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We also break down next week’s catalysts to watch to help you prepare for the week ahead.

In this article:

    This week’s tech sector performance

    The US market kicked off the holiday‑shortened week with many tech stocks opening lower after Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) unveiled its new AI model, Qwen 3.5, on Monday (February 16), amplifying concerns about risks from the Chinese market. Major indices closed little changed after a day of subdued trading.

    This caution, she added, is compounded by uncertainty in the broader macro backdrop, driving down stocks in AI‑exposed sectors. She concluded that this process reflects a maturing market, predicting that in 2026, capital will concentrate around firms with clear, monetizable AI strategies.

    Futures gained ground on Wednesday morning (February 17) ahead of the release of the FOMC minutes from its latest meeting, which highlighted a divide: some participants favored another rate hike if inflation remains above target, directly contradicting market expectations of additional cuts amid forecasts of economic weakness.

    Also on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr outlined three potential scenarios for how AI could impact the labor market during a speech at the New York Association for Business Economics.

    The first, and currently favored, scenario is gradual adoption, where slow AI integration minimizes job loss and any brief skill mismatch is addressed through training. The second scenario is rapid advancement, where AI outpaces the labor market, potentially rendering many people “unemployable.” In this case, fast‑moving AI startups could displace older firms, triggering mass unemployment and requiring a complete overhaul of the social safety net to share productivity gains.

    The third possibility suggests that electricity or capital shortages will limit AI’s full potential, making it an indispensable tool but not a truly revolutionary force. Barr concluded that the degree of disruption will ultimately depend on societal investment in creating new jobs, training workers, and implementing mitigation strategies.

    Stocks rallied midday but pulled back in a late‑session softening tied in part to the release of the FOMC minutes. A volatile session in tech saw the Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) pare earlier strength, finishing up 0.8 percent.

    On Thursday (February 19), the market retraced the mid‑week bounce, with the Nasdaq closing down 0.3 percent.

    Friday’s PCE report suggested inflation could be reigniting, keeping rate‑sensitive equities range‑bound in early trading, but the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down US President Trump’s global tariffs caused a rally in Wall Street’s heavyweights in the afternoon.

    3 tech stocks moving markets this week

    1. Shopify (NYSE:SHOP)

    Shopify led NDXT gainers, advancing 14.73 percent. Phillip Securities upgraded the stock to “Strong‑Buy”.

    2. AppLovin (NASDAQ:APP)

    AppLovin saw a 14.68 percent gain, extending its post‑earnings rally.

    2. DoorDash (NASDAQ:DASH)

    DoorDash advanced by 9.36 percent after Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) raised its price target to U$272, citing AI and chatbot efficiencies as well as grocery expansion, while Citizens analyst Andrew Boone reiterated “market outperform” on strong order growth and unchanged 2026 EBITDA outlook.

    Shopify, DoorDash and AppLovin performance, February 16 to 20, 2026.

    Shopify, DoorDash and AppLovin performance, February 16 to 20, 2026.

    Chart via Google Finance.

    Top tech news of the week

                                  Tech ETF performance

                                  Tech exchange-traded funds (ETFs) track baskets of major tech stocks, meaning their performance helps investors gauge the overall performance of the niches they cover.

                                  This week, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) advanced by 1.83 percent, while the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) advanced by 1.77 percent.

                                  The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) also increased by 1.76 percent.

                                  Tech news to watch next week

                                  Next week, tech‑focused investors will be watching NVIDIA’s Q4 print on February 25 as the key driver of sentiment across semiconductor and other AI‑related names.

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

                                  This post appeared first on investingnews.com

                                  On Tuesday (February 17) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the creation of Canada’s first Defense Industrial Strategy, aimed at supporting the nation’s defense sector and overall sovereignty.

                                  The strategy will shift procurement’s focus to prioritize Canadian manufacturers, aiming to create 125,000 new jobs throughout the supply chain, and will include accelerating critical mineral projects.

                                  Not included in the prime minister’s official announcement, the strategy will also create a critical minerals stockpile to support the independence of domestic supply chains. The news follows a February 7 announcement out of the US, which said it will create its own critical minerals stockpile through Project Vault, a multibillion-dollar plan aimed at reducing dependence on the foreign supply chain and providing access to minerals needed for advanced manufacturing.

                                  Statistics Canada released its December monthly mineral production survey on Friday (February 20).

                                  The data shows an increase in the production and shipment of gold and copper over November’s figures.

                                  Copper output increased to 43.65 million kilograms, from 39.7 million the previous month; meanwhile, gold production rose to 18,210 kilograms from 18,086 kilograms in November. For shipments, copper jumped to 57.86 million kilograms from 45.87 million kilograms, while gold shipments increased to 19,233 kilograms from 17,625 kilograms.

                                  As for silver, production saw a slight fall to 22,747 kilograms from 23,198 kilograms in November, meanwhile shipments increased to 26,888 kilograms versus 26,207 kilograms.

                                  For more on what’s moving markets this week, check out our top market news round-up.

                                  Markets and commodities react

                                  Canadian equity markets were mixed this week.

                                  The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) gained 3.96 percent over the week to close Friday (February 13) at 33,817.51, while the S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) rose 4.99 percent to 1,042.56.

                                  The CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) gained 2.6 percent to 165.86.

                                  The gold price gained 3.5 percent to close at US$5,094.04 per ounce on Friday at 4:00 p.m. EST. The silver price fared better, closing the week up 11.89 percent at US$84.16 on Friday.

                                  In base metals, the Comex copper price recorded a 1.71 percent increase this week to US$5.93.

