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CoTec Holdings Corp. Publishes Updated Corporate Presentation

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 19, 2026 / CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH,OTC:CTHCF)(OTCQB:CTHCF) (‘CoTec’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the publication of its updated February 2026 corporate presentation, available on the Company’s website at www.cotec.ca.

The updated presentation reflects the continued progress of the Company’s growth strategy with recent project-level advancements across its asset portfolio, including previously announced feasibility studies, expansion concept studies and key development milestones at HyProMag USA, MagIron and Lac Jeannine.

The presentation also includes an updated consolidated summary of attributable project interests and economics, reflecting the Company’s updated sum-of-the-parts valuation based on previously announced technical studies and press releases. No new technical material or economic information is being announced.

Julian Treger, Chief Executive Officer of CoTec, commented: ‘As our portfolio advances across multiple execution-stage assets, this updated presentation brings together our recently announced project milestones and updated project economics into a single, integrated view. In partnership with our stakeholders, we are reducing traditional mining development timelines to within five years. CoTec’s core strategy is to unlock value from resources and waste using disruptive technologies with a focus on critical minerals.

Based on the sum of the parts of our attributable interests, we believe the Company continues to trade at a significant undervaluation relative to the underlying value of our assets, with material upside as we execute on our stated milestones.’

The February 2026 corporate presentation is available on the homepage of the Company’s website.

About CoTec

CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH,OTC:CTHCF)(OTCQB:CTHCF) is redefining the future of resource extraction and recycling. Focused on rare earth magnets and strategic materials, CoTec integrates breakthrough technologies with strategic assets to unlock secure, sustainable, and low-cost supply chains.

CoTec’s mission is clear: accelerate the energy transition while strengthening strategic mineral supply chains for the countries we operate in. By investing in and deploying disruptive technologies, the Company delivers capital-efficient, scalable solutions that transform marginal assets, tailings, waste streams, and recycled products into high-value critical minerals.

From its HyProMag USA magnet recycling joint venture in Texas, to iron tailings reprocessing in Québec, to next-generation copper and iron solutions backed by global majors, CoTec is building a diversified portfolio with long-term growth, rapid cash flow potential, and high barriers to entry. The result is a differentiated platform at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic materials.

For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca

For further information, please contact:

Eugene Hercun, VP Finance, +1 604 537 2413

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

Statements in this press release regarding the Company and its investments which are not historical facts are ‘forward-looking statements’ that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the advancement, development, financing and potential construction of the Company’s projects and investments; anticipated economic metrics; expected production, permitting, engineering and execution milestones; potential strategic transactions or listings; future investment opportunities; and management’s expectations regarding the Company’s strategy and growth plans. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions regarding the continued advancement of the Company’s projects, availability of financing, receipt of required permits and approvals, commodity price assumptions, and general economic and market conditions. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, without limitation: risks relating to project development and execution; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms or at all; changes in commodity prices; changes in government regulation or policy; permitting and environmental risks; joint venture and counterparty risks; and general economic, market and industry conditions. For further details regarding risks and uncertainties facing the Company, readers are encouraged to review the Company’s public disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: CoTec Holdings Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

News Provided by ACCESS Newswire via QuoteMedia

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LaFleur Minerals

Investor Insight

LaFleur Minerals is advancing a district-scale gold platform anchored by a defined resource base and a fully permitted processing facility in Québec’s Abitibi region. With ongoing mill restart activities and a targeted gold pour on the horizon, the company offers investors exposure to both near-term production potential and meaningful exploration upside.

Overview

LaFleur Minerals (CSE:LFLR,OTCQB:LFLRF) is a growth-oriented gold exploration and development company focused on building a scalable mining platform within Québec’s Abitibi region, a belt that has produced more than 190 million ounces of gold historically. The company’s strategy is centered on advancing its flagship Swanson deposit while leveraging existing infrastructure to accelerate timelines to production.

A key differentiator is LaFleur’s vertically integrated model: combining resource expansion with ownership of a permitted processing facility. This approach reduces development risk, lowers capital intensity, and positions the company to monetize discoveries faster than traditional single-asset explorers.

With a market valuation that management believes does not yet reflect the combined value of its resource base, infrastructure and exploration pipeline, LaFleur offers exposure to both near-term catalysts and long-term district-scale discovery potential.

