Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latin Metals Inc. ("Latin Metals") (TSXV: LMS, OTCQB: LMSQF) and Latin Explore Inc. ("Latin Explore"), updates that the previously announced spin-out transaction (the "Spin-Out") of Latin Metals’ Para Copper Project (the "Para Project") and Auquis Copper Pro ...

Core Viewpoint - Miata Metals Corp. has appointed Mr. Derk Hartman as an independent director to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in mining and banking sectors to the company [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment of Mr. Derk Hartman - Mr. Hartman has over 25 years of experience in executive leadership, project development, and capital markets, with significant knowledge of Suriname's mining landscape [2]. - He has a proven track record in advancing mining projects, including the Sela Creek Gold Project, which is crucial for Miata's strategic direction [2][6]. - Mr. Hartman is the founder of several companies and currently serves as CEO of Green Metals Refining Ltd., focusing on sustainable refining capacity for critical minerals [3]. Group 2: Mr. Hartman's Previous Experience - Previously, he held key positions at Giyani Metals Corp. and Silver Bear Resources Plc, where he was instrumental in financing and developing mining projects [4]. - His early career included roles in investment banking with ABN AMRO and BMO Capital Markets, advising on project finance and mergers and acquisitions [5]. Group 3: Company Developments - Miata has granted Mr. Hartman 300,000 stock options at a price of C$0.54 per share, with a vesting schedule of 50% at six months and 50% at twelve months [7]. - The company has engaged Independent Trading Group (ITG) for market-making services to enhance liquidity, with a monthly compensation of C$6,000 [8]. - Miata has amended its marketing agreement with Connect 4 Marketing Ltd., allowing for a budget of up to C$100,000 per month for digital marketing and investor awareness services [11]. Group 4: Company Overview - Miata Metals Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties, holding a 70% interest in the Sela Creek Gold Project and a 70% beneficial interest in the Nassau Gold Project [12].

Core Viewpoint - Maxus Mining Inc. has successfully listed its shares on the OTCQB Venture Market, enhancing its profile and accessibility for U.S. investors, while continuing to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange [8][9]. Company Overview - Maxus Mining Inc. is focused on advancing its projects in British Columbia through targeted exploration programs aimed at unlocking value across multiple critical mineral systems [4][10]. - The company holds a diversified portfolio of approximately 15,098 hectares of prospective terrain in British Columbia, including significant projects in antimony, tungsten, and copper [10]. Recent Developments - The company's common shares began trading on the OTCQB under the symbol "MXMGF" effective February 17, 2026 [8]. - An application is pending with the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) to facilitate easier electronic clearing and settlement of the company's shares in the U.S. [2]. Project Highlights - The portfolio includes three antimony projects totaling 8,920 hectares, with the Alturas Antimony Project reporting high-grade antimony up to 69.98% [11]. - The Lotto Tungsten Project spans 3,054 hectares, with a historical grab sample showing 10.97% WO₃ [12]. - The Penny Copper Project, covering 3,123 hectares, has over 100 years of recorded exploration, with recent sampling returning copper values of up to 2,388 ppm [12]. Management Commentary - The CEO, Scott Walters, emphasized that listing on the OTCQB broadens access for U.S. investors and supports the company's ongoing exploration initiatives, including data compilation at the Quarry Project and airborne geophysical programs across various mineral targets [9].

Core Viewpoint - Forge Resources Corp. has announced a private placement offering of up to 10,000,000 LIFE units and up to 8,333,400 flow-through units, aiming for gross proceeds of up to $10,000,040 to fund exploration and development projects [1][10]. Group 1: Offering Details - Each LIFE Unit is priced at $0.50 and consists of one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant, with the warrant exercisable at $0.75 for 36 months [2]. - Each FT Unit is priced at $0.60 and includes one common share on a flow-through basis and one-half of a common share purchase warrant, also exercisable at $0.75 for 36 months [3][4]. - The total gross proceeds from the sale of FT Units will be allocated to exploration expenses qualifying as Canadian exploration expenses and flow-through mining expenditures, to be incurred by December 31, 2027 [5]. Group 2: Regulatory and Compliance - The offering is available to purchasers in all Canadian provinces except Quebec, under the LIFE Exemption and other exemptions as per National Instrument 45-106 [3][4]. - The Agent has the option to sell an additional 15% of the LIFE and/or FT Units at the offering price, exercisable up to 48 hours before the closing date [7]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the FT Units will be used for the exploration and development of the Alotta Property, while proceeds from the LIFE Units will support the La Estrella project and general working capital [10]. Group 4: Closing and Fees - The offering is expected to close on or about March 3, 2026, subject to necessary approvals [11]. - The Agent will receive a cash commission of 7.0% of the total proceeds and compensation warrants equal to 7.0% of the units issued, exercisable at $0.50 per LIFE Unit [8].

