(all amounts in US dollars and shown on a 100% Project basis, unless otherwise noted)VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO, NYSE: ERO) ("Ero" or the “Company”) is pleased to announce results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on the Furnas Copper-Gold Project ("Furnas" or the "Project"), located in the Carajás Mineral Province in Pará State, Brazil. The PEA outlines the potential for a large-scale, long-life copper-gold operation with a robust ...

District Metals Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company Name**: District Metals - **Stock Symbols**: OTCQX: DMXCF, TSXV: DMX - **Industry**: Mineral exploration and development, focusing on uranium and base metals in Sweden Key Points and Arguments Industry Context - The Swedish government lifted the uranium ban effective January 1, 2026, allowing exploration and mining to proceed [2][12] - A proposed inquiry into alum shale mining is seen as politically motivated due to the upcoming elections in Sweden [3][32] - The Geological Survey of Sweden is reviewing the Viken Deposit as a deposit of national interest, which could override municipal vetoes [4] Company Strategy and Projects - District Metals has five uranium projects and two base metal polymetallic projects in Sweden [4] - The flagship Viken Project is noted as the largest undeveloped uranium deposit globally, with significant resources of vanadium, potash, molybdenum, nickel, copper, and zinc [5][6] - The company is also exploring alum shale properties, aiming to discover additional deposits similar to Viken [6][19] Financial Position - The company has approximately CAD 8.5 million in treasury, fully funding its plans for the year [10][11] - The share structure includes significant institutional and high-net-worth investors, indicating strong support [10] Exploration and Development Plans - A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the Viken Deposit is expected in Q2 2026, followed by an Economic Impact Study in Q3 [27][28] - Drilling is anticipated to commence in Q2, with results expected in Q3 and Q4 [28] Market Position and Valuation - The current enterprise value per inferred resource is at $0.04, significantly lower than peers, indicating a potential investment opportunity [22] - The company emphasizes the value of its diverse resource base, including potash, which is critical for the EU's agricultural needs [33] Additional Important Information - The alum shale is not considered more environmentally risky than other mineral deposits, based on previous inquiries [31][34] - The company plans to assay for rare earth elements in future drilling, which could enhance the value of the Viken Deposit [35][36] - The permitting process in Sweden is described as straightforward, with strong governmental support for mining activities [11] Conclusion District Metals is positioned to capitalize on the lifting of the uranium ban in Sweden, with a strong portfolio of projects and a solid financial foundation. The political landscape and regulatory environment are favorable, although potential risks related to municipal vetoes and market fluctuations remain. The company's focus on diverse resources, including potash and rare earth elements, adds to its attractiveness as an investment opportunity.

Core Viewpoint - Aldebaran Resources Inc. has successfully completed an upsized bought deal financing, raising a total of C$40,250,259 through the sale of common shares, which positions the company to advance its Altar project through the pre-feasibility study phase [1][3]. Financing Details - The underwriters exercised their full option to purchase an additional 1,615,395 common shares at a price of $3.25 per share [1]. - The company plans to issue 1,538,462 shares at $3.25 per share for proceeds of C$5,000,001.50 through a non-brokered private placement [2]. - The closing of the Offering is expected on February 5, 2026, while the Concurrent Private Placement is anticipated to close in mid-February 2026 [3]. Shareholder Engagement - Certain shareholders have anti-dilution rights, and the company has encouraged them to minimize their investment in this financing to allow for new institutional shareholders [2]. - The participation of Rights Holders in the Concurrent Private Placement will be considered a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, and the company intends to rely on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements [5]. Project Development - The CEO of Aldebaran stated that the financing allows the company to be fully funded for the Altar project, which is expected to enhance market liquidity and visibility [3]. - The Altar project is located in San Juan Province, Argentina, and hosts multiple porphyry copper-gold deposits with potential for further discoveries [8].