Company Highlights

  • District-Scale Land Position: Controls ~183 sq km of claims near Val‑d’Or in Québec, one of the world’s most prolific gold jurisdictions.
  • Flagship Resource Asset: Swanson Gold Project hosts NI 43-101 resources of 123,400 oz indicated and 64,500 oz inferred with expansion potential.
  • Strategic Infrastructure Ownership: Owns the fully permitted Beacon Gold Mill with 750 tpd capacity and low restart cost.
  • Growth-Focused Exploration: 5,000 m drill program underway targeting resource growth to >1 Moz.
  • Proven Asset Consolidation: Claims assembled from prior operators including Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines and Globex.
  • Tier-1 Jurisdiction: Québec ranks among the world’s top mining investment regions according to the Fraser Institute.
  • Experienced Leadership: Led by CEO Paul Ténière, a geologist with extensive development and technical reporting expertise.

Key Projects

Swanson Gold Project – Flagship Asset

The Swanson project forms the cornerstone of LaFleur’s growth strategy. Spanning more than 18,300 hectares, the property hosts multiple deposits and mineralized trends along favorable regional structures and deformation corridors. Historic drilling exceeding 36,000 meters demonstrates strong geological continuity and supports expansion potential across the broader land package.

Located approximately 66 km north of Val-d’Or with road and rail access, Swanson sits in close proximity to established operators such as Agnico Eagle and Eldorado, as well as developers including Probe Gold and O3 Mining. Ongoing geophysics, soil geochemistry and drilling continue to identify new targets, reinforcing the project’s potential to evolve into a large-scale gold system.

Project Highlights:

  • Spans +18,300 hectares (183 sq km) and rich in gold and critical metals, hosts the Swanson, Bartec and Jolin gold deposits
  • Previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines and Globex
  • Accessible by road/rail, 66 km north of Val-d’Or on the Southend Abitibi gold belt, close proximity to established producers such as Agnico Eagle and Eldorado, as well as developers like Probe Gold and O3 Mining, with direct access to several nearby gold mills
  • Mineral resource estimate reinforces status as flagship project:
    • Indicated mineral resource estimate of 2,113,000 t with average grade of 1.8 g/t gold, containing 123,400 oz of gold.
    • Inferred mineral resource estimate of 872,000 t with average grade of 2.3 g/t gold, containing 64,500 oz of gold
    • The project’s current MRE was optimized with a price of gold at US$1,850/oz, current gold market price has hit above US$3,000/oz
  • $3 million in flow-through to deploy with immediate plans to increase gold resources through diamond drilling at Swanson, Bartec, Jolin, and other gold deposits
  • Other key developments include a decline portal and ramp extending to a depth of 80 metres; well positioned for advanced exploration with over $5 million invested by the previous owner between 2021 and 2023
  • Since acquiring the Swanson deposit and consolidating the large claims package, the company has deployed in excess of $1 million in flow-through funds, completed detailed soil geochemistry and prospecting across several gold targets, completed a very-high resolution airborne magnetic and VLF-EM geophysical survey, and is currently in the process of completing a ground IP survey over the Swanson, Jolin, and Bartec gold deposits
  • Several new promising gold targets have been identified from the recent surface exploration and geophysics programs, highlighting the potential for mineral resource growth and new discoveries at Swanson

With advanced assets and infrastructure in place, LaFleur Minerals is well-positioned as a leading gold development company in Québec.

Beacon Gold Mill – Near-term Production

The Beacon Gold Mill is a strategically located processing facility less than 50 km from Swanson and represents a rare asset for a junior developer: a fully permitted plant capable of near-term restart. The 750-tpd mill underwent approximately $20 million in upgrades and refurbishment, placing it in excellent operational condition and substantially reducing restart timelines.

An independent valuation by Bumigeme estimated rehabilitation costs at about C$4.1 million and a replacement value exceeding C$71.5 million, underscoring its strategic importance. Beyond processing Swanson material, the mill also offers potential toll-milling revenue from regional deposits, providing LaFleur with multiple pathways to cash flow as it transitions toward producer status.

Project Highlights:

  • Capable of custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects
  • Currently being evaluated for processing mineralized material from Swanson as part of a high-level preliminary mining and economic study
  • Past-producing Beacon Mine is located on the site of the Beacon Mill: the property consists of a mining lease, a mining concession, and 11 mining claims
  • Beacon I and II mines include mineralized zones where limited historical gold production was achieved during the period of 1984 to 1988 and again in 2005
  • The advancement of operations at the Beacon Mill has transformational qualities for the company, evolving it from explorer to a near-term gold producer in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with significant upside potential

Management Team

Kal Malhi – Chairman

A successful entrepreneur and the founder of Bullrun Capital, Kal Malhi has raised over $300 million for various public and private companies across multiple industries, including mining, biotechnology and technology.

