Vancouver, Canada – TheNewswire - February 05, 2026 – Spartan Metals Corp. (“Spartan” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: W OTCQB: SPRMF | FSE: J03) is pleased to announce that within its recently staked land expansion of the Tungstonia Claim block at its 100% owned Eagle Project in eastern Nevada, included the acquisition of the past producing(1) Yellow Jacket Tungsten Mine on the historic Yellow Jacket Claims. The Yellow Jacket Tungsten Mine is located approximately 2 kilometers (km) E-NE of the legacy Tungstonia ...

Core Insights - Peloton Minerals Corporation has staked an additional 200 mineral claims at its North Elko Lithium Project, increasing the total to 642 claims covering 53 square kilometers [1][9] Exploration and Drilling Results - The new claims cover Bell Canyon and Bell Canyon Road, with recent drilling showing increasing lithium values at depth, averaging 618 ppm over the bottom 155 feet, and a peak of 1150 ppm lithium [2][5] - The Bell Canyon drill location was strategically chosen due to its proximity to a lithium zone discovered by Surge Battery Metals Inc. and historical data from a 1965 water well that indicated similar clay layers [3][5] Future Plans - The company plans to conduct a series of studies using various datasets to refine drill targets for a follow-on program scheduled for summer, including metallurgical work to assess the recoverability of cesium and rubidium, which showed consistent assay results across all drill holes [5][6] - A detailed outline of the upcoming work and studies will be issued once finalized [6] Company Overview - Peloton Minerals Corporation is a reporting issuer in British Columbia and Ontario, with common shares listed on the CSE and trading on the OTC QB [8] - The company's exploration portfolio includes the North Elko Lithium Project, as well as gold projects and a non-controlling interest in a copper porphyry project [9]

Core Viewpoint - ILC Critical Minerals Ltd. is conducting a non-brokered private placement to raise up to CAD$2,500,000 by issuing 100,000,000 common shares at CAD$0.025 per share, with proceeds aimed at expanding operations in Southern Africa and Canada, as well as general working capital [1][2]. Use of Proceeds - The proceeds from the private placement will be allocated as follows if the full amount is raised: - Final payment for acquiring Lepidico Mauritius (if option exercised): CAD$450,000 (18%) - Exploration expenditure in Namibia and Canada: CAD$950,000 (38%) - Management fees to non-arms length parties: CAD$440,000 (17.6%) - Working capital: CAD$660,000 (26.4%) [3]. Company Operations and Strategy - ILC Critical Minerals Ltd. focuses on exploration activities in Ontario, Canada, and aims to expand into Southern Africa, particularly through the Karibib project in Namibia, which contains lithium, rubidium, and cesium [7][9]. - The company is strategically positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for critical minerals driven by the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy [8][9]. - The primary focus for the next decade is to generate revenue from lithium and rubidium while contributing to environmental sustainability [10][16]. Project Highlights - The Raleigh Lake Project in Ontario is the most significant project, covering 32,900 hectares, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment indicating a post-tax NPV of CAD$342.9 million and a post-tax IRR of 44.3% based on a spodumene price of US$2,350 per tonne [14]. - The company has also applied for Exploration Permits in Zimbabwe, indicating a commitment to expanding its portfolio in Southern Africa [11][13]. Market Context - The demand for lithium and other critical minerals is expected to rise due to the growth of high-tech rechargeable batteries and the push for a greener economy [16]. - ILC aims to position itself as a preferred developer of lithium and critical minerals, capitalizing on the increasing global focus on self-sufficiency in critical mineral supplies [9][16].

Core Viewpoint - Peloton Minerals Corporation has successfully completed its maiden drilling program at the North Elko Lithium Project, confirming the presence of significant lithium and critical minerals in the basin, which warrants further exploration [1][5]. Drilling Program Overview - The drilling program consisted of four vertical exploration holes, reaching a maximum depth of 500 feet (152 meters), marking the first lithium-focused drilling on the NELP property [2]. - The holes were strategically positioned across a 37 square kilometer claim block to assess basin geometry, stratigraphy, and the extent of lithium and clay-bearing sediments [4]. Drilling Highlights - Lithium mineralization was found in all four holes, with 89% of the 352 five-foot samples showing anomalous to strongly anomalous lithium levels [7]. - The best interval recorded was 155 feet averaging 618 ppm lithium, with peaks reaching up to 1,155 ppm [7]. - The presence of cesium and rubidium was noted in all holes, indicating a chemically evolved, alkali-rich volcanic system [7]. Geological Insights - The drilling confirmed lithium-bearing claystones to depths of at least 500 feet over a 7 kilometer by 3.5-kilometer area [8]. - The NELP basin is deemed fertile for lithium and critical metals, including cesium and rubidium, which are also found in other advanced Nevada lithium claystone deposits [8]. Relationship with Adjacent Resources - NELP is located adjacent to Surge Battery Metals' Nevada North lithium project, which has a defined lithium resource with high average grades [6]. - The initial results from NELP, while not yet comparable in grade, are considered a positive outcome for early-stage exploration [9]. Future Exploration Plans - The company plans to conduct further drilling focused on step-outs and tighter spacing in the most promising lithium and critical mineral zones identified [13]. - Additional work will include detailed stratigraphic interpretation, expanded mineralogical and metallurgical testing, and integration of various geological data sets to refine future drill targeting [13].

