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Cartier Resources Inc. (″ Cartier ″ or the ″ Company ″) (TSXV: ECR,OTC:ECRFF; FSE: 6CA) is pleased to announce the eighth batch of results from the 100,000-m drilling program (2 drill rigs), for the Nordeau Sector and more precisely, the East Nordeau Zone (″ ENZ ″), on the 100%-owned Cadillac Project, located in Val-d’Or (Abitibi, Quebec). The ENZ consists of two parallel high-grade gold zones: EN1 and EN2, spaced approximately 25 m apart.

Strategic Highlights from Nordeau Sector

Drill Hole Results (Figures 1 to 4)

  • CA25-565 intersected 23.2 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN1 Zone).
  • CA26-570 graded 11.9 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN1 Zone) and 14.1 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN2 Zone).
  • CA26-572 reported 7.3 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN1 Zone).

Significance for Investors

  • Holes CA25-565, CA26-570 and 572 confirm the newly recognized ENZ high-grade gold zone near surface. The mineralization extends over a minimum of 400 m in strike length and remains open at depth.
  • New mineralization environment with iron formations indicates a strong opportunity for making gold discoveries, increasing the scale of target area in the Nordeau Sector.
  • Most importantly, ENZ is strategically located just 800 metres south of Contact Sector and the new emergent high-grade gold North Contact Zone, signaling significant upside exploration potential.

Next Steps

  • Further expansion drilling is planned to significantly refine the geological model, verify the mineralization continuity and determine the gold enrichment.
  • Additional exploration drilling is required to test several new high-priority regional targets along strike of the Nordeau Sector and the Cadillac Fault Zone, backed by detailed structural and geological modelling and VRIFY’s artificial intelligence (AI) driven targeting.

The Nordeau Sector now becomes the third sector to return significant gold results from our 100,000-meter drill campaign, underscoring the growing scale and strength of the mineralized system. With no fewer than 11 sectors to be drilled, this aggressive program is designed to unlock multiple new gold discoveries and firmly establish the Cadillac Project as a camp-scale gold opportunity with upside exploration potential.‘ – Philippe Cloutier, President and CEO of Cartier.

The initial results from the Nordeau Sector indicate a gold enrichment trend comparable to that observed in the North Contact Zone of the Contact Sector. These findings also suggest that the sector may exhibit a slightly different structural geometry than that identified in the Main Sector and at the past-producing Chimo mine. This drilling program is designed to confirm this interpretation and further define the sector’s potential, with the objective of unlocking additional value for shareholders. ‘ – Ronan Deroff, Vice President Exploration of Cartier.

Table 1: Drill hole best assay results from Nordeau Sector

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Core Length** (m) Au (g/t) Uncut Vertical Depth (m) Zone
CA25-561 249.9 250.9 1.0 4.9 ≈160
CA25-565 68.0 69.0 1.0 23.2 ≈70 EN1
CA26-570 33.0 34.0 1.0 11.9 ≈25 EN1
And  78.0 79.0 1.0 14.1 ≈60 EN2
CA26-572 117.0 118.0 1.0 7.3 ≈90 EN1

* Occurrences of visible gold (VG) have been noted in the drill core at various intervals. ** Based on the observed intercept angles within the drill core, true thicknesses are estimated to represent approximately 70-95% of the reported core length intervals.

Figure 1: Location of the new drill results (regional plan view)

Figure 2: Location of the new drill results (regional longitudinal section)

Figure 3: Plan view, cross and long sections of the Nordeau Sector

Figure 4: Photos of the drill core from holes CA25-565 and CA26-570

Nordeau Sector

The Nordeau Sector is a highly prospective area featuring the East Nordeau Zone with indicated resources of 17,500 ounces (0.3 million tonnes at 1.7 g/t Au) and inferred resources of 101,200 ounces (1.7 million tonnes at 1.9 g/t Au). The latter is the first ever resource estimate in this sector for which there has been only limited and relatively shallow testing. This sector hosts several newly defined high-priority drill targets.

The ENZ lies along an east-west trending, strongly sheared corridor (Cadillac Fault Zone) and occurs in an iron formation (Cadillac Group) within the turbiditic sedimentary rocks (wacke-mudrock) of Cadillac Group. This lithological unit is a favorable horizon for hydrothermal fluid flow, likely related to synvolcanic gold deposition.