Paul Ténière – CEO

Paul Ténière has more than 20 years of experience in mine development, geology and project management. He has held senior leadership roles across multiple mining companies and is a recognized expert in NI 43-101 compliance and technical reporting.

Harry Nijjar – CFO and Corporate Secretary

Harry Nijjar is currently a managing director with Malaspina Consultants and provides CFO and strategic financial advisory services to his clients across many industries. This experience has allowed him to help his clients successfully navigate regulatory and financial environments within which they operate. Harry holds a CPA CMA designation from the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and a BComm from the University of British Columbia

Louis Martin – Technical Advisor and Exploration Manager

Louis Martin is a professional geoscientist. and has been a major contributor to the discovery of several gold and base metal deposits during his more than 40-year career. Martin has been fortunate to be part of the exploration teams that were awarded the Discovery of the Year by the AEMQ for the West Ansil Deposit (2005) and the Louvicourt Deposit (1989). He has worked on several advanced exploration projects that included bringing four of these projects into production. For the last eight years, Martin has worked as a technical advisor and geological consultant for numerous junior and major mining companies.

Preet Gill – Director

Preet Gill is a business professional offering leading development and implementation of superior business strategy. Gill has a proven track record of identifying and creating profitable business opportunities, qualifying authentic prospects, and cultivating strong partnerships. She has over 28 years of experience in leadership roles within Home Depot Canada and has an MBA from Royal Roads University and certificates in business leadership from Queen’s University.

Harveer Sidhu – Director

Harveer Sidhu is the founder of BuildSmartr.com and has served as a director, officer and audit committee member for publicly listed companies. Sidhu is experienced in manufacturing, import and exporting, information technology systems, e-commerce and construction project management. He is also the president and director of Beyond Medical Technologies. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University and has been a licensed builder with BC Housing since 2014.

Michael Kelly – Director

Michael Kelly is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces Military Police and a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Kelly currently serves as a Partner at BullRun Capital Inc. and is a respected businessman based in Kelowna, British Columbia. He is also a director and member of the audit committee of Beyond Medical Technologies, an industrial/technology company with a manufacturing facility located in Delta, British Columbia.

Jean Lafleur – Senior Advisor

A highly respected geologist with over 40 years of experience in the mining sector, Jean Lafleur has led multiple exploration programs and mining projects, contributing to major gold discoveries worldwide.

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Steadright Critical Minerals: Advancing High-grade Mineral Assets in Morocco

Steadright Critical Minerals (CSE:SCM) is a Canadian-listed exploration and development company focused on unlocking value from Morocco’s mineral-rich terrain. It prioritizes assets with past production, strong geological datasets, and defined development pathways, aiming to shorten timelines, lower risk, and balance near-term cash flow with longer-term discovery upside.

Its core assets include the fully permitted, past-producing Goundafa polymetallic mine, the Copper Valley copper-lead-silver project in a proven mining district, and the TitanBeach heavy mineral sands project along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. A recent letter of intent with SilverLine Mining SARL could further strengthen the portfolio by adding a licensed, silver-focused asset, reinforcing Steadright’s strategy of acquiring high-quality, permitted projects.

Operating in Morocco—a jurisdiction known for modern mining legislation, strong infrastructure, and competitive fiscal incentives—Steadright benefits from a supportive mining environment. The company is led by an experienced management team with decades of global mining, exploration, and capital markets expertise, positioning it to advance its projects efficiently.

Company Highlights

  • Near-Term Production: The historic Goundafa Polymetallic mine is fully permitted with a legacy of high-grade zinc, lead, copper, silver, and gold production, Goundafa offers near-term, non-dilutive cash flow from historic stockpile sales under a binding processing agreement.
  • Diversified Portfolio: Fully permitted Goundafa Polymetallic mine (PbZn-Cu-Ag-Au), the Copper Valley CopperLead-Silver Project, SilverLine Mining Sarl (LOI) and the TitanBeach Heavy Mineral Sands
  • Strategic Moroccan Operations: Operating in a mining-friendly jurisdiction with modern legislation, strong infrastructure, and significant fiscal incentives including corporate tax exemptions.
  • Experienced Leadership: Management and technical teams bring decades of international mining, exploration, and capital markets experience.