Core Viewpoint - Hycroft Mining (NASDAQ:HYMC) has experienced a dramatic increase in share price, rising 2,236% over the past year, with a current market cap of $4.08 billion despite minimal revenue of $11.5 million [2][3]. Group 1: Investor Sentiment - Retail investor sentiment has shifted from optimistic to extremely bullish, with Reddit sentiment scores ranging from 72 to 90, peaking at 90 on January 21 [3]. - Discussions on platforms like Reddit have intensified, with mentions of Hycroft Mining spiking throughout January, indicating strong retail interest [5][6]. Group 2: Key Investor Actions - Billionaire investor Eric Sprott has invested over $225 million in Hycroft Mining since June 2025, currently holding 41% of the company and continuing to buy shares [4][5][6]. - Sprott's recent actions include exercising 4.67 million warrants and purchasing an additional 200,000 shares at $33.21, which has been interpreted as a strong vote of confidence in the company [4]. Group 3: Future Prospects - Hycroft Mining is expected to release a mineral resource estimate by the end of the month, which could validate high-grade silver discoveries at its Nevada mine, further fueling investor optimism [5][6]. - The company's institutional ownership stands at 82%, contributing to a tight float that can amplify price movements on modest trading volume [7].

Core Insights - Sun Summit Minerals Corp. has reported promising assay results from its 2025 drilling at the Finn Zone of the JD Project, indicating significant gold-silver mineralization and setting the stage for a fully funded 10,000-meter drill program planned for 2026 [1][4]. Drill Results - Drill hole FZ-25-002 revealed a significant interval of near-surface gold-silver mineralization: 46.0 meters of 1.03 g/t gold and 44.9 g/t silver from 38.0 meters downhole, including high-grade sections of 6.0 meters at 5.30 g/t gold and 157.9 g/t silver [2][3]. - Additional high-grade intercepts were noted, such as 784 g/t silver with 6.79 g/t gold over 1.0 meter at 65.0 meters downhole, confirming the high-grade potential of the Finn Zone [3][13]. Future Exploration Plans - A significant drill program for 2026 is underway, focusing on the Creek to Finn Corridor, with results expected to contribute to an inaugural mineral resource estimate by Q2 2027 [4][12]. - The 2026 program will exceed the cumulative drilling completed in 2024 and 2025, which totaled 9,400 meters, and will build on the 36,000 meters of historical drilling prior to 2024 [4][12]. Geological Context - The Finn Zone is characterized by a broad zone of near-surface, epithermal-related gold-silver mineralization, primarily hosted in a volcaniclastic unit, which has been extensively drilled historically [9][10]. - The geology of the Finn Zone includes strongly altered polymictic breccias, indicating a complex mineralization environment that warrants further exploration [10][11]. Financial Position - The company has secured funding for its 2026 drill program through an oversubscribed private placement of $11.5 million, ensuring financial support for its exploration activities [4][12].