The ENZ, defined by at least two parallel gold-rich zones, are typically and primarily associated with a medium to coarse-grained and disseminated pyrrhotite-pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralization, with a pervasive carbonate-garnet alteration, all crosscut by late-stage smoky quartz vein and veinlet stockworks.

Milestones of 2025-2027 Exploration Program

100,000 m Drilling Program (Q3 2025 to Q2 2027)

The ambitious 600-hole drilling program will both expand known gold zones and test new shallow surface high-potential targets. The objective is to unlock the camp-scale, high-grade gold potential along the 15 km Cadillac Fault Zone. It is important to note that Cartier’s recent consolidation of this large land holding offers the unique opportunity in over 90 years for unrestricted exploration.

Environmental Baseline Studies & Economic Evaluation of Chimo mine tailings (Q3 2025 to Q3 2026)

The baseline studies will be divided into two distinct parts which include 1) environmental baseline desktop study and 2) preliminary environmental geochemical characterization. The initial baseline studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current environmental conditions and implement operations that minimize environmental impact while optimizing the economic potential of the project. These studies will be supplemented by an initial assessment of the economic potential of the past-producing Chimo mine tailings to determine whether a quantity of gold can be extracted economically.

Metallurgical Sampling and Testwork Program (Q4 2025 to Q1 2026)

The metallurgical testwork program includes defining of expected gold recovery rates and improving historical results from the Chimo deposit, as well as establishing metallurgical recovery data for the first-time for the East Chimo and West Nordeau satellite deposits, where no previous data exists. This comprehensive program will characterize the mineralized material, gold recovery potential and validate optimal grind size defining the most efficient and cost-effective flowsheet. The data generated will directly support optimized project development and have the potential to significantly reduce both capital and operating costs, while also improving the environmental footprint.

Preliminary Economic Assessment (2026)

Internal engineering studies have been initiated to validate a multitude of development scenarios that consider the updated MRE and current market environment. Following the selection of the most optimal scenario, a PEA will be completed which will also build upon the results of the metallurgical testwork program and the environmental baseline studies to unveil the updated development strategy and vision of the project.

Table 2: Drill hole collar coordinates from Nordeau Sector

Hole Number UTM Easting (m) UTM Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Hole Length (m)
CA25-561 336378 5319582 351 177 -44 261
CA25-565 336230 5319051 351 221 -73 141
CA25-566 336230 5319051 351 145 -64 151
CA26-570 335844 5319145 355 147 -56 81
CA26-571 335908 5319237 355 221 -51 174
CA26-572 335908 5319237 355 183 -52 186


Table 3
: Drill hole detailed assay results from Nordeau Sector

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) Uncut Vertical Depth (m) Zone
CA25-561 249.9 250.9 1.0 4.9 ≈160
CA25-565 68.0 69.0 1.0 23.2 ≈70 EN1
CA25-566 138.0 141.1 3.1 1.1 ≈120
Including  138.0 139.0 1.0 1.5
Including  140.0 141.1 1.1 1.1
CA26-570 26.0 27.0 1.0 2.1 ≈25 EN1
And  33.4 34.0 1.0 11.9
And  78.0 79.0 1.0 14.1 ≈60 EN2
CA26-571 145.0 146.0 1.0 2.4 ≈110 EN2
CA26-572 108.0 109.0 1.0 1.0 ≈90 EN1
Including  117.0 118.0 1.0 7.3
And  137.0 137.5 0.5 1.0 ≈105 EN2
And  139.5 140.5 1.0 3.0

* Occurrences of visible gold (VG) have been noted in the drill core at various intervals. ** Based on the observed intercept angles within the drill core, true thicknesses are estimated to represent approximately 70-95% of the reported core length intervals.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Program

The drill core from the Cadillac Project is NQ-size and, upon receipt from the drill rig, is described and sampled by Cartier geologists. Core is sawn in half, with one half labelled, bagged and submitted for analysis and the other half retained and stored at Cartier’s coreshack facilities located in Val-d’Or, Quebec, for future reference and verification. As part of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program, Cartier inserts blank samples and certified reference materials (standards) at regular intervals into the sample stream prior to shipment to monitor laboratory performance and analytical accuracy.

Drill core samples are sent to MSALABS’s analytical laboratory located in Val-d’Or, Quebec, for preparation and gold analysis. The entire sample is dried and crushed (70% passing a 2-millimeter sieve). The analysis for gold is performed on an approximately 500 g aliquot using Chrysos Photon Assay technology, which uses high-energy X-ray excitation with gamma detection to quickly and non-destructively measure gold content.

