Ore Stockpiling at Lost Sheep Mine Begins Production Momentum Accelerates Vancouver, B.C. – TheNewswire - 18th February 2026 – Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS) (OTC: ARSMF) (FRA: N8I1) is pleased to announce that mining operations at its Lost Sheep Fluorspar Mine in Utah are now actively underway, with several thousands of tons of fluorspar ore successfully mined and stockpiled at surface in preparation for processing. This milestone marks a decisive transition from development to production build-up ...

Core Viewpoint - Shine Minerals Corp. is progressing towards a proposed transaction to acquire all outstanding shares of Red Cloud Silver Ltd., which is part of its strategy to reactivate its listing on the TSX Venture Exchange [1][2][3]. Group 1: Proposed Transaction Details - The proposed transaction involves an option to acquire 11,100,000 common shares of Red Cloud Silver Ltd. as per a definitive agreement dated December 23, 2025 [1]. - The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange [2]. - A finder's fee of 1,000,000 common shares will be paid to an arm's-length finder, contingent upon compliance with applicable securities laws [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Shine Minerals Corp. is a Canada-based company focused on the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral resource assets [4]. - The proposed transaction is aimed at reactivating Shine's status from the NEX board to a Tier 2 Mining Issuer in accordance with TSXV Policy [3].

Core Insights - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. has appointed James Rodriguez de Castro as an advisor, who brings over 15 years of experience in the fluorspar industry [2][3] - The company is focused on developing fluorspar mining projects in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, which is essential for various high-tech applications [3][5] - CleanTech has granted 100,000 incentive stock options to Mr. Rodriguez de Castro, exercisable over five years at an exercise price of 0.31 per option [4] Company Overview - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. is dedicated to discovering, producing, and supplying critical mineral resources within the United States [5] - The company has an option to acquire over 17,550 acres of mineral rights with historic fluorspar resources in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District [5] - CleanTech also owns a 100% interest in the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project located in Nevada [5]

Core Viewpoint - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. has authorized the grant of 673,148 restricted share units (RSUs) to certain officers, employees, and consultants, which will vest on the anniversary of the grant date and can be redeemed for common shares of the Company [1]. Group 1: RSU Grant Details - The grant of RSUs is classified as a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, allowing the Company to bypass formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements [2]. - The exemptions relied upon are specified in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - CleanTech is focused on discovering, producing, and supplying critical mineral resources, particularly in the United States [3]. - The Company has an option to acquire over 17,550 acres of mineral rights with historic Fluorspar resources in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District [3]. - CleanTech also holds a 100% interest in the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project located in Nevada [3].

Company Overview - Ares Strategic Mining Inc. is focused on developing fluorspar projects in the U.S. and aims to become a significant supplier of high-grade fluorspar to North American markets, supporting essential industries for modern technology and infrastructure [2]. Recent Developments - On January 23, 2025, the company issued a total of 6,400,000 options to its directors and officers, allowing the purchase of 6,400,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.63 per share, with an expiration date of January 23, 2028 [1]. Project Details - The Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project, located in Delta, Utah, was first approved on August 24, 1992, and renewed on December 12, 2016 [3]. - The project covers 5,982 acres with 353 claims in the Spor Mountain area, approximately 214 km southwest of Salt Lake City, and is fully permitted, including mining permits [5]. Technical and Regulatory Aspects - A NI 43-101 Technical Report has identified extensive high-grade fluorspar with low levels of impurities, and the mining plan has been approved by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) [5].

Core Viewpoint - Shine Minerals Corp. has entered into a definitive option to acquire agreement with Red Cloud Silver Ltd. for the acquisition of 11,100,000 common shares, aiming to reactivate its status on the TSXV [1][2]. Company Overview - Shine Minerals Corp. is a Canada-based company focused on the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral resource assets [9]. Proposed Transaction Details - The agreement allows Shine to acquire RCS shares by issuing 6,500,000 post-Consolidation common shares to RCS shareholders on a pro rata basis, without initially acquiring ownership interest in RCS [3]. - After completing $2,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Project within one year, Shine may exercise its option to acquire 100% of RCS shares by issuing an additional 14,200,000 post-Consolidation shares and paying $650,000 in cash [4]. Project Information - RCS holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Silver District Exploration Project in Arizona, with a total payment obligation of US$1.4 million to Gulf + Western Industries, Inc. by October 31, 2028 [5]. - If the RCS Option is exercised, Gulf will retain a 2% net smelter return royalty [5]. Financial Aspects - Prior to closing the Proposed Transaction, the company will complete a 5-for-1 share consolidation and a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of approximately C$1,000,000 at C$0.06 per pre-Consolidation share [6]. Market Context - The CEO of Shine highlighted a structural supply deficit in the silver market, with demand outpacing mine production, and noted that prominent investors foresee significant price increases for silver [2].