Core Viewpoint - Canterra Minerals Corporation is entering a high-impact discovery phase in 2026 with a fully funded diamond drill program of up to 15,000 metres across its projects in central Newfoundland, starting with the Buchans Project, which is known for its high-grade VMS deposits [1][3][5]. Group 1: 2026 Exploration Program Overview - The 2026 campaign will transition from target generation to systematic drill testing in three areas: high-priority targets at Buchans, selective follow-up drilling in the Victoria Lake Supergroup portfolio, and advancing gold targets at the Wilding Gold Project [2][5]. - The Buchans Project will see winter drilling targeting 3D induced polarization anomalies and structural corridors, with an initial 2,000 metres planned and an additional 3,000 metres of follow-up testing later in the year [7][8]. - The Victoria Lake Supergroup portfolio will involve a belt-wide target ranking initiative across multiple VMS deposits, anticipating up to 5,000 metres of targeted diamond drilling [11][12]. Group 2: Specific Project Details - At the Wilding Gold Project, an initial field program of approximately 250 percussion drill holes has commenced, with follow-up diamond drilling planned for the second half of 2026 [4][16]. - The Wilding Project aims to refine and prioritize high-confidence bedrock targets for diamond drill testing, focusing on areas proximal to known gold occurrences [15][16]. - Canterra's land position in central Newfoundland provides optionality across multiple commodity exposures and is supported by established mining communities and infrastructure [19].

Core Viewpoint - Labrador Gold Corp. is urging shareholders to vote on the BLUE Proxy to protect their investments from a self-serving dissident shareholder, Coloured Ties Capital Inc., with the voting deadline approaching on February 20, 2026 [1][4][10]. Shareholder Voting - The Corporation has thanked shareholders who have already voted ahead of the Annual General and Special Meeting scheduled for February 24, 2026 [2]. - Crescat Capital LLC, a significant shareholder with approximately 8.9% of shares, intends to vote in favor of LabGold's recommendations on the BLUE Proxy [3][8]. - Shareholders are reminded to vote ONLY on the BLUE Proxy and disregard any other proxies received from the Dissident [4][14]. Importance of the BLUE Proxy - Voting on the BLUE Proxy is crucial as it determines control over approximately CAD $16 million in cash, which is essential for executing a long-term strategy to create shareholder value [6]. - The Corporation emphasizes the risks associated with allowing the Dissident to control investments, citing a history of capital destruction [6][13]. Independent Recommendations - Independent proxy advisory firms, ISS and Glass Lewis, have recommended that shareholders vote ONLY on the BLUE Proxy, highlighting the lack of a compelling case from the Dissident [9][13]. - The Dissident's claims regarding the evaluation of the Watson property have been labeled as false by Nemo Resources, further undermining their credibility [8][13]. Strategic Focus - LabGold has adopted a prudent approach in a challenging junior mining market, opting for disciplined due diligence over potentially dilutive deals [7]. - The Corporation is focused on a structured plan for the Watson Project, which is a significant opportunity in Ontario, and aims to maximize upside while limiting downside risks [13][18]. Conclusion - Shareholders are encouraged to act quickly and vote on the BLUE Proxy to ensure their interests are protected, with assistance available from Kingsdale Advisors if needed [10][12].

