Vancouver, British Columbia – TheNewswire - February 23, 2026 – Emergent Metals Corp. (TSXV: EMR, OTC: EGMCF, FRA: EML, MUN: ELM) (“Emergent” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV: LG)(“Lahontan”) has reported the first assay results from its 2025 maiden drilling program (the “Program”) at Emergent’s West Santa Fe Property (“West Santa Fe” or the “Property”).  As announced by press release on May 15, 2023, and July 20, 2023, Lahontan has the option to acquire a 100% intere ...

Vancouver, British Columbia - TheNewswire - February 23, 2026: Headwater Gold Inc. (CSE: HWG) (OTCQX: HWAUF) (the "Company" or "Headwater") is pleased to announce the completion of drill programs at the Lodestar and TJ projects located in Nevada, United States.  Lodestar drilling was 100% funded by Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”) (NYSE: NEM, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) through an earn-in agreement announced on May 9, 2023.  TJ drilling was 100% funded by OceanaGold Corporation (“OceanaGold”) (TSX: OGC, OTCQX: OCA ...

Core Insights - Metallic Minerals Corp. provided a strategic update on its Keno Silver project, which is 100% owned by the company and spans 171 square kilometers in Yukon, Canada, a region known for its high-grade silver deposits [1] Company Overview - The Keno Silver project is located adjacent to Hecla Mining Company's Keno Hill operations, which is recognized as Canada's largest and highest-grade primary silver producer [1] Industry Context - The Yukon Territory is noted for hosting over 300 million ounces of past production and current reserves and resources, highlighting its significance in the global silver market [1]

Core Insights - Provenance Gold Corp. has appointed Luke Schranz as Vice President of Exploration, effective immediately, to oversee technical programs and advance discovery at the Eldorado project [1][3] - Mr. Schranz brings extensive experience in drilling, geologic mapping, and prospecting, with a strong educational background in geology [2] - The company is planning an aggressive exploration program for 2026, leveraging Mr. Schranz's expertise in gold exploration [3] Company Developments - Provenance Gold congratulates Paramount Gold on the federal approval of the Grassy Mountain Gold Project, which allows for further development of mining projects in eastern Oregon [3] - The company is awaiting assay results for six diamond core holes completed at Eldorado East, focusing on the new discovery area at Herman and an unexplored area between zones 2 and 3 in the Tyee area [4] - In connection with Mr. Schranz's appointment, the company has issued 1,250,000 options exercisable at $0.30 per share, vesting 20% every six months for four years [5] Technical Oversight - The technical content in the announcement has been reviewed and approved by Jo Price, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, ensuring compliance and credibility [6] - Provenance Gold is focused on its flagship Eldorado Gold Project in eastern Oregon, advancing through systematic drilling and geological modeling [7]

Core Insights - Emergent Metals Corp. has appointed Robert Kiesman as an independent director and Andrew MacRitchie as Lead Director, enhancing the board's expertise in mining and finance [1][2][3] Group 1: Board Appointments - Robert Kiesman brings extensive experience in corporate law and finance, having served as Vice Chair of the Provincial Health Services Authority with a budget exceeding $4 billion [1] - Andrew MacRitchie has over 25 years of leadership experience in publicly listed mining companies and has raised over $1.5 billion in capital throughout his career [2] - The board now consists of five members, with four being independent directors, collectively holding over 100 years of experience in the mining industry [3] Group 2: Company Strategy and Operations - Emergent is focused on gold and base metal exploration in Nevada and Quebec, aiming for quality acquisitions and value creation through exploration and monetization strategies [3] - The Golden Arrow Property in Nevada is an advanced-stage gold and silver property, with a major drilling program planned [4] - Emergent's properties include the Casa South Property in Quebec, adjacent to significant mining operations, and other exploration properties in both regions [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Franco-Nevada Corporation has entered into a $100 million gold stream financing transaction with Orezone Gold Corporation to support the acquisition of Hecla Mining Company's Casa Berardi Gold Mine and other Quebec assets, indicating a strategic expansion in its Canadian portfolio [1][2] Transaction Highlights - The transaction involves a $100 million gold stream financing to support Orezone's acquisition of Casa Berardi Gold Mine and other assets [1] - The effective date of the stream is January 1, 2026, with the first full quarter's fixed delivery due by April 15, 2026, or closing [4] Financial Aspects - Franco-Nevada plans to finance the transaction using cash on hand, with $0.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $1.9 billion in available capital as of September 30, 2025 [6] Operational Insights - Casa Berardi Mine has produced over 3.2 million ounces of gold and continues to generate significant production and cash flow [5] - The mine hosts proven and probable (P&P) mineral reserves of 1.3 million ounces and additional mineral resources of 0.9 million ounces measured and indicated (M&I) [5] - Orezone's management team, led by CEO Patrick Downey, has a strong track record in the resource industry, enhancing confidence in the operational success of the acquisition [5] Future Potential - The stream covers a large resource base with significant exploration potential, including the Heva-Hosco Gold Project, which has M&I mineral resources of 1.2 million ounces [5] - Orezone has identified opportunities to increase production and extend the mine life through ongoing underground operations and the development of new pits [5] Delivery Terms - Franco-Nevada will receive fixed deliveries of 1,625 ounces of gold per quarter for the first five years, followed by variable deliveries based on production from the Casa Berardi Mine and Heva-Hosco [5][12]