This Steadright Critical Minerals profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*

Click here to connect with Steadright Critical Minerals (CSE:SCM) to receive an Investor Presentation

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LaFleur Minerals Progressing Towards Gold Pour at Beacon Gold Mill in Val-d’Or, Québec

LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR,OTC:LFLRF) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) (‘LaFleur Minerals’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to provide an update on the advancement of its Beacon Gold Mill restart plans, further to the Company’s press release dated January 26, 2026, which outlined its near-term production strategy and the ongoing advancement of its comprehensive Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’). The Company’s assets, the Swanson Gold Deposit and Beacon Gold Mill, lie in the heart of the Val-d’Or, Québec mining camp, on the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Canada’s largest gold producing region.

Valley of Gold, Val-d’Or, Québec

The Val-d’Or/Rouyn-Noranda mining camp is a premier gold mining hub within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Québec with over 73 million ounces of gold produced from 1926 to 2019 (source: DigiGeoData). The Val-d’Or mining district, known as the ‘Valley of Gold,’ is characterized by Archean greenstone-hosted orogenic gold deposits typically found in quartz-tourmaline-carbonate veins. The Lamaque Complex is located in Val-d’Or and operated by Eldorado Gold Inc. Commercial production was declared at the Triangle mine on March 31, 2019, and has since produced over 1 Moz of gold (source: Eldorado Gold website). The Lamaque Complex deposits are located within the prolific Val-d’Or district that hosts the historical Lamaque and Sigma Mines. Collectively, these mines produced nearly 9.5 million ounces of gold between 1937 and 2012 (source: Cowen, E.J, 2020. Miner Deposita 55, p217-240). The region is host to numerous other gold deposits or exploration stage projects that surround LaFleur Minerals’ 100%-owned Beacon Gold Mill (Figure 1). Please note that mineralization on these adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company’s properties.

Figure 1: Regional View of LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill and Swanson Gold Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_001full.jpg

LaFleur Minerals: Restarting Gold Production at 100%-Owned Mill in the Valley of Gold

LaFleur’s Minerals Beacon Gold Mill, Swanson Gold Deposit, and Beacon Tailings Pond are situated centrally within the prolific southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt. The Beacon Gold Mill, located in the heart of this mining camp, underwent more than $20 million in recent upgrades and modernization prior to its most recent gold production in 2022, when gold prices were approximately $2,000 per ounce. Today, with gold prices significantly higher, breaking above $4,900 per ounce, the Company believes that the strategic value of owning the fully permitted Beacon Gold Mill, Tailings Pond, and related infrastructure within such a prolific gold district provides a compelling foundation for near-term gold production and long-term district-scale growth.

Beacon Mill Restart Progress

Refurbishment and site upgrade activities are progressing well. As of today, work continues to advance steadily across critical plant systems, with several major components now refurbished or nearing operational readiness.

Electrical upgrades and winterization improvements have largely been completed, helping ensure reliable year-round operations. On the mechanical side, numerous pumps, material handling systems, and key processing components have been inspected, repaired, and prepared for restart. Structural integrity inspections have confirmed the plant remains in good condition. Modern safety upgrades, including hydroelectric, fire protection, and enhanced security surveillance, are now in place.

To date, approximately 30% of the total budget has been spent on the project, which remains firmly under cost control, with substantial physical progress achieved while maintaining strong financial flexibility.

These initiatives represent important milestones as the Company prepares for re-commissioning and the mill’s restart, anchored by a vertically-integrated mine-to-mill portfolio that includes the Company’s Swanson Gold Deposit, just 60 kilometres from the Beacon Gold Mill, the Beacon Gold Mill and Tailings Pond. LaFleur Minerals’ strategy focuses on combining resource development at the Swanson Gold Deposit with the permitted Beacon Gold Mill to accelerate the pathway to production.