Alternatively, samples are submitted to Activation Laboratories Ltd. (‘Actlabs’), located in either Val-d’Or or Ste-Germaine-Boulé, both in Quebec, for preparation and gold analysis. The entire sample is dried, crushed (90% passing a 2-millimetre sieve) and 250 g is pulverized (90% passing a 0.07-millimetre sieve). The analysis for gold is conducted using a 50 g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish, with a detection limit up to 10,000 ppb. Samples exceeding this threshold are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish to determine high-grade values accurately.

Both MSALABS and Actlabs are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for gold assays and implement industry-standard QA/QC protocols. Their internal quality control programs include the use of blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials at set intervals, with established acceptance criteria to ensure data integrity and analytical precision.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by Mr. Ronan Déroff, P.Geo., M.Sc., Vice President Exploration, who is a ″ Qualified Person ″ as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (″ NI 43-101 ″).

About Cadillac Project

The Cadillac Project, covering 14,000 hectares along a 15-kilometre stretch of the Cadillac Fault, is one of the largest consolidated land packages in the Val-d’Or mining camp. Cartier’s flagship asset integrates the historic Chimo Mine and East Cadillac projects, creating a dominant position in a world class gold mining district. With excellent road access, year-round infrastructure and nearby milling capacity, the project is ideally positioned for rapid advancement and value creation.

The Cadillac property contains total gold resource of 767,800 ounces in the measured and indicated category (10.0 Mt at 2.4 g/t Au) and 2,416,900 ounces in the inferred category (35.2 Mt at 2.1 g/t Au) across all the sectors. Please see the ″ NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate on the Cadillac Project, Val-d’Or, Abitibi, Quebec, Canada. Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo. of PLR Resources Inc., Stephen Coates, P.Eng. of Evomine Consulting Inc. and Florent Baril, P.Eng. of Bumigeme Inc. ″, effective January 27, 2026.

About Cartier Resources Inc.

Cartier Resources Inc., founded in 2006 and headquartered in Val-d’Or (Quebec) is a gold exploration company focused on building shareholder value through discovery and development in one of Canada’s most prolific mining camps. The Company combines strong technical expertise and a track record of successful exploration to advance its flagship Cadillac Project. Cartier’s strategy is clear: unlock the full potential of one of the largest undeveloped gold landholdings in Quebec.

For further information, contact:

Philippe Cloutier, P. Geo.
President and CEO
Telephone: 819-856-0512
philippe.cloutier@ressourcescartier.com
www.ressourcescartier.com

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

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c3a9f1d-5679-4c82-9013-3bb700669d70

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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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(TheNewswire)

Toronto, Ontario February 17, 2026 TheNewswire Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: LME | OTCQB: LMEFF | FSE: 5YD) (‘LAURION’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sankarsan (‘Sean’) Ghosal as a strategic advisor. His addition further strengthens the Company’s governance, capital markets expertise, and strategic capabilities as LAURION advances its Ishkōday Gold-Polymetallic Project in Ontario.  

 

Mr. Ghosal brings a highly complementary blend of mining engineering, capital markets research, and structured mining finance experience. He is currently an Associate on the Streaming & Royalties team at Sprott, where he supports deal origination, technical and financial due diligence, structuring, and portfolio monitoring for large-scale private resource investment strategies. Prior to joining Sprott, Mr. Ghosal worked in mining equity research at Stifel Financial, covering base and precious metals companies. He previously held engineering and project development roles supporting mining projects from study stage through execution. His cross-functional background across operations, engineering, research, and investment analysis is expected to provide LAURION with a disciplined, investor-focused perspective as the Company works towards key technical and value-definition milestones for the Ishkōday Project.

 

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin, President and CEO of LAURION, stated: ‘Sean brings exactly the skillset and perspective we are seeking to support the Board as the Ishkōday Project enters its next stage of development. He combines a hands-on understanding of mining operations with a rigorous, capital markets-driven approach to decision-making. His ability to bridge technical decisions with financial outcomes directly aligns with LAURION’s strategic vision. We remain focused on advancing the Ishkōday Project in a manner that is consistent with best practices and on delivering real, durable value for shareholders. Sean’s addition strengthens our governance capabilities and supports our long-term strategy.’