Core Viewpoint - ILC Critical Minerals Ltd. has extended its option to acquire 100% of Lepidico (Mauritius) Ltd. until February 27, 2026, amid ongoing legal complexities and the need for regulatory approvals [1][3]. Company Developments - The company has agreed to provide additional working capital payments of CAD$145,000 to Lepidico in exchange for the option extension, which will be added to the secured loan if the option is not exercised [3]. - ILC's exploration activities are focused on lithium, rubidium, and copper in Canada and Southern Africa, with significant projects at various stages of development [4][7]. Market Context - There is a growing demand for critical minerals like lithium and rubidium, driven by the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, positioning ILC strategically within this market [5][12]. - The company aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-tech rechargeable batteries, which are essential for a sustainable economy [12]. Project Highlights - The Raleigh Lake Project in Ontario is ILC's most significant asset, covering 32,900 hectares, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment indicating a post-tax NPV of CAD$342.9 million and an IRR of 44.3% based on a spodumene price of US$2,350 per tonne [10]. - The Karibib project in Namibia is also a priority, containing lithium, rubidium, and cesium, and is part of ILC's strategic focus for future development [4][10]. Strategic Goals - The company aims to optimize the value of its existing projects while exploring new opportunities, particularly in Southern Africa, and plans to make further announcements regarding portfolio developments [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Spartan Metals Corp. has received shareholder approval for its new 10% rolling stock option plan and share unit plan, aimed at incentivizing directors, officers, employees, and consultants [1][2]. Group 1: Equity Incentive Plans - The Equity Incentive Plans allow the issuance of stock options, restricted share units, and deferred share units, with the Option Plan capped at 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time of grant [2]. - The Share Unit Plan reserves a maximum of 2,500,000 common shares for issuance [2]. - Detailed information regarding these plans is available in the management information circular filed on SEDAR+ [3]. Group 2: Grants and Options - The company has granted a total of 1,850,000 options to various stakeholders, exercisable at $0.395 per share for five years [4]. - Additionally, 682,000 deferred share units and 60,000 restricted share units have been granted under the Share Unit Plan, subject to applicable securities law hold periods [4]. Group 3: Company Focus and Projects - Spartan Metals is focused on developing critical minerals projects in stable mining jurisdictions in the Western United States, emphasizing strategic defense minerals such as Tungsten, Rubidium, Antimony, Bismuth, and Arsenic [5]. - The flagship project, the Eagle Project in eastern Nevada, contains one of the highest-grade historic tungsten resources in the USA, along with significant under-defined resources of other minerals [6].

Core Insights - Spartan Metals Corp. has outlined its key accomplishments for 2025 and its exploration strategy for 2026 at the Eagle Tungsten-Silver-Rubidium project in eastern Nevada [1][2] 2025 Highlights - The company acquired the Eagle project from Ridgeline Minerals on July 31 and rebranded as Spartan Metals Corp [3] - Spartan began trading on the TSX Venture exchange under the symbol "W" on August 5 [3] - A capital raise of $2.25 million was completed on September 27 [3] - The leadership team was expanded with the addition of Rebecca Ball as Vice President of Exploration and Michael Harp to the Board of Directors [3] - Field reconnaissance and rock chip sampling confirmed historic work and provided new data in the Tungstonia area [3] - High-grade silver-rich CRD targets were identified on trend with the Tungstonia vein system, indicating potential for larger critical metal concentrations [3] - The number of exploration and mining claims at Tungstonia was doubled to cover 7,131 acres [3] - Two new tungsten-silver-rubidium targets of significant scale were identified, expanding the known mineralized footprint [3] - Encouraging assay results from the tailings at the former Tungstonia mine were reported, supporting the potential for future funding [3] 2026 Catalysts - A targeted drill campaign will be conducted on priority targets identified from the 2025 surface mapping and sampling program [4] - Metallurgical results from the tailings at Tungstonia will be published to assess the economic potential of accessible tailings and waste rock [4] - The company aims to seek non-dilutive financing to support growth plans, aligning with U.S. federal government priorities for domestic critical minerals [5] Company Overview - Spartan Metals focuses on developing critical minerals projects in stable mining jurisdictions in the Western United States, emphasizing a diverse portfolio of strategic defense minerals [8] - The Eagle Project is noted for having one of the highest-grade historic tungsten resources in the USA, along with significant under-defined resources of rubidium, antimony, bismuth, indium, and other metals [9]