Figure 2: LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Inside LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_003full.jpg

Figure 4: Inside LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_004full.jpg

Figure 5: Inside LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill, Agitator

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_005full.jpg

Swanson Gold Continues to Deliver Results

Swanson Gold Deposit’s recent drill campaign has validated strong gold continuity, long mineralized intercepts including a standout intercept of 2.05 g/t Au over 158.25 metres (Hole SW-25-066), narrow high-grade results including 121.0 g/t Au over 1.1 metres and new shallow discoveries beyond the current Swanson Deposit footprint, reinforcing Swanson’s potential as a scalable, district-scale gold asset and long-term source of mill feed for the Company’s nearby Beacon Gold Mill (refer to press release dated February 4, 2026).

Paul Ténière, Chief Executive Officer of LaFleur Minerals Inc., commented, ‘LaFleur Minerals has assembled what we believe is a technically differentiated and strategically rare asset base for a company at our stage of development. After only ~18 months of listing on the CSE, we control a district-scale exploration project at the Swanson Gold Deposit as potential primary feed source, the Beacon Tailings Pond, and fully permitted processing infrastructure, the Beacon Gold Mill. It is highly uncommon for emerging resource companies to simultaneously hold a large-scale exploration land package and access to owned milling infrastructure, particularly this early in their corporate lifecycle. LaFleur Minerals is advancing its PEA in parallel with the refurbishment of an existing processing facility, materially compressing the timeline between resource delineation and potential production. As our PEA approaches completion, targeted for March 2026, and as we prepare for pre-operational tests and system checks at the Beacon Gold Mill in the coming months, we are transitioning from pure exploration and development to gold production execution, positioning LaFleur Minerals as a near-term production story supported by tangible infrastructure and a district-scale growth platform.’

The Company’s impending PEA will provide updated economic metrics and a development roadmap aligned with its near-term production objectives. Concurrently, mill refurbishment activities remain on schedule, positioning LaFleur for operational readiness as market conditions remain favourable. With gold prices now exceeding $4,900 per ounce, the strategic value of controlling both feed and processing capacity becomes even more significant. LaFleur Minerals’ integrated asset portfolio provides optionality, capital efficiency, and operational leverage to gold price appreciation.

Further updates will be provided as key milestones are achieved.

Figure 6: LaFleur’s Swanson Gold Project, Drilling

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_006full.jpg

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT AND DATA VERIFICATION

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the Company and considered a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of NI 43-101.

About LaFleur Minerals Inc.

LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR,OTC:LFLRF) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d’Or, Québec. The Company’s mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is approximately 18,304 hectares (183 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. LaFleur Minerals’ fully-permitted and refurbished Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material from Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.

ON BEHALF OF LaFleur Minerals INC.
Paul Ténière, M.Sc., P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer
E: info@lafleurminerals.com
LaFleur Minerals Inc.
1500-1055 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4N7

Website: www.lafleurminerals.com | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding ‘Forward-Looking’ Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284272

News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Crypto Market Update: Peter Thiel Fully Exits ETHZilla, Reversing Prior Ethereum Bet

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (February 18) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$68,092.31, down 0.3 percent over the last 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, February 18, 2026.

Chart via TradingView

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$2,019.43, up by 0.3 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.49, up by 0.6 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$85.41, down by 1.9 percent over 24 hours.

Today’s crypto news to know

CLARITY Act advances as regulators close ranks

Momentum is building behind the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 as lawmakers and regulators signal rare alignment on crypto market structure.

The House has already passed the bill, leaving the Senate as the next hurdle, where committee markups and cross-panel negotiations will determine whether it reaches the floor. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Congress should pass CLARITY “this spring.”

At a recent House hearing, SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins backed the effort and outlined a joint SEC–CFTC initiative dubbed “Project Crypto” aimed at clarifying token classifications while legislation moves forward.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission have long sparred over jurisdiction, so public coordination signals expectations that durable reform may be imminent. Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act, which lawmakers say builds on the House framework and incorporates bipartisan input.

If enacted, the bill would shift oversight from enforcement-by-interpretation to clearer statutory categories for exchanges, brokers, issuers and market makers.

California sets crypto licensing deadline under DFAL

California is moving ahead with state-level crypto oversight, confirming that firms serving residents must secure a Digital Financial Assets Law license, or apply for one, by July 1, 2026.

Applications open March 9 through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, according to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023, DFAL creates a comprehensive licensing regime covering exchanges, custodians and crypto kiosks.

The law has drawn comparisons to New York’s BitLicense, which once prompted several firms to exit that state.

“California is the fourth-largest economy in the world, so its regulatory choices inevitably carry weight,” said Joe Ciccolo of the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition. He added that clearer rules could attract institutional capital but warned that smaller operators may opt to leave rather than meet stricter standards. With roughly a quarter of U.S. blockchain firms based in the state, the rollout could shape national compliance strategies.

