SUDBURY, Ontario, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magna Mining Inc. (TSXV: NICU) (OTCQX: MGMNF) (FSE: 8YD) (“Magna” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce initial Mineral Reserves for the McCreedy West Mine, located in the North Range of the Sudbury Basin, Ontario, Canada. The McCreedy West Mine Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources (“MRMR”) estimates disclosed herein were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Highlights Probable Mineral ...

Group 1 - Critical Reagent Processing Corp. has closed a non-brokered private placement, issuing 3,500,000 common shares at $0.0675 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $236,250 [1][2] - The company plans to use the net proceeds from the private placement for general working capital [2] - No finder's fees were paid in connection with the private placement, and the shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months from the closing date [2] Group 2 - Critical Reagent Processing Corp. has completed a purchase option agreement to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Mina Laguna Santa Maria project, which includes two mining concessions for sodium carbonate production [3] - The project consists of 500 hectares with a natural deposit of sodium carbonate, which is essential for lithium carbonate production [3] - The U.S. Geological Survey reported that 165,000 tonnes of soda ash were exported from the U.S. to Argentina in 2022, valued at $48 million, indicating a significant market opportunity for the company [3]

Core Insights - Greenland Resources Inc. is advancing its Malmbjerg project in Greenland, which focuses on molybdenum and magnesium production, with significant potential for supplying the EU market [1][2] Company Overview - Greenland Resources is a Canadian public company regulated by the Ontario Securities Commission, primarily focused on developing its 100% owned Climax-type primary molybdenum deposit in central east Greenland [2] - The Malmbjerg project features an environmentally friendly open-pit mine design, emphasizing reduced water usage and low ecological disturbance [2] Project Highlights - The Malmbjerg project has a capital expenditure (capex) of US$820 million, with a levered after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 33.8% and a payback period of 2.4 years, based on a molybdenum price of US$18 per pound [2] - Proven and probable reserves are estimated at 245 million tonnes with a grade of 0.176% MoS, equating to 571 million pounds of contained molybdenum [2] - The project is expected to produce an average of 32.8 million pounds of molybdenum annually during the first ten years, meeting approximately 25% of the EU's total yearly consumption and 100% of its defense needs [2] Market Context - The EU is the second-largest molybdenum user globally, consuming around 122 million pounds annually, which constitutes 19% of global demand [5] - Molybdenum is critical for enhancing the properties of steel and is essential for various industries, including automotive and defense, which represent about 18% of the EU's GDP [5] Strategic Importance - The Malmbjerg project is recognized as a priority EU project under the European Commission's RESourceEU initiative, highlighting its strategic importance for the EU's raw materials supply [3][4] - The project aims to supply environmentally friendly high-quality primary molybdenum from a responsible source, addressing the EU's reliance on imports, particularly from China [5] Financial and Operational Developments - The company is in discussions with the European Commission, national governments, and financial institutions regarding equity financing and grants for the project [3] - An updated letter of interest from Export Development Canada indicates potential support of up to USD$275 million for the project's development [3] - The company has secured binding long-term offtake agreements with major steel companies across Europe, ensuring price protection and stable demand [3] Future Engagements - Greenland Resources plans to present the Malmbjerg project at the BMO Capital Markets' Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference on February 24, 2026, and during Greenland Day at the PDAC on March 2, 2026 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Hillgrove Resources and Heavy Minerals have entered into a tailings processing agreement aimed at extracting and selling garnet from the Kanmantoo tailings storage facility in South Australia, which is expected to generate income and extend the operational life of the facility [1][4]. Financial Terms - Hillgrove will receive gross revenue payments (GRPs) of 15% from garnet sales during mining operations, decreasing to 5% post-closure. Additionally, $25 per tonne will be received for out-of-specification garnet [2]. - A minimum GRP of A$720,088 (US$500,000) per annum is guaranteed, increasing to A$1 million when production reaches 100,000 tonnes per annum [2]. Initial Payments and Obligations - An initial payment of A$50,000 will be made upon agreement execution, followed by A$150,000 at the final investment decision [3]. - After Hillgrove's mining operations conclude, Heavy Minerals may utilize the tailings storage facility for further garnet extraction and will assume site rehabilitation obligations [3]. Operational Developments - Heavy Minerals will construct and operate a garnet processing plant at the Kanmantoo copper mine to recover garnet from the existing process stream [4]. - Heavy Minerals is projected to produce up to 50,000 tonnes per annum for the first three years, increasing to 100,000 tonnes per annum in the fourth year [5]. Additional Financial Support - In October 2024, Hillgrove secured a A$10 million standby debt facility with Freepoint Metals and Concentrates to enhance operations at the Kanmantoo copper mine [5].