 

Strategic Addition Aligned with Value Creation

 

Mr. Ghosal’s appointment reflects the Company’s focus on capital discipline, technical rigor, and alignment with sophisticated investor expectations. His experience evaluating mining assets, from both an engineering and capital allocation perspective, is expected to enhance LAURION’s ability to:

 

  • Strengthen governance as the Company advances toward a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE‘) and subsequent technical milestones. 

 

  • Align technical decision-making with capital market expectations, including with respect to the Company’s ongoing evaluation of strategic alternatives. 

 

About LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc.

LAURION is a mid-stage junior mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ‘LME’. The Company currently has 278,716,413 common shares outstanding. LAURION’s President and CEO, Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin, is the Company’s largest shareholder, directly or indirectly holding an aggregate of 17,221,306 common shares. Together with long-term ‘Friends and Family’ investors, this reflects alignment between management, the Board, and shareholders, which is reflected in management’s long-term commitment to disciplined execution, technical value definition, and responsible project advancement at Ishkōday. LAURION’s primary focus is the 100%-owned, district-scale Ishkōday Project, a 57 km² land package hosting gold-rich polymetallic mineralization.

 

LAURION’s strategy is centered on deliberate value creation. The Company is prioritizing systematic technical advancement, integrated geological and structural modeling, and the evaluation of optional, non-dilutive pathways, including historical surface stockpile processing, that may support flexibility in LAURION’s exploration plans without diverting the Company’s focus from its core exploration objectives.

 

The Company’s overarching objective is to build project value before monetization, ensuring that any future strategic outcomes are supported by technical clarity, reduced execution risk, and demonstrated scale. While the Board remains attentive to strategic interest that may arise, LAURION is not driven by transaction timing. Instead, the Company is focused on advancing the Ishkōday Project in a manner that strengthens long-term shareholder value.

 

LAURION will continue to communicate updates through timely disclosure and will issue press releases in accordance with applicable securities laws should any material information arise.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc.

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin – President and CEO

Tel: 1-705-788-9186 Fax: 1-705-805-9256

 

Douglas Vass – Investor Relations Consultant

Email: dvass@laurion.ca

Website: http://www.LAURION.ca

Follow us on: X (@LAURION_LME), Instagram (laurionmineral) and LinkedIn ()

 

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events including with respect to LAURION’s business, operations and condition, management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, the Company’s ability to advance the Ishkōday Project, the nature, focus, timing and potential results of the Company’s exploration, drilling and prospecting activities, including the Company’s plans to complete an MRE, diamond drill program, and other planned activities and technical milestones for the Ishkōday Project, and the statements regarding the Company’s exploration or consideration of any possible strategic alternatives and transactional opportunities, as well as the potential outcome(s) of this process, the possible impact of any potential transactions referenced herein on the Company or any of its stakeholders, and the ability of the Company to identify and complete any potential acquisitions, mergers, financings or other transactions referenced herein, and the timing of any such transactions, as well as the anticipated benefits of the Company’s new strategic advisor. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of LAURION, the TSX Venture Exchange or any other applicable regulator not providing its approval for any strategic alternatives or transactional opportunities, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company’s publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Company’s ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Company’s public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. All sample values are from grab samples and channel samples, which by their nature, are not necessarily representative of overall grades of mineralized areas. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on the assay values reported in this press release.

 

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

 

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

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Silver surged past US$100 per ounce for the first time in January before retreating below the US$80 level, marking a volatile start to 2026 as the precious metal faces renewed investor appeal.

In its latest annual outlook, published on February 10, the Silver Institute notes that the rally comes after a year when silver saw its strongest annual performance since 1979. Investor interest accelerated into early 2026 and pushed the price to multiple record highs, driving the gold-silver ratio below 50 for the first time since 2012.

Looking forward, global silver investment is expected to remain strong this year as the market posts its sixth consecutive annual deficit. The Institute’s forecast, based on analysis by London-based consultancy Metals Focus, points to a 67 million ounce shortfall in 2026, with total demand once again outstripping total supply.

Silver supply in 2026

On the supply side, total global silver output is forecast to increase by 1.5 percent in 2026 to 1.05 billion ounces, the highest level in a decade. Mine production is expected to edge up 1 percent to 820 million ounces, supported by stronger output from existing operations and newly commissioned projects.