Peter Thiel exits Ethereum treasury bet

Billionaire investor Peter Thiel has fully divested his stake in ETHZilla, according to a recent SEC filing showing zero beneficial ownership as of year-end 2025.

The exit marks a sharp reversal from August, when Thiel disclosed a 7.5 percent position that was widely viewed as a vote of confidence in corporate Ethereum treasury models. The filing indicates no remaining voting or dispositive power tied to Thiel or affiliated Founders Fund entities.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Niger’s Seized Uranium Remains in Geopolitical Limbo

A stockpile of 1,000 metric tons of uranium seized from a French-operated mine in Niger is now sitting at a military airbase in Niamey that was recently attacked by Islamic State militants, raising fresh concerns over security and the material’s uncertain future.

The uranium, which is processed yellowcake used to fuel nuclear reactors, has been offered for sale by Niger’s military government but remains unsold.

Its current storage site, adjacent to the capital’s main international airport, became the target of a surprise assault by ISIS fighters in late January. The militant group later claimed responsibility for the attack, which appeared aimed at drones stationed at the base.

The material was transferred from the SOMAÏR mine near Arlit late last year, despite a September ruling by the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ordering Niger “not to sell, transfer, or even facilitate the transfer to third parties of uranium produced by SOMAÏR” held in violation of Orano’s rights.

The junta that seized power in 2023 has framed control of the uranium as a matter of sovereignty. Colonel Ousmane Abarchi, Niger’s mining minister, has made clear the country intends to monetize the stockpile.

“We can sell to whoever we want,” Abarchi said as reported by the Financial Times, adding that Niger would only deal with buyers it considered responsible. “We are talking with the Russians. We are talking to the Chinese. We are talking to the Americans,” he added.

The uranium, estimated to be worth about US$240 million, was removed from the SOMAÏR mine, historically operated by French nuclear group Orano. The move followed months of escalating tensions between Niger’s junta and Paris.

The company has warned it is prepared to initiate “any and all actions” necessary, including “against third parties,” if the material is sold.

Russia is widely viewed as the most plausible candidate. Niger has deepened ties with Moscow since expelling French forces, and a small Russian military contingent is present in the country.

However, a person close to Niger’s leadership suggested that overt alignment with Moscow carries risks.

“If there was a clear American opportunity, they would jump at it,” the source said in the same FT report. “The last thing that you want to do is sell to the Russians on the dark market.”

Even if Niger secures a buyer, exporting the uranium presents another challenge. With its border with Benin largely closed since 2023, Niger has been forced to rely on a route through Burkina Faso and Togo.

Niger once supplied up to a quarter of the natural uranium used in European nuclear power plants. Since the coup, the junta has repositioned itself away from France and toward new alliances, framing control of mineral resources as an assertion of independence.

Spot uranium prices briefly surpassed US$100 per pound in late January, as nuclear demand projections continue to underscore a supply deficit. Spot prices have since pulled back slightly to the US$89 per pound range, still a historically high level.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Ormat Signs 150 Megawatt Geothermal Deal to Power Google Data Centers in Nevada

Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA) confirmed it has signed a long-term agreement to supply up to 150 megawatts of geothermal power to support Google’s data center operations in Nevada.

The Reno-based renewable energy company announced Tuesday (February 17) that it entered into a portfolio power purchase agreement (PPA) with NV Energy, the Berkshire Hathaway-owned utility serving Nevada. The electricity will ultimately support Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google under NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff framework.

Under the terms of the deal, Ormat will develop a series of new geothermal projects across Nevada capable of delivering up to 150 MW of capacity. The projects are expected to come online between 2028 and 2030.

The contract term will begin once the first project achieves commercial operation and will extend 15 years beyond the commercial operation date of the final project, creating a long-duration revenue stream.

The structure allows projects to be added to the portfolio as they reach commercial operation, giving Ormat flexibility in staging development while providing Google with a scalable source of clean, around-the-clock electricity.

“AI is fundamentally increasing electricity demand across the technology sector, and geothermal power is uniquely positioned to deliver the reliable, carbon-free power required to support that growth,” said Ormat CEO Doron Blachar.