Core Viewpoint - Greenland Resources Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding for long-term molybdenum supply with GMH Gruppe SE & Co. KG, following the recognition of its Malmbjerg project as a priority EU project by the European Commission [1] Group 1 - The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signifies a strategic partnership aimed at securing a stable supply of molybdenum [1] - The Malmbjerg project in Greenland has been highlighted as a priority project under the European Commission's RESourceEU initiative [1] - GMH Gruppe SE & Co. KG is identified as a leading European producer in the industry, indicating the significance of this collaboration for Greenland Resources [1]

Group 1 - Critical Reagent Processing Corp. (CRPC) announces a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,500,000 common shares at a price of $0.0675 per share, aiming for gross proceeds of up to $236,250 [1][2] - The private placement is subject to approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange, and the securities will have a statutory hold period of four months from the closing date [2] - The net proceeds from the private placement will be utilized for general working capital [2] Group 2 - CRPC has completed its purchase option agreement to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Mina Laguna Santa Maria project, which includes two mining concessions for the production of sodium carbonate (soda ash) [3] - The project consists of 500 hectares with a natural deposit of sodium carbonate, which is essential for lithium carbonate production [3] - The U.S. Geological Survey reported that in 2022, 165,000 tonnes of soda ash were exported from the U.S. to Argentina, valued at $48 million, indicating a significant market for soda ash in Argentina [3] - CRPC believes that the Laguna Santa Maria Project has a competitive advantage over soda ash imports due to its location within Argentina and proximity to significant lithium carbonate production [3] - Management is currently evaluating the property and market for soda ash in Argentina, with results of a bulk sample chemical evaluation expected soon [3]

Summary of the U.S. Geological Survey's Methodology and Technical Input for the 2025 U.S. List of Critical Minerals Industry Overview - The report focuses on the mineral commodities critical to the U.S. economy, assessing the potential effects of supply chain disruptions on the U.S. economy, particularly in light of the Energy Act of 2020 [16][20]. Core Findings and Arguments - The analysis evaluates mineral commodity supply risk using two main criteria: 1. Economic effects assessment quantifying potential impacts of trade disruptions on U.S. GDP. 2. Examination of reliance on a sole domestic producer, which represents a single point of failure [16][23]. - The study assessed over 1,200 scenarios for 84 mineral commodities, revealing that disruptions could lead to a net decrease in U.S. GDP ranging from nearly $4.5 billion to an increase of $33 million, reflecting U.S. import dependency and global production concentration [16][22]. - Six mineral commodities were recommended for inclusion on the List of Critical Minerals (LCM) based on their risk assessment: - Potash - Silicon - Copper - Silver - Rhenium - Lead Two commodities, arsenic and tellurium, were recommended for removal from the LCM [17][16]. Important but Overlooked Content - The report highlights the increasing risks associated with foreign supply disruptions, particularly due to recent export controls from China on several minerals, including antimony, gallium, and germanium [19][20]. - The methodology used in this assessment represents a significant advancement over previous assessments by incorporating an economic effects model that allows for direct comparison against other economic risks and costs of risk mitigation strategies [17][22]. - The report emphasizes the importance of reliable supplies of mineral commodities for maintaining and growing the U.S. economy, given their essential role in various technologies and industries [19][20]. Conclusion - The findings underscore the critical nature of certain mineral commodities to U.S. economic security and the need for ongoing assessment and strategic planning to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions [16][17].