Mexico is forecast to deliver much of the growth from primary silver mines. In China, higher output is expected from China Gold International Resources’ (TSX:CGG,OTCPL:JINFF) Jiama polymetallic mine as expansion continues.

Canada is projected to see gains from projects such as Hecla Mining’s (NYSE:HL) Keno Hill and New Gold’s (TSX:NGD,NYSEAMERICAN:NGD) New Afton, which is being acquired by Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE). Morocco’s Zgounder mine is also ramping up production, while Peru is expected to record declines at certain operations.

By-product silver from primary gold mines is forecast to increase. Contributions are expected from Barrick Mining’s (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic, Gold Fields’ (NYSE:GFI) Salares Norte in Chile and the Nezhda project in Russia, owned by SolidCore (formerly Polymetal International).

Output from primary silver mines is expected to remain largely flat, accounting for 28 percent of total mine supply.

Silver recycling supply is projected to rise 7 percent, exceeding 200 million ounces for the first time since 2012, as elevated price levels encourage scrap flows, particularly from silverware.

Although the silver price has cooled since this year’s highs, the Institute notes that it’s established technical support and remains underpinned by tight physical supply and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

Many forces that drove silver in 2025 remain in place. Constrained physical availability in London, geopolitical tensions, US policy uncertainty and concerns about the US Federal Reserve’s independence continue to provide support.

Silver demand in 2026

On the demand side, total global silver consumption is forecast to remain broadly flat in 2026. Gains in physical investment are expected to offset weakness in jewelry, silverware and some industrial segments.

Meanwhile, industrial fabrication, the largest component of silver demand, is projected to decline by 2 percent to around 650 million ounces, marking a four year low.

As in 2025, the drag is seen coming primarily from the photovoltaic (PV) sector.

Although solar installations worldwide are expected to continue expanding, manufacturers are reducing silver use per panel through thrifting and substitution, resulting in lower silver demand from PV applications.

Other industrial uses offer partial relief. Growth in data centers, artificial intelligence technologies and automotive electronics is expected to sustain silver consumption across several end uses, mitigating some of the PV losses.

Consumer demand, however, remains under pressure from record-high prices. Jewelry demand is forecast to fall more than 9 percent to 178 million ounces, marking the lowest level since 2020.

In contrast, physical investment demand is set to strengthen considerably.

The Institute projects a 20 percent rise to a three year high in physical investment to 227 million ounces.

After three consecutive annual declines, western retail demand is expected to rebound as investors respond to silver’s price momentum and persistent macroeconomic risks.

Exchange-traded product holdings currently stand at an estimated 1.31 billion ounces, and coin and bar demand has firmed in recent months. As of February 9, the silver price was up 11 percent year-to-date.

Silver deficit to persist

Even with higher supply and recycling, the silver deficit is set to persist. The Institute notes that the global silver market will continue to rely on the drawdown of aboveground bullion inventories to bridge the gap.

While volatility is likely to continue, the Institute forecasts that strength in gold and sustained physical tightness may help cushion risks for silver as it navigates another year defined by deficit and demand.

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

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Investor Insight

AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc. offers investors exposure to a scalable automotive finance platform with proprietary technology, targeting the underpenetrated used-vehicle leasing segment while generating revenue across origination, servicing and remarketing.

Overview

AmeriTrust Financial Technologies (TSXV:AMT,OTCQB:AMTFF,Frankfurt:1ZVA) is a publicly listed financial technology company operating in the US$1.6 trillion American automotive finance sector. The company has developed a proprietary, cloud-based platform that supports vehicle leasing and financing, asset servicing and remarketing. AmeriTrust’s technology connects dealers, consumers and funding partners through a streamlined digital workflow designed to automate underwriting, approvals, documentation and funding.

While AmeriTrust supports both loan and lease products, its strategic emphasis is on used-vehicle leasing, a segment that remains significantly underpenetrated in the US market. Leasing represents approximately 25 percent of new vehicle transactions, but only less than 2 percent of used vehicle sales, which are largely confined to OEM-certified programs.

AmeriTrust positions used-vehicle leasing as an affordability-focused alternative to traditional retail financing, offering lower monthly payments and reduced upfront costs for consumers, while creating incremental sales opportunities for dealers and attractive risk-adjusted returns for lending partners. The company’s integrated model allows it to generate revenue across the full asset lifecycle rather than relying on a single point of monetization.