“This portfolio PPA provides long-term profitable revenue growth and clear visibility into our portfolio development plans, while solidifying our conviction in the expanded exploration and drilling activities we have undertaken over the past several years that laid the groundwork for securing this significant agreement and others like it.”

Blachar added that the agreement, combined with the extension of geothermal tax credits under the OBBBA framework, strengthens Ormat’s ability to execute its long-term growth strategy.

“The momentum of the Clean Transition Tariff through this agreement with NV Energy, Google and Ormat demonstrates a proven, scalable model for large customers to partner with utilities and technology providers to bring new clean capacity to the grid,” said Briana Kobor, Google’s Head of Energy Market Innovation.

The Clean Transition Tariff enables large energy users to procure new clean generation while covering the full costs of their electric service, a structure designed to prevent cost shifts to other customers.

Ormat said the framework could be replicated in other US electricity markets.

The announcement was well received by investors. Ormat shares rose as much as 8.1 percent intraday, marking the company’s largest single-day gain since 2023.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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US Slaps Higher Tariffs on Chinese Graphite Imports After Final Commerce Determination

The US Department of Commerce has sharply increased trade penalties on Chinese graphite anode materials, concluding that producers in China engaged in unfair pricing and subsidy practices that harmed the US market.

In a final determination issued February 11, 2026, Commerce raised countervailing duties on Chinese natural graphite anode material to 66.68 percent and maintained anti-dumping duties at 93.5 percent.

Combined with existing tariffs, the total effective rate on imports of Chinese natural graphite anode material now stands at approximately 220 percent as determined by Westwater Resources (NYSE:WWR) in a separate release.

The ruling remains subject to a final affirmative injury determination by the US International Trade Commission, expected in March 2026. If the ITC affirms injury, the duties will remain in place for a minimum of five years under US trade law.

Westwater Resources, a US-based battery-grade natural graphite developer, said the final determination confirms that Chinese producers violated anti-dumping rules.

The company estimates the cumulative tariff burden now includes a 10 percent duty under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 25 percent Section 301 tariffs, 25 percent Section 232 tariffs, 66.68 percent countervailing duties and 93.5 percent anti-dumping duties, totaling roughly 220.18 percent.

The final ruling marks a significant escalation from the preliminary findings issued in 2025.

At that time, Commerce imposed countervailing duties of 11.58 percent and anti-dumping duties of 93.5 percent. The anti-dumping rate remains unchanged, but the countervailing duty component was substantially increased in the final decision.

The investigation also traces back to a petition filed in December 2024 by American Active Anode Material Producers (AAAMP), a coalition representing North American graphite producers.

The group sought tariffs as high as 920 percent, arguing that Chinese state subsidies and artificially low pricing were undermining efforts to build a domestic graphite anode industry.

Active anode materials covered by the investigation include natural and synthetic graphite, as well as graphite contained within finished lithium-ion batteries. Graphite is the largest component in the anode of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, typically consisting of a blend of natural and synthetic materials.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has previously reported that the US does not mine natural graphite and relies entirely on imports to meet its requirements. In 2024, all domestic graphite demand was met through foreign supply.

Westwater said the expanded trade measures could shift demand toward US-produced natural graphite anode materials, particularly across lithium-ion battery markets such as electric vehicles, energy storage and defense applications.

The company is developing the Kellyton graphite processing plant in Alabama and controls the Coosa Graphite Deposit, described as the largest and most advanced natural flake graphite deposit in the contiguous United States.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Precious Metals Price Update: Gold, Silver, PGMs Face Another Bumpy Week

Precious metals prices continued to face downward pressure this week as investors took strong US economic data and a changing geopolitical landscape into consideration.

After climbing to fresh all-time highs at the start of 2026, a myriad of factors in February have seemingly taken the sails out gold, silver and platinum prices. However, the underlying fundamentals for the precious metals remain strong, resulting in a resiliency that lends optimism to higher price points to come in 2026.

Let’s take a look at what got spot prices moving over the past week.

Gold price

Gold hit a record high of close to US$5,600 per ounce at the end of January before sliding into one of the largest price drops in decades, dipping as low as US$4,400 as February kicked off.

Over the past week, the metal has oscillated between slumps and cautious recovery. The spot price lost the battle to remain above the key US$5,000 mark in morning trading on February 12, falling to an intraday low of US$4,907.41. February 13 saw gold rebound slightly and trade in a tight range between US$5,000 and US$5,040.