Core Viewpoint - Galantas Gold Corporation has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 100% ownership interest in the Andacollo Oro Gold Project in Chile, marking a significant strategic move for the company and expected to be classified as a Fundamental Acquisition under TSX Venture Exchange policies [1] Project Overview - The Andacollo Oro Gold Project is located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, approximately 55 kilometers southeast of La Serena, at an elevation of 1,100 meters, featuring a substantial permitted footprint with mining concessions, land title, and water rights [2] - The project includes existing infrastructure, extensive earthworks, and three leach pads, with excellent access to services and a skilled workforce [2] Historical Resource Estimates - The historical mineral resource estimate for the project indicates measured and indicated resources of 2.02 million ounces of gold from 130 million tonnes at a grade of 0.48 grams per tonne, and inferred resources of 5.06 million ounces from 358 million tonnes at a grade of 0.45 grams per tonne [3][22] - The project has a history of production, having operated as a 20,000 tonne per day open pit heap leach operation, producing a cumulative 1.12 million ounces of gold between 1998 and 2018, with peak annual production of approximately 135,000 ounces [4] Geological and Technical Aspects - The project features a low-sulphidation epithermal, manto-style gold system, with extensive evaluation conducted by past operators, including 1,600 drill holes totaling approximately 190,000 meters [5] - The project is adjacent to the Carmen del Andacollo porphyry copper mine, which produces about 45,000 tonnes of copper per year, indicating potential synergies [6] Strategic Importance - The acquisition is seen as a transformative step for Galantas, enhancing its profile and scale by adding a large-scale, past-producing gold asset with existing infrastructure and a deep technical database [7] - The project offers multiple development pathways and significant exploration potential for both gold and copper mineralization [8] Transaction Structure - The total cash consideration for the acquisition is structured at US$32 million, with staged payments over four years, reflecting a commitment to capital discipline [12] - The transaction involves the issuance of 91,313,890 common shares to the controlling shareholder of Dragones, representing 19.9% of Galantas' outstanding shares, subject to regulatory approvals [12][13] Financial Overview - As of December 31, 2025, the financial information for Sol, the entity acquiring the project, shows total assets of approximately US$4.28 million and total liabilities of approximately US$4.34 million, indicating a loss of US$67,521 [10] Exploration Opportunities - The project has significant exploration upside, with potential for grade enhancement through angle drilling and opportunities to increase resources along strike and down-dip of known mineralization [25] - There are indications of a chalcocite enriched copper blanket and numerous unexplored gold-copper occurrences on the project [26] Conditions to Closing - The completion of the transaction is subject to board approval, regulatory requirements, and shareholder approvals, including minority approval requirements [28][32]

La Guitarra Mine Operations & Expansion - Full commercial production at La Guitarra Mine commenced on January 1, 2025[13, 27] - Q3 2025 sales reached 153,583 silver equivalent ounces[13] - Q3 2025 revenues totaled $5.5 million[13] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $1.7 million[13, 47] - A C$19.5 million private placement closed in July 2025 to fund plant expansion[13, 40] - Expansion plans aim to increase capacity by +50% to 750-800 tonnes per day by Q2 2026 and +100% to 1,200-1,500 tonnes per day by Q3 2027[48, 49, 51] La Guitarra Resource Estimate - The 2023 resource update shows 272 million silver-equivalent Measured & Indicated ounces, a 373% increase[31] - Inferred resources are 202 million silver-equivalent ounces, a 204% increase[31] Tepic Project Exploration - Exploration at Tepic Project indicates a potential strike length of over 15 km[75, 76] - Historical ore shoots in the East District measure up to 750 meters in length and 1-4 meters in thickness[57] Financials & Share Structure - Current assets, including cash, were $16.9 million as of September 30, 2025[84, 93] - A $5 million loan from First Majestic Silver bears interest at 15% per annum[64, 71, 84]

Core Viewpoint - Power Metallic Mines Inc. has released assay results from its summer drilling program, highlighting significant mineralization in the Lion Zone and outlining future exploration objectives for the fall and winter seasons [1][10]. Summer Drilling Results - The summer drilling program aimed to explore extensions of the Lion Zone, focusing on down plunge mineralization and infill drilling to define the zone geometry for future resource estimates [1][2]. - Technical issues with helicopter-supported drills led to lost holes, but hole PML-25-017 confirmed the extension of the Lion structure with a disseminated zone of 7.00m at 1.41% CuEq [2][3]. - In-fill drilling successfully defined mineralization along high-grade shoots within the Lion zone, with notable intersections including 6.85m at 13.15% CuEq in hole PML-25-022 [4]. Land Assembly Activities - Power Metallic has significantly increased its land package by over 600%, expanding from 46 km to 313 km, which includes critical areas for exploration [10][11]. - The acquisition of Hydro Quebec surface leases has allowed the company to explore previously restricted areas, enhancing its understanding of the geological framework [11][12]. Future Exploration Plans - The company plans to utilize more powerful skid drills for deeper testing of the Lion Zone to avoid previous technical issues [3]. - The BHEM survey has identified large anomalies at the Tiger Deep target, indicating potential for significant mineralization between the Lion and Tiger zones [9][10]. Marketing Services Agreements - Power Metallic has entered into multiple marketing services agreements to enhance market awareness, including contracts with Native Ads, Sideways Frequency, and Apaton Finance, totaling up to approximately US$402,817 [14][15][16].