Company Highlights

  • Proprietary fintech platform purpose-built for new and used vehicle leasing, servicing and remarketing
  • Strategic focus on used-vehicle leasing, a segment with limited competition compared to new-vehicle leasing
  • Licensed across the U.S.
  • Proprietary technology integrated into major dealer ecosystems, enabling rapid decisioning and funding
  • Management team with decades of experience in specialty auto finance, capital markets and platform scaling

Key Solutions

AmeriTrust’s scalable model overview:

1) Dealers and Lenders submit customers to AmeriTrust.

2) AmeriTrust underwrites, approves, funds contract and retains servicing.

3) A-Trust (Bankruptcy remote) sells revenue to finance partners with servicing retained.

4) AmeriTrust Serves is a full servicing platform providing data and performance reporting.

5) AmeriTrust Auto is a remarketing platform focused on repossessions and lease returns offered at retail direct-to-consumer online versus traditional wholesale methods; 5a) Vehicles not sold through retail are liquidated wholesale at auction.

AmeriTrust Financial

AmeriTrust’s proprietary origination platform automates the end-to-end leasing and financing process. Integrated with major dealer systems such as RouteOne and Dealertrack, the platform enables rapid credit decisioning and an accelerated path to funding, supporting efficiency and scalability across its dealer network.

AmeriTrust Serves

AmeriTrust Serves is the backbone of AmeriTrust’s servicing operation. It brings payments, customer support, portfolio monitoring, and analytics into a single unified system, delivering transparency, control, and performance insight for both AmeriTrust and its funding partners.

AmeriTrust Auto

AmeriTrust Auto anchors AmeriTrust’s vehicle remarketing strategy, managing repossessions and lease-end inventory through a retail-first, direct-to-consumer approach. When retail isn’t viable, the focus can seamlessly shift to wholesale liquidation, maximizing asset value across the full loan and lease lifecycle.

Management Team

Jeff Morgan – Chief Executive Officer

Founder and CEO of AmeriTrust with more than 25 years of automotive finance experience. Previously founded MUSA Auto Finance and played a central role in developing AmeriTrust’s proprietary leasing technology.

John Wimsatt – Chief Investment Officer

Former chief investment officer at ECN Capital (TSX: ECN), with 30 years of experience in specialty finance and institutional funding markets.

Shibu Abraham – Chief Financial Officer

Finance executive with over 25 years of experience across public and private companies in Canada and the US. Holds CA, CPA and ACA designations and oversees financial reporting, compliance and capital markets activities.

Euwye Chan – Chief Accounting Officer

Accounting and finance professional with more than 18 years of experience and an MBA from Dallas Baptist University.

Blake Kirk – Chief Operating Officer

Auto finance executive with over 23 years of experience in operations, customer service, collections and loss mitigation, including senior roles at GM Financial, Exeter Finance, Sierra Auto Finance and Express Capital Services.

Troy Hocker – Chief Revenue Officer

Auto finance executive with more than 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at a major US direct-to-consumer leasing company.

Sean Severin – Chief Information Officer

Technology leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering financial solutions and leading large-scale technology and operational transformations.

Xia Zhang – Chief Technology Officer

IT executive with over 30 years of experience; played a pivotal role in building AmeriTrust’s loan origination and leasing systems.

Richard Goldman – Vice-President, Capital Markets

Capital markets professional with more than 30 years of experience; co-founder of AutoSoldNow (later acquired by PowerBand/AmeriTrust) and former president and CFO of a TSXV-listed company.

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Corcel Exploration Inc. (CSE: CRCL,OTC:CRLEF) (OTCQB: CRLEF) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Corcel’) today announced the appointment of Thy Truong to the Board of Directors, replacing Oliver Friesen effective immediately.

Corcel would like to thank Mr. Friesen for his guidance and meaningful contributions during his tenure on the Board and wishes him every success in his future endeavors.

Thy Truong is a Chartered Professional Accountant with more than ten years of experience in public accounting and the mining industry. Ms. Truong. currently serves as Director of FP&A, Tax, and Internal Controls at Vizsla Silver Corp. and CFO of Tarachi Gold Corp., where she supports financial planning, governance, and day-to-day decision-making across the organizations. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver and was a part of the Global Scholar Program (Academic Honours).