Core Insights - Ares Strategic Mining Inc. is making significant progress in the construction and operational advancements of its Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project in Juab County, Utah, aiming to bring North America's only permitted fluorspar mine into full-scale industrial production [1][3]. Construction and Operational Advancements - Major milestones have been achieved both underground and above ground, enhancing mine readiness and plant infrastructure [2]. - Key underground infrastructure has been finalized, enabling safe and efficient ore extraction, marking a turning point for the company [3]. - The processing plant construction has reached advanced stages, with significant progress in structural, mechanical, and process systems [4]. Specific Developments - The secondary ventilation door has been sealed to enhance airflow and comply with MSHA standards [4]. - Raise 1 has been prepared for mining with a fully installed tugger and slusher system [4]. - New drill stations have been developed to support upcoming mining activities [4]. - Over 6 cubic yards of concrete have been poured for key support columns, and structural assembly is progressing with 70% of Level 2 mainframe walkway decking installed [5]. - The crushing screening and concentrator hopper systems are being installed, with ongoing welding work and material handling systems fully installed [5][6]. Financial Developments - Ares has secured approximately $3.66 million in non-dilutive funding through agreements with Sorbie Bornholm, which will accelerate the construction of a second processing facility [10][11]. - The company recently closed a $10 million financing to support its accelerated production schedule, with plans for a non-brokered private placement offering of up to 22,222,222 units at a price of $0.45 per unit [12][15]. - Sorbie's initial investment has yielded returns of over 180% and 266%, representing a gain of over $2.66 million [14]. Strategic Importance - Fluorspar is classified as a U.S. critical mineral essential for various industries, including steel and aluminum production, lithium-ion batteries, and nuclear fuel development [8][9]. - As the only fluorspar mine in the United States, Ares is positioned to become a cornerstone of North America's strategic supply chain [9].

Core Viewpoint - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. has acquired a significant package of mineral rights in Illinois, nearly doubling its holdings in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, which is crucial for the U.S. economy's mineral independence [2][3][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The company acquired 37 mineral rights parcels totaling 1,605 acres for a purchase price of US$68,700 [2][3]. - This acquisition increases CleanTech's total mineral rights holdings in Illinois to 2,846 acres, contributing to a total of over 17,550 acres across the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District has a rich history of fluorspar production, accounting for approximately 90% of U.S. fluorspar production from 1914 to 1995, with around 9 million tons produced [4]. - Fluorspar is identified as a critical mineral essential for nuclear enrichment, lithium batteries, and semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting the strategic importance of CleanTech's projects for U.S. mineral independence [6]. Group 3: Exploration Potential - The proximity of the acquired properties to the Hicks Dome deposit raises the potential for discovering rare earth elements and other trace elements, which are vital for various applications, including military [7]. - The acquisition also extends the historic Barnett mine area, known for its productive operations, enhancing CleanTech's exploration opportunities [8].

Core Viewpoint - Oracle Commodity Holding Corp. has expanded its royalty agreement with CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. to include new fluorspar properties in Illinois, enhancing its portfolio in the critical minerals sector [1][2]. Group 1: Royalty Agreement Details - The Third Amending Agreement adds 37 mineral-rights parcels totaling 1,605 acres in Pope and Hardin Counties, Illinois, to the existing Royalty Agreement [2]. - Under the amended Royalty Agreement, Oracle is entitled to a 2% net smelter return royalty on minerals produced and sold from the properties, with a minimum of US$6 per tonne of minerals sold [3]. - Oracle will pay USF 20% of US$68,700 to acquire the royalty on the new Illinois fluorspar properties, contingent upon TSX Venture Exchange approval [5]. Group 2: Financial Considerations - Oracle Commodity Holding will make non-refundable cash payments equal to 20% of the cash consideration that USF has paid to acquire the properties, known as Matching Payments [4]. - Matching Payments are only required once USF has made actual cash payments to the vendors [4]. Group 3: Corporate Relationships - Oracle Commodity Holding is a control person of CleanTech, holding 42,799,502 common shares, establishing them as related parties under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 [6].

Core Viewpoint - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. has expanded its royalty agreement with Oracle Commodity Holding to include newly acquired fluorspar properties in Illinois, enhancing its mineral rights portfolio and potential revenue streams [1][2]. Group 1: Royalty Agreement Details - The Third Amending Agreement includes 37 mineral-rights parcels totaling 1,605 acres in Pope and Hardin Counties, Illinois [2]. - Oracle Commodity Holding is entitled to a 2% net smelter return royalty on minerals produced and sold from the properties, with a minimum of US$6 per tonne of minerals sold [3]. - Oracle Commodity Holding will pay USF 20% of US$68,700 to acquire the royalty on the new Illinois fluorspar properties [5]. Group 2: Financial Considerations - Oracle Commodity Holding will make non-refundable cash payments equal to 20% of the cash consideration that USF has paid or will pay to vendors for acquiring the properties, contingent upon actual cash payments made by USF [4]. Group 3: Company Background - CleanTech is focused on critical mineral resources in the USA, controlling over 17,550 acres of mineral rights with historic fluorspar resources in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District [7].