Core Viewpoint - Aldebaran Resources Inc. announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Altar copper-gold project in Argentina, indicating strong potential for a long-life, high-quality copper operation with significant production and cash flow generation [1][6][8]. Economic Highlights - The PEA outlines a 48-year mine life with an average annual production of 101,413 tonnes of copper equivalent (CuEq) over the life of the mine (LOM) [7][10]. - The project has an after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $2.0 billion at an 8% discount rate, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 20.5%, and a payback period of 4 years based on base-case metal prices [7][11]. - Total LOM gross revenue is projected at $44.7 billion, with free cash flow estimated at $10.7 billion [7][11]. Production and Cost Metrics - Initial capital expenditure (capex) is estimated at $1.59 billion, with a capital intensity of $15,713 per tonne of average annual CuEq produced [7][12]. - Cash costs (C1) are projected at $1.71/lb payable Cu for the first 20 years, increasing to $2.02/lb for the LOM [7][12]. - All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) are estimated at $2.25/lb payable Cu for the first 20 years, rising to $2.59/lb for the LOM [7][12]. Mining and Processing Overview - The mining method combines open-pit and underground block caving, with a processing capacity of 60,000 tonnes per day [10][21]. - The project anticipates a recovery rate of 87.76% for copper, 57% for gold, and 50% for silver over the LOM [12][26]. Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans - Aldebaran is collaborating with Nuton, a Rio Tinto venture, to explore alternative processing technologies that could enhance economic viability and reduce environmental impact [8][38]. - The company plans to focus on a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and resource updates in the next 12 to 18 months, aiming to unlock additional value from the Altar project [8][46]. Mineral Resource Estimate - The PEA is based on an updated mineral resource estimate, with approximately 80% of the resources categorized as Measured and Indicated [7][14]. Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations - The project includes comprehensive on-site infrastructure and plans for water management, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact [35][36]. Market Context - The political environment in Argentina is shifting towards pro-business policies, which may benefit the advancement of the Altar project amid rising global demand for copper [8].

Core Insights - Koryx Copper Inc. has reported assay results from 17 drill holes totaling 5,556 meters as part of its exploration strategy for the Haib Copper Project in Namibia, confirming mineralization in target areas with copper grades meeting or exceeding the average mineral resource estimate [3][4][6] - The company is integrating updated geological models to enhance the understanding of copper and molybdenum distribution, aiming to publish an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) by the end of 2025 [5][19][20] Drilling Results - The best intercepts from the recent drilling include significant copper grades, such as 40m at 0.37% Cu and 116m at 0.36% Cu from hole HM96, and 50m at 0.33% Cu from hole HM76 [1][14] - Drilling at various targets has confirmed strong copper mineralization, with notable results from Target 1, Target 2, Target 3, and Target 4, indicating continuity and potential tonnage gains [10][11][12][13] Geological Model Update - The geological team has completed relogging and reinterpretation of the lithological and structural models, which will assist in refining the mineral resource estimates and guide future drilling plans [4][5][21] - The updated models are expected to improve resource classification, converting Inferred material to Indicated category, and support the pre-feasibility study planned for 2026 [20][21] Future Plans - The company has received four additional drill rigs, increasing the total to eight, to accelerate the drilling program in the first half of 2026 [1][21] - An updated MRE is anticipated to reflect the successful drilling campaigns and may include gold for the first time as a discrete model [19][20] Company Overview - Koryx Copper Inc. is focused on advancing the Haib Copper Project, which is a large, advanced copper/molybdenum porphyry deposit with a long history of exploration and development [28][29] - The current mineral resource at Haib is estimated at 511 million tonnes at 0.33% Cu and 51 ppm Mo in the Indicated category, and 308.9 million tonnes at 0.31% Cu and 40 ppm Mo in the Inferred category [29][30]