Gold couldn’t hold that level on Monday (February 16), and the next day it began sliding below the US$4,900 support level. Wednesday (February 18) brought some relief, with gold once again fighting to stay above US$5,000.

Gold price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

The primary drivers for gold this past week are:

      • Seasonal liquidity is also at play this week as the Lunar New Year holiday, which runs from February 16 to 23, typically results in lower trading volumes.

      In other gold news, the 2026 TSX Venture 50 list was released on Wednesday, with several gold companies named as top performers. The top five gold stocks on the list are: 1911 Gold (TSXV:AUMB,OTCQB:AUMBF), TDG Gold (TSXV:TDG,OTCQX:TDGGF), Omai Gold Mines (TSXV:OMG,OTCQB:OMGGF), Prospector Metals (TSXV:PPP,OTCQB:PMCOF) and Goldgroup Mining (TSXV:GGA,OTCQX:GGAZF).

      Silver price

      Silver has broadly tracked gold’s price movements over the past week.

      However, the white metal has exhibited significantly higher volatility, and the silver spot price is far outside of striking range of its all-time high of more than US$121 per ounce, which it reached on January 29.

      Silver fell by more than 9 percent on February 12 as it followed gold on the downtrend, falling from around US$83 to US$75. On Friday the 13th, silver managed not to scare investors as it traded mostly sideways at the US$77 level.

      For most of Monday and Tuesday (February 17), silver continued to limp along this trend line, but has managed to gain ground, rising from the US$75 level to an intraday high of US$78.24 as of 11:00 a.m. PST on Wednesday.

      Silver price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      In addition to the macro factors influencing gold, volatility in the silver market has also come from the ups and downs in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. Silver, the most electrically and thermally conductive metal on the planet, is considered a key material for AI tech, particularly in data centers and high-performance computing.

      Over the past week, the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ) has slid from approximately US$50.55 to US$49.94 as of midday on Wednesday, reflecting broader weakness in the sector.

      In other silver news, in its latest annual outlook, published on February 10, the Silver Institute reported that it expects macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions to remain broadly supportive for silver in 2026.

      Platinum price

      On February 12, platinum was trading as high as US$2,136 per ounce in early morning trading, but soon followed its precious metals sisters on a downward slide to an intraday low of US$1,982.50. The metal was back above US$2,070 the next day, and for the first part of this week it’s managed to trade above the US$2,000 level.

      Wednesday was a recovery day for platinum as it reached an intraday high of US$2,122.90 as of 11:00 a.m. PST.

      Platinum price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      Platinum is one of the top-performing metals over the past year, reaching 12 year highs in recent weeks. Demand is being driven by the metal’s essential role in the emerging hydrogen economy. It’s also still seeing robust demand from the auto sector despite the emergence of electric vehicles and uneasy consumer confidence in the economy.

      On the supply side, global platinum reserves remain critically low, especially as the world’s biggest producer, South Africa, continues to be plagued by power shortages and operational disruptions.

      This week, Johnson Matthey (LSE:JMAT,OTCPL:JMPLF), Sibanye-Stillwater (NYSE:SBSW) and Valterra Platinum (LSE:VALT,JSE:VAL,OTCPL:AGPPF) launched a multimillion-dollar partnership to develop new platinum-group metals clean energy and industrial technologies outside of the auto sector.

      Palladium price

      Palladium has been the black sheep of the precious metals family for the past few years, remaining well below its March 2022 all-time record of US$3,440.76 per ounce.

      On February 12 it followed the precious metals pack down from US$1,741 to as low as US$1,664.

      After a rebounding above to US$1,783 level on Monday, the following trading today brought much volatility to the metal, which traded in the US$1,670 to US$1,720 range. Platinum managed to to make gains to the upside on Wednesday with an intraday high of US$1,774 as of 11:00 a.m. PST.

      Palladium price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      The palladium price is being held down by a slump in demand for electric vehicles and a looming oversupply situation. Analysts at Heraeus Precious Metals predict that the palladium market may move into a surplus in 2026 as secondary supply from recycling increases by 10 percent.

      On that note, an announcement shaping the outlook for palladium on the supply side this past week came from the US Department of Commerce, which issued a preliminary statement of support for anti-dumping duties of approximately 133 percent on unwrought Russian palladium imports.

      This follows a petition from Sibanye-Stillwater over allegations that Russian metal is being sold in the US at less than fair value. A final decision is expected in the case by June of this year.

      Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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