Core Viewpoint - Canstar Resources Inc. has finalized a joint venture agreement with VMS Mining Corporation to advance the Mary March VMS project in Newfoundland, which is expected to enhance exploration efforts and funding for the upcoming drill program in 2026 [1][15]. Financial Aspects - Canstar will receive an immediate non-dilutive cash payment of C$1.0 million to support the winter technical program and prepare for the 2026 field season [2]. - The joint venture anticipates a subsequent investment of C$4.0 million by VMS Mining Corporation, which is expected to align with the planned 2026 drill campaign [3][13]. - The joint venture structure allows VMS Mining Corporation to earn up to a 60% interest by investing a total of C$11.5 million in exploration expenditures, structured in three phases [16][28]. Technical Leadership and Expertise - Dr. Harold Gibson, a leading authority on VMS systems, is guiding the exploration at Mary March, supported by Dr. Rodney Allen, a recognized VMS specialist [4][5]. - The exploration strategy integrates modern geological methods, including lithogeochemistry and geophysical reprocessing, to define drill targets within the Buchans volcanic package [5][10]. Project Context and Potential - The Mary March project is located near the historic Buchans mining camp, known for high-grade VMS deposits, yet remains underexplored with modern techniques [6][10]. - Historical production in the Buchans camp includes over 700,000 ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver, indicating the potential for significant mineralization at Mary March [6][10]. Strategic Positioning - Canstar's combination of a high-grade district, a robust exploration model, non-dilutive funding, and a strong leadership team positions the joint venture favorably for the upcoming exploration program [7][13]. - The leadership team at VMS Mining Corporation has a proven track record, having been involved in over US$8 billion in corporate transactions and significant gold discoveries globally [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - BMC Minerals has initiated its 2026 exploration programme at the Kudz Ze Kayah project in Yukon, Canada, aiming to expand the resource base of the proposed ABM mine through extensive drilling and geophysical surveys [1][5]. Group 1: Exploration Programme Details - The exploration programme includes 20,000 meters of diamond drilling and geophysical surveys to investigate additional targets within a 5km radius of the planned mine site [1]. - The project area spans 372 square kilometers and will utilize both ground-based and aerial geophysics, including gravity and unmanned aerial vehicle magnetics, along with surface geochemical surveys [2]. - Drilling operations are scheduled to continue until September 2026, employing heli-supported access and trail construction for deep-drill holes ranging from approximately 300 meters to 900 meters [2]. Group 2: Focus Areas and Techniques - Initial drilling efforts will concentrate on previously identified high-potential areas near the ABM mine, with down hole time domain electromagnetics used post-drilling to detect mineralization not intersected by the drill holes [3]. - The programme will also feature airborne magnetic surveys covering 2,500 line-kilometers, detailed ground gravity mapping up to 20 square kilometers, and expanded soil geochemical analysis [3]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - Prospective zones near the ABM deposit are being examined for potential stratiform polymetallic massive sulphide deposits, located both downdip of the existing deposit and northeast beneath the Wind Lake formation [4]. - The managing director and CEO of BMC Minerals expressed excitement about the commencement of the drilling programme, highlighting it as the company's largest exploration investment to date [4]. - Following a successful IPO in December, the company is positioned to execute its growth strategy and advance the KZK project systematically, focusing on unlocking the project's scale potential and enhancing geological confidence [5].

Core Viewpoint - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has successfully closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of approximately $3.07 million through the issuance of 17,036,609 common shares at a price of $0.18 per share [2][4]. Group 1: Offering Details - The first tranche of the LIFE Offering involved the issuance of 17,036,609 common shares, resulting in gross proceeds of $3,066,589.62 [2]. - The Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Smith, participated in the offering by purchasing 1,000,000 common shares for a total of $180,000 [2]. - The company utilized the listed issuer financing exemption under National Instrument 45-106 for this issuance, allowing the shares to be freely tradeable under Canadian securities laws [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The gross proceeds from the offering will be allocated to advance the company's projects, including Pipestone XL and Ophiolite-X, fulfill option payment obligations, manage mineral claims, and cover general administrative expenses for the next twelve months [4]. Group 3: Related Party Transaction - Adrian Smith's participation in the LIFE Offering is classified as a related party transaction, and the company is relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements due to the common shares trading on the TSX Venture Exchange [5]. Group 4: Future Plans - The company plans to close a second tranche of the LIFE Offering and will provide updates in due course [6].

Core Viewpoint - Azimut Exploration Inc. has completed the sale of its 50% interest in the Galinée Property to LiFT Power Ltd., receiving a total consideration of approximately $13.4 million, which includes common shares and a deferred payment [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - LiFT Power acquired Azimut's interest by issuing 2,000,000 common shares and granting Azimut a 1.4% NSR royalty on the Galinée Property [2]. - Azimut is entitled to a deferred payment of $1,500,000, which can be paid in cash or common shares of LiFT, contingent on specific terms [2]. Group 2: Azimut's Current Holdings - Azimut now holds equity interests valued at approximately $15 million in various companies and has generated royalty interests on three lithium properties [3]. - The royalty interests include a 2% NSR on the JBN-57 claim block and a 1% NSR on the Pikwa Property, both associated with PMET Resources' Shaakichiuwaanaan project [3]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - The transactions align with Azimut's strategy to concentrate on its flagship properties, Elmer and Wabamisk, with significant drill programs planned for early 2026 [4]. - The company has announced a total of at least 17,000 meters of drilling, including ongoing and upcoming programs at various zones within its properties [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Azimut is recognized for its extensive mineral project portfolio in Quebec, focusing on gold, copper, nickel, and lithium [6]. - The company employs a pioneering approach using big data analytics through its proprietary AZtechMine™ expert system, enhancing its exploration capabilities [6].