‘On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Thy to Corcel,’ commented Jon Ward, CEO and Director of Corcel Exploration Inc. ‘Thy brings a technical accounting background with a proven track record in financial planning, governance, and internal controls. Her experience in public accounting and supporting resource companies will be invaluable as we continue to advance the Yuma King copper-gold asset in Arizona.’

The Company also announces that it has granted 200,000 incentive stock options exercisable at $0.22 for a period of 5 years, in accordance with its stock option plan.

About Corcel Exploration Inc.

Corcel is a mineral resource company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of precious and base metals properties throughout North America. The Company has entered a long-term lease agreement to acquire the Yuma King Copper-Gold project in Arizona, which spans a district-scale land position of 3,200 hectares comprising 515 unpatented federal mining claims in the Ellsworth Mining District, including the past-producing Yuma Mine which saw underground production of copper, lead, gold and silver between 1940 and 1963. The Company also holds an option to acquire a 100% undivided right, title, and interest in and to the Peak gold exploration project and holds a 100% interest in the Willow copper project. For more information, please visit our website at https://corcelexploration.com/.

For further information contact:

Jon Ward, CEO
Email: info@corcelexploration.com
Tel: (604) 355-0303

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward‐looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, ‘forward‐looking statements’). These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as ‘seek’, ‘anticipate’, ‘plan’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘predict’, ‘forecast’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘intend’, ‘could’, ‘might’, ‘should’, ‘believe’ and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be ‘forward‐looking statements’.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward‐looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward‐looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284116

News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Brixton Metals Corporation (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Brixton’) announces that further to its news release dated February 6, 2026, the Company has received the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘TSXV’) for, and is proceeding with, a consolidation (the ‘Consolidation’) of its issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation common share (‘Post-Consolidation Shares’) for every ten pre-consolidation common shares (‘Pre-Consolidation Shares’).

The Consolidation was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company held on February 4, 2026.

The Post-Consolidation Shares will commence trading on the TSXV at the market open on February 20, 2026 (the ‘Effective Date‘), under the existing symbol ‘BBB‘.

The new CUSIP will be 11120Q708 and the new ISIN number will be CA11120Q7084. There will be no name change in association with the Consolidation.

Following the share consolidation, Brixton will have approximately 71,323,542 common shares issued and outstanding.

No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Any fractional interest in shares resulting from the Consolidation that is less than 0.5 of a common share will be rounded down to the nearest whole share and any fractional interest in common shares resulting from the Consolidation that is 0.5, or greater, of a common share will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

The Company’s transfer agent, TSX Trust Company (‘TSX Trust‘), will mail a letter of transmittal to registered shareholders of the Company providing instructions on exchanging Pre-Consolidation Share certificates for Post-Consolidation Share certificates or Direct Registration System (DRS) advices. Shareholders are encouraged to send their share certificates, together with their letter of transmittal, to TSX Trust in accordance with the instructions in the letter of transmittal.

About Brixton Metals Corporation

Brixton Metals is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its mining projects. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects: Brixton’s flagship Thorn copper-gold-silver-molybdenum Project, the Hog Heaven copper-silver-gold Project in NW Montana, USA, which is optioned to Ivanhoe Electric Inc., the Langis and HudBay silver Projects in Ontario and the Atlin Goldfields Project located in northwest BC, which is optioned to Eldorado Gold Corporation. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton, please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO
info@brixtonmetals.com

For Investor Relations inquiries please contact: Mr. Michael Rapsch, Vice President Investor Relations. email: michael.rapsch@brixtonmetals.com or call Tel: 604-630-9707

Follow us on:
LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Facebook | Instagram

Neither the 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 release.

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, and ‘intend’, statements that an action or event ‘may’, ‘might’, ‘could’, ‘should’, or ‘will’ be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. 

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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Gold and silver were having a fairly quiet week until Thursday (February 12), when both precious metals experienced steep drops early in the day.

The gold price, which had been steady above US$5,000 per ounce, and even briefly breached US$5,100, tumbled by over US$100, bottoming out around US$4,900.

Meanwhile, silver sank from above US$80 per ounce to below US$75.

Market watchers have presented various reasons for these declines, with a mainstream talking point being that the precious metals were moving in line with the broader stock market.

Thursday brought declines in major US indexes as investors reportedly reacted to concerns that various industries could be negatively impacted by AI automation.

Of course, with gold and silver it’s always possible that there’s more going on beneath the surface. Many of our popular YouTube channel guests reacted to this week’s price drop on X, with some, including Willem Middelkoop and Craig Hemke, suggesting manipulation was at play.