Core Viewpoint - International Lithium Corp. will change its name to ILC Critical Minerals Ltd. effective January 12, 2026, to better reflect its focus on critical minerals beyond lithium [1][4]. Group 1: Name Change and Trading Information - The company's common shares will continue to trade under the symbol "ILC" on the TSX Venture Exchange, with a new CUSIP number of 44967J107 and ISIN CA44967J1075 [1]. - The share capital remains unchanged, with 272,403,254 common shares issued and outstanding, and shareholders are not required to exchange existing share certificates [2]. Group 2: Business Operations and Future Focus - All corporate information, including business operations and ongoing exploration activities, will remain unchanged, although some subsidiary names will be updated to align with the new company name [3]. - The chairman highlighted the significant recovery in lithium carbonate prices by over 110% since June 30, 2025, and noted the rise in spodumene prices by over 160% from June 2025 lows, indicating a strong market for lithium and other critical minerals [4].

Core Viewpoint - International Lithium Corp. (ILC) has received an unfavorable arbitration decision regarding its dispute with Jiangxi Jinhui Lithium Co., Ltd., impacting its strategic plans for the Karibib Lithium Project in Namibia [1][4]. Company Overview - ILC is engaged in exploration activities in Ontario, Canada, and aims to expand into Southern Africa, focusing on lithium, rubidium, and copper [5]. - The company has various projects at different stages, including a Definitive Feasibility Study at Rubicon in Namibia and a Preliminary Economic Assessment at Raleigh Lake [5]. Arbitration Details - The arbitration was conducted at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, initiated by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in China, with the contract governed by Ontario law [3]. - The arbitration tribunal consisted of three arbitrators, with no Canadians involved, and the decision was issued in Chinese [3]. Impact of Arbitration Outcome - The arbitration outcome favored Jinhui, which has led ILC to reassess its options regarding the Karibib Project, where it currently holds an option and is a secured creditor [4]. - The board of ILC is considering various courses of action following the arbitration decision and plans to make further announcements [4]. Strategic Focus - ILC's mission is to generate revenue from lithium and other critical minerals while contributing to environmental sustainability [7]. - The company is prioritizing the optimization of existing projects in Canada and exploring new opportunities in Southern Africa, particularly in Namibia and Zimbabwe [8]. Project Highlights - The Raleigh Lake Project is ILC's most significant project in Canada, covering 32,900 hectares, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment completed in December 2023 [10]. - The Karibib Project in Namibia is also a high priority for ILC, contingent on the company's future involvement [9]. Market Context - The demand for lithium and other critical minerals is increasing due to the growth of electric vehicles, energy storage, and high-tech rechargeable batteries, positioning lithium as a vital resource for a sustainable economy [12]. - ILC aims to become a preferred developer of lithium and critical minerals, capitalizing on the growing market demand throughout the 2020s [12].

Core Viewpoint - International Lithium Corp. (ILC) successfully passed all resolutions at its annual general meeting, with over 99% of votes in favor, and elected five directors for the upcoming year [1] Company Overview - International Lithium Corp. is focused on critical minerals exploration, primarily lithium, rubidium, and copper, with projects in Ontario, Canada, and plans to expand into Southern Africa [2] - The company has various projects at different stages, including a Definitive Feasibility Study in Namibia and a Preliminary Economic Assessment at Raleigh Lake [2] Market Demand and Strategic Focus - There is a growing demand for electricity driven by AI, data centers, electric vehicles, and grid-scale electricity storage, leading to increased demand for lithium and copper [3] - The company aims to generate revenue from lithium and other battery metals while contributing to environmental sustainability [4] Project Development - ILC is optimizing existing projects and exploring new opportunities, particularly in Southern Africa, with applications for exploration permits in Zimbabwe [5] - The Raleigh Lake Project, covering 32,900 hectares, is ILC's most significant project in Canada, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment published in December 2023 [7] Financial Position - The company has maintained sufficient cash flow to support its exploration projects following the disposal of several projects in recent years [8] - ILC positions itself as a key player in the lithium market, aiming to build value for shareholders throughout the 2020s [9]