Ares Strategic Mining Commences Mining Operations

(TheNewswire)

Ore Stockpiling at Lost Sheep MineBegins Production Momentum Accelerates

Vancouver, B.C. – TheNewswire - 18th February 2026 –Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS) (OTC: ARSMF) (FRA: N8I1) ispleased to announce that mining operations at its Lost Sheep FluorsparMine in Utah are now actively underway, with several thousands of tonsof fluorspar ore successfully mined and stockpiled at surface inpreparation for processing.

This milestone marks a decisive transition fromdevelopment to production build-up and represents tangible progresstoward sustained acidspar output.

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Ore Stockpilesbeing deposited at surface, ready for transportation to theplant

Mining in Full Motion

Underground operations are advancing steadily, with orebeing extracted, transported to surface, and organized into structuredstockpiles to support upcoming processing runs. The Company’s teamshave been executing mining plans efficiently while maintaining strongoperational discipline and safety standards.

 
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A RecentlyInstalled Lumps Plant System

The current stockpiling phase allows Ares to:

• Build strategic ore inventory ahead of flotation plantcommissioning 

• Optimize blending and grade control for consistentprocessing performance 

• Ensure uninterrupted feedstock supply once processingbegins 

• Demonstrate visible and measurable productionmomentum 

Operational Momentum Continues toBuild

The stockpiling initiative is part of Ares’ broaderstrategy to ensure smooth ramp-up into full acidspar production. Withunderground development advancing and surface infrastructure in place,the Company is methodically positioning itself for consistentthroughput once the flotation plant becomes operational.

James Walker, President and CEO of Ares StrategicMining, commented: Seeing hundreds of tons of ore at surface is apowerful validation of the hard work our team has put into bringingthe Lost Sheep back into production. This is real progress –tangible, measurable, and visible. We are building momentum step bystep, and our shareholders can see the results on the ground.

Strengthening America’s CriticalMineral Supply

Fluorspar is a designated U.S. critical mineralessential for:

• Steel and aluminum manufacturing 

• Fluorochemicals and refrigerants 

• Semiconductor and electronics production 

• Clean energy technologies 

• Defense and national security applications 

As the only permitted and operating fluorspar mine inthe United States, Ares continues to reinforce its position as acornerstone of domestic supply. The commencement of stockpilingdemonstrates not just operational readiness, but the Company’scommitment to disciplined execution and long-term valuecreation.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming weeks, Ares expects to:

• Continue expanding surface stockpiles 

• Advance flotation plant readiness 

• Prepare for initial processing runs 

• Move closer to steady-state production 

The Company remains focused on delivering sustainablegrowth, operational excellence, and shareholder value as it advancestoward full production capacity.

Ares has settled $185,199.23 CAD for services renderedto the company by consultants and service providers, by issuing381,854 common shares. These shares are subject to a statutory holdperiod of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

About Ares Strategic Mining

Ares Strategic Mining Inc. is a mining company focusedon the development of its fluorspar projects in the U.S. The Companyaims to become a significant supplier of high-grade fluorspar to NorthAmerican markets, supporting industries vital to modern technology andinfrastructure.

Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project – Delta, Utah

•                   100% owned – 5,982 acres – 353 Claims

•                   Located in the Spor Mountain area, Juab County, Utah,approximately 214 km south-west of Salt Lake City.

•                   Fully Permitted – including mining permits.

•                   NI43-101 Technical Report identified extensive high-grade fluorspar withlow levels of impurities.

•                   Mining plan approved by BLM[1]

 First approved by Rex Rowley – Area Manager, Bureauof Land Management – 24th August 1992.

 Renewed by Paul B. Baker – Minerals ProgramManager, Bureau of Land Management – 12th December 2016.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

ARES STRATEGIC MINING LTD.

James Walker

Chief Executive Officer and President

For further information, please contact James Walker byemail at [email protected]

DISCLOSURE AND FORWARD-LOOKINGSTATEMENTS:

Companies typically rely oncomprehensive feasibility reports on mineral reserve estimates toreduce the risks and uncertainties associated with a productiondecision. Historically, situations where the issuer decides to put amineral project into production without first establishing mineralreserves supported by a technical report and completing a feasibilitystudy have a higher risk of economic or technical failure, though someindustrial mineral ventures are relatively simple operations with lowlevels of investment and risk, where the operating entity hasdetermined that a formal prefeasibility or feasibility study inconformance with NI 43-101 and 43-101 CP is not required for aproduction decision. Based on historical engineering work, geologicalreports, historical production data and current engineering workcompleted or in the process by Ares, the Company intends to moveforward with the development of its Utah asset.

Certain information in this newsrelease may contain forward-looking statements that involvesubstantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-lookingstatements are often identified by terms such as “will”,“may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similarexpressions. All statements other than statements of historical factincluded in this news release are forward-looking statements thatinvolve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that suchstatements will prove to be accurate and actual results and futureevents could differ materially from those anticipated in suchstatements. Important factorsthat could cause actual results to differ materially from theCompany’s expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditionsof the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed fromtime to time in the filings made by the Company with securitiesregulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in thepreparation of any forward-looking information may prove to beincorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differmaterially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known andunknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which arebeyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not toplace undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Suchinformation, although considered reasonable by management at the timeof preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results maydiffer materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statementscontained in this news release are expressly qualified by thiscautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in thisnews release are made as of the date of this news release and theCompany disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise suchinformation, except as required by applicable law.

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