I’ve also read that a Russian memo seen by Bloomberg may have had a dampening effect on gold — the report details proposals sent by the Kremlin that could see the country return to the US dollar settlement system as part of an economic partnership with the Trump administration.

Whatever the reason for the decrease was, gold and silver had bounced back by Friday (February 13), with silver getting back above US$77 and gold closing at the US$5,043 level.

The rebound came despite slightly cooler than expected US consumer price index data, which eased inflation concerns and boosted interest rate cut expectations from the US Federal Reserve.

Looking forward, I want to emphasize again that the broad consensus among the experts I’ve been speaking to continues to be that the run in gold and silver prices isn’t over.

However, that doesn’t mean the path will be straight up. I heard this week from Keith Weiner of Monetary Metals, who spoke about the importance of weathering volatility:

‘I mean, we’re in dollar bear market for reasons. And so people better be prepared for the volatility, because as things go off the rails, which is what’s happening to the dollar, yeah, there’s volatility. And there’s days when people can’t sell the dollar enough, and there’s days when they’re desperately, urgently trying to grab as many fistfuls of dollars as they can, and the dollar is extremely well bid — you’ll see that as the price of gold falling. So you’re going to get it both ways, but the trend is clear and the drivers are clear.’

Keith is calling for US$6,000 gold in 2026 and a silver price of US$120 by the end of the year. The US$6,000 number is in line with recent projections from BNP Paribas and CIBC, whose forecasts indicate that major banks also still see strength in gold.

Bullet briefing — Top takeover candidates

Merger talks between commodities giants Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTCPL:GLCNF) have fallen through, nixing what would have been the mining industry’s biggest-ever deal, but M&A activity in the space continues to heat up.

A new survey from TD Cowen identifies IAMGOLD (TSX:IMG,NYSE:IAG) as the year’s top takeover candidate, with close to 20 percent of the 58 respondents pointing to the company.

Artemis Gold (TSXV:ARTG,OTCQX:ARGTF) was in second place at 11 percent, while Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (TSX:ASCU,OTCQX:ASCUF) was third at 7 percent.

Almost all of the respondents, who included institutional investors and mining executives, said they expect to see more gold, silver and copper M&A in 2026 compared to last year.

We’ll have to wait and see how any potential deals play out, including Barrick Mining’s (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) planned initial public offering for its North American gold assets.

Newmont (NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM), Barrick’s partner at the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture, said it is concerned about the management of the operation, and wants to see improvements — a clash between the two miners could end up disrupting Barrick’s plans.

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

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The head of the Justice Department’s antitrust unit said Thursday she is leaving the role, effective immediately, at a critical moment for corporate mergers in America.

Gail Slater, the assistant attorney general in charge of the Antitrust Division, wrote on X: ‘It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role as AAG for Antitrust today.’

Slater continued, ‘It was indeed the honor of a lifetime to serve in this role. Huge thanks to all who supported me this past year, most especially the men and women of’ the Department.

The White House referred questions to the Justice Department.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement, “On behalf of the Department of Justice, we thank Gail Slater for her service to the Antitrust Division which works to protect consumers, promote affordability, and expand economic opportunity.”

Slater is leaving just as media giants Netflix and Paramount Skydance battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery.

President Donald Trump had said he was going to get involved in reviewing whichever Warner Bros. deal proceeds, an uncommon occurrence in antitrust matters.

But in an interview with NBC News, Trump slightly changed his tune. ‘I’ve been called by both sides, it’s the two sides, but I’ve decided I shouldn’t be involved,’ he said.

‘The Justice Department will handle it.’

Trump has met with executives from both of Warner Bros.’ bidders.

The Justice Department will also head to court in weeks in a bid to challenge concert venue manager Live Nation’s ownership of Ticketmaster.

Shares of Live Nation jumped as much as 5.8% after Slater announced her departure. By 1 p.m. ET, the rally had abated to around 2.5%.

When the Senate confirmed Slater, 78 senators from both sides of the aisle voted in her favor. Only 19 opposed her confirmation.

This week, her deputy in the Antitrust Division also departed.

Mark Hamer, deputy assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division, wrote on LinkedIn, ‘Decided the time is right for me to return to private practice.’ He praised Slater as a ‘leader of exceptional wisdom, strength and integrity.’

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