Core Viewpoint - Orezone Gold Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Hecla Quebec Inc., which includes the Casa Berardi gold mine and exploration properties in Quebec, for a total consideration of $593 million, comprising upfront, deferred, and contingent payments [1][2][6]. Transaction Overview - The acquisition involves 100% ownership of the Casa Berardi gold mine and a portfolio of exploration properties located in Quebec [1]. - The total consideration for the acquisition is structured as follows: $352 million in upfront and deferred payments, and up to $241 million in contingent payments based on gold prices and future production [2][16]. Financial Structure - The upfront and deferred consideration includes $160 million in cash and $112 million in Orezone common shares, along with $80 million in deferred cash payments [2][16]. - The contingent consideration consists of $10 million linked to gold prices and $231 million based on permitting and future gold production from the Casa Berardi mine [2][16]. Strategic Importance - This transaction is seen as a significant milestone for Orezone, enhancing its portfolio with a cash-flow-generating asset and diversifying its operations in a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction [3][6]. - The combination of Casa Berardi and Orezone's existing Bomboré mine is expected to create a multi-asset platform with strong production and free cash flow, positioning the company for growth [3][6]. Casa Berardi Mine Details - Casa Berardi has a long-standing operating history, having produced over 3.2 million ounces of gold since 1988, with proven and probable reserves of 1.3 million ounces [10]. - The mine is expected to produce between 83,000 to 91,000 ounces of gold in 2026, with significant exploration potential across a 37 km mineralized corridor [10][6]. Community and Stakeholder Engagement - Orezone is committed to maintaining strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders, including the Abitibiwinni First Nation, and aims to honor existing commitments and agreements [4][15]. Future Growth Potential - The acquisition is expected to enhance Orezone's resilience and growth potential by delivering immediate scale and increased gold production, thereby strengthening its leverage to gold prices [6][10]. - The exploration portfolio includes the Heva-Hosco project, which has an established resource of 1.2 million ounces indicated and 0.6 million ounces inferred, located near other large-scale gold mines [10][6].

Core Viewpoint - Fury Gold Mines Limited has appointed Mr. Phillips S. Baker Jr. as an independent director to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive mining experience and leadership to the company [1][4]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Mr. Phillips S. Baker Jr. has nearly four decades of mining experience, previously serving as CEO of Hecla Mining Company from 2003 until his retirement in 2024 [2]. - Under Mr. Baker's leadership, Hecla became the largest silver producer in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on a strategic portfolio of long-lived assets [2]. - Mr. Baker has held various leadership roles, including Chair of the National Mining Association from 2017 to 2020, and has received multiple industry awards [3]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Outlook - The Chair of Fury Gold Mines, Brian Christie, expressed confidence in Mr. Baker's ability to contribute to the company's strategic goals, particularly in advancing the Eau Claire project and enhancing shareholder value [4]. - Mr. Baker highlighted the potential of Fury's assets in the James Bay region, indicating they are well-positioned for production, either through a stand-alone mill or custom milling [4]. - Fury Gold Mines is well-funded, supported by a strong cash position and its investment in Dolly Varden Silver Corp, which holds 12.9% of issued shares [5].

Core Insights - Valkea Resources Corp. has made strategic appointments to enhance its leadership and technical expertise, including Thomas Credland as President, Marc Turcotte as Director, and Dr. Charlotte Seabrook as Technical Advisor [1][2] Leadership Appointments - Thomas Credland, with over 25 years of experience in mining, previously served at Rupert Resources, where he contributed to the discovery and development of the 4Moz Ikkari Gold Project [3] - Marc Turcotte brings over 20 years of experience in corporate development and capital markets, having played a key role in MAG Silver's acquisition for approximately US$2.1 billion [4] - Dr. Charlotte Seabrook has over 25 years of geological experience and was instrumental in the discovery of the Ikkari Project while at Rupert Resources [5][6] Company Strategy and Assets - Valkea Resources focuses on mineral exploration in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in Northern Finland, holding nearly 400 km² of land across five core properties [2][3] - The company aims to adopt a systematic methodology for exploration, similar to that which led to the discovery of Ikkari and other gold occurrences in the region [2] Market Position and Future Plans - The appointments are seen as a significant enhancement to the company's capabilities at a crucial time, with expectations for further updates on property appraisals and technical team expansions [2][7]

Core Insights - The article compares two small-cap value ETFs: iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (ISCV) and State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (SLYV), highlighting their differences in expense ratios, stock counts, and risk profiles [1][8]. Cost & Size Comparison - SLYV has an expense ratio of 0.15%, while ISCV has a lower expense ratio of 0.06%, making ISCV more cost-effective for investors [3][10]. - As of January 5, 2026, ISCV has a one-year return of 9.57%, compared to SLYV's 6.11% [3]. - ISCV has assets under management (AUM) of $575 million, significantly lower than SLYV's $4 billion [3]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over five years, SLYV experienced a maximum drawdown of -28.68%, while ISCV had a lower maximum drawdown of -25.34% [4]. - An investment of $1,000 would grow to $1,517 in ISCV and $1,422 in SLYV over five years, indicating better performance for ISCV [4][11]. Portfolio Composition - ISCV holds 1,092 stocks with major sector allocations in financial services (21%), consumer cyclicals (15%), and industrials (13%), providing broad diversification [5][9]. - SLYV, in contrast, holds 459 stocks with similar sector allocations: financial services (20%), consumer cyclicals (16%), and industrials (14%) [7]. Dividend Yield & Liquidity - SLYV offers a higher dividend yield of 2.13% compared to ISCV's 1.89%, which may attract income-focused investors [3][12]. - SLYV's larger AUM implies greater liquidity, allowing for larger transactions without significantly affecting the price [12]. Conclusion - Both ETFs provide small-cap value exposure, but ISCV is more diversified and cost-effective, while SLYV offers higher dividends and liquidity [8][13].