development. Working with Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, Rio Silver anticipates receiving the necessary approvals in the second quarter of 2026. The development plan prioritizes a capital-efficient model: accessing exposed, high-grade veins first and transporting the material to nearby third-party processing facilities, which minimizes upfront capital expenditure and accelerates the potential path to cash flow.

Further strengthening its position, Rio Silver recently acquired the Santa Rita Project, a highly prospective exploration target strategically located just 14 kilometers from Kuya Silver's producing Bethania Mine. This 100%-owned asset, free of underlying royalties, adds another layer of potential growth. This active development is financially backstopped by a 2% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) from the previously sold Niñobamba project, providing a steady stream of non-dilutive revenue to support corporate activities.

A Leadership Team with a Blueprint for Success

Navigating the complexities of developing a mine in Peru requires deep regional and technical expertise, a quality embodied by Rio Silver's management team. CEO Chris Verrico brings over two decades of experience in Peru, with a track record that includes the successful identification and sale of the Aguila and Pinaya projects. His leadership is complemented by Executive Chairman Steve Brunelle, a 30-year industry veteran who was integral to the discovery of the Alamo Dorado silver-gold project, which was subsequently acquired by industry giant Pan American Silver.

This seasoned leadership, with its history of exploration success and corporate transactions, provides a layer of confidence that the company can effectively deploy new capital and execute its phased development strategy. The team's stated focus on a disciplined, capital-efficient path to production is a direct reflection of lessons learned from decades of experience in the junior mining sector. As the company leverages its new U.S. market presence, the investment community will be watching closely to see this experienced team turn strategic positioning into tangible progress on the ground.