Core Insights - Perpetua Resources has partnered with the Idaho National Laboratory to operate a pilot processing plant aimed at recovering critical minerals, specifically antimony trisulfide, from the Stibnite project [1][2][4] Group 1: Project Overview - The Stibnite gold-antimony project in central Idaho has a total investment of $1.3 billion and was expedited by the Trump administration to support the US Army's goal of establishing a domestic supply chain for antimony trisulfide [3] - The pilot plant will utilize materials from the Stibnite project to produce military-grade antimony trisulfide, essential for munitions and advanced military systems [5] Group 2: Funding and Support - Perpetua Resources received up to $6.9 million in additional funding from the Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC), increasing its total DOTC awards to $22.4 million [6] - The partnership is seen as a significant step towards enhancing domestic mineral processing capabilities and securing sources of critical minerals for national security [4][7] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The initiative underscores Idaho's strategic role in national security and the commitment to responsible resource development and job creation in the state [5][7] - The successful operation of the pilot plant is expected to contribute to the growth of American mineral independence and resilience [5]

Core Viewpoint - Geomega Resources Inc. has successfully raised $2.7 million through the exercise of financial instruments and is advancing its bauxite residue valorization technology, which presents significant opportunities in the aluminum industry [1][2]. Financial Instruments Exercises - Since September 1, 2025, the company raised $2,728,773 through the exercise of various financial instruments, resulting in the issuance of 11,991,819 common shares [2]. - Only 110,000 warrants expired on November 6, 2025, while insiders exercised all their options and warrants nearing expiry [2]. - Major shareholders, including Michael Gentile, have increased their positions by exercising their warrants [2]. Corporate Structure - The updated corporate structure includes 160,748,007 issued and outstanding shares, 6,160,000 stock options, and 16,431,350 convertible debentures [3]. Update on Recent Conferences and Bauxite Residue Opportunity - Geomega presented its multi-step processing technology at the ICSOBA and IFCURM 2025 conferences, focusing on recovering bulk metals and producing high-value metal concentrates while reducing residue volume by over 90% [4][5]. - The technology aims to minimize processing steps, maximize reagent recycling, and significantly reduce effluent generation [5]. Pilot Study and Project Developments - The pilot study for the Bauxite Residue to Resources (BR2R) Project successfully produced 20 kg of high-purity iron oxide (99.3% Fe₂O₃) and demonstrated commercial potential of 460 kg of Fe₂O₃ per tonne of bauxite residue [9][10]. - The next phase involves developing a demonstration plant as part of a joint development and demo license agreement [10]. Industry Context and Future Outlook - The aluminum industry faces challenges with increasing bauxite residue due to declining bauxite quality, creating a growing market for Geomega's technology [11]. - Geomega's approach to valorizing both legacy and fresh bauxite residue expands its total addressable market, positioning the company for future collaborations and advancements in technology [11].

Core Insights - Neometals' Vanadium Recovery Project (VRP1) in Pori, Finland, has received a conditional grant of €48.7 million ($56.56 million) from Business Finland, which is contingent upon securing additional financing [1][2][5] - The feasibility study for VRP1 indicates potential for vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) production at low operating costs and a low-to-negative carbon footprint [2] - Novana, the entity responsible for VRP1, is in the process of raising approximately €400 million in total financing, with debt managed by Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken and equity by EIT RawMaterials [2][3] - The conditional grant is expected to reduce the equity financing required for the project [3] - Novana holds exclusive licensing rights to Neometals' VRP technology in the Nordic region and is obligated to pay a 2.5% royalty on gross revenues from products generated using this technology [3][4] - The project has secured a long-term lease for the plant site, an environmental permit, and a binding offtake agreement for 100% of V2O5 products with Glencore International [4] - Neometals does not plan to provide additional funding to RISAB or Novana, anticipating a dilution of its ownership stake to a minority position [4][5]