                                  The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) was up 3.3 percent to end Friday at 602.33.

                                  Top Canadian mining stocks this week

                                  How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?

                                  Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.

                                  Stocks data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday using TradingView’s stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market caps greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.

                                  1. Belo Sun Mining (TSX:BSX)

                                  Weekly gain: 108.93 percent
                                  Market cap: C$508.45 million
                                  Share price: C$1.17

                                  Belo Sun Mining is an explorer and developer focused on advancing its Volta Grande gold project in Brazil.

                                  The property covers approximately 2,400 hectares within the Tres Palmeiras greenstone belt in Pará, Brazil. The company has been working on the project since 2003, and acquired the necessary development permits in 2014 and 2017.

                                  A 2015 mineral reserve estimate demonstrated a proven and probable reserve of 3.79 million ounces of gold from 116 million metric tons of ore with an average gold grade of 1.02 per metric ton (g/t).

                                  Development at the site stalled in April 2017 after a suspension order was issued by the Brazilian Federal Regional court until an indigenous study was completed. The decision was later upheld by courts in December of that year.

                                  Then, early in 2018, a federal judge ruled that the Federal Brazilian Institute of the Environment (IBAMA) would be the competent authority for issuing environmental permits. The decision was overturned in 2019, with the Secretariat of Environment and Sustainability of the State of Pará (SEMAS) reassuming its permitting authority. The decision was once again reversed in September 2023, returning authority to IBAMA.

                                  In January 2025, Belo Sun announced that the Federal Court of Appeals had reassigned SEMAS as the permitting authority for the Volta Grande project. The company said it was pleased with the decision, as the agency is familiar with the project and enjoys a constructive and transparent relationship with it.

                                  The most recent news on the case came on February 14, when the company announced that the project’s installation license had been reinstated. The court found Belo Sun had complied with the conditions imposed to complete the Indigenous Component Study and that consultation had been conducted in good faith and accordance with protocol.

                                  The company noted that respondents to the appeal will be given the opportunity to file their response with the court and said they would provide further updates as appropriate.

                                  2. Walker River Resources (TSXV:WRR)

                                  Weekly gain: 48.05 percent
                                  Market cap: C$32.66 million
                                  Share price: C$0.57

                                  Walker River is an exploration company focused on advancing its Lapon Gold project in Nevada, US.

                                  The project, located southeast of Reno, consists of 149 claims covering 3,101 acres and hosts three key target areas: Pikes Peak, Lapon Canyon/Rose, and Range Front Rattlesnake.

                                  According to the project page, small-scale underground historic mining at the site dates back to 1914, with more modern exploration occurring in the 1990s after it was acquired by Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK). During its exploration, low-grade surface-mineralization was discovered over a strike length of 450 meters.

                                  In December 2025, Walker River announced the most recent assays from the site, which returned grades of 3.05 grams per metric ton (g/t) over 117.4 meters, which included an intersection of 6.67 g/t over 18.3 meters.

                                  The company has not released news in the past week.

                                  3. Chesapeake Gold (TSXV:CKG)

                                  Weekly gain: 37.43 percent
                                  Market cap: C$228.17 million
                                  Share price: C$4.92

                                  Chesapeake Gold is a precious metals explorer and developer advancing the Metates and Lucy projects in Mexico. Metates is the more advanced of the two projects and is located northeast of Mazatlan. A July 2021 preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the project indicated a post tax net present value of US$930 million, with an internal rate of return of 55.9 percent and a payback period of 1.6 years based on a gold spot price of US$1,786 per ounce.

                                  The PEA also reports a measured and indicated resource of 19.8 million ounces of gold and 542 million ounces of silver with average grades of 0.47 g/t gold and 12.9 g/t silver from 1.3 billion metric tons of ore.

                                  The company also owns the less-advanced Lucy project in Sinaloa, Mexico. The property covers 483 hectares and hosts zinc- and gold-bearing skarn systems. A 10 hole, 900 meter exploration program in 2024 produced one highlighted sample grading 6.11 g/t gold over 24 meters from surface.

                                  The most recent news from the company came on Tuesday, when it announced it was named to this year’s TSX Venture 50 list. It delivered annual share price growth of 388 percent and a 415 percent increase to its market cap.

                                  4. New Zealand Energy (TSX:NZ)

                                  Weekly gain: 33.33 percent
                                  Market cap: C$12.85 million
                                  Share price: C$0.38

                                  New Zealand Energy is an oil and gas producer focusing on projects in New Zealand’s Taranaki basin.

                                  According to the company’s December 2024 oil and gas reserves summary, it holds proven and probable quantities of 1.15 million barrels of oil equivalent across a range of producing, non-producing, and undeveloped projects. The main producing projects are the Tariki 5 and Tariki 5A wells, which are 50 percent joint ventures with L&M Energy.

                                  The most recent news from New Zealand came on February 9, when it announced that it had closed a non-brokered private placement for 17.5 million common shares for gross proceeds of C$3.5 million.

                                  The company said that the funds raised will be directed to advancing its gas storage project and general working capital.

                                  5. Unigold (TSXV:UGD)

                                  Weekly gain: 32.43 percent
                                  Market cap: C$64.66 million
                                  Share price: C$0.245

                                  Unigold is an exploration company advancing its Nieta Concession in the Dominican Republic.

                                  The property consists of two primary areas, Nieta Sur and Nieta Norte, totaling approximately 21,000 hectares in the Northwest Dominican Republic, near the border with Haiti.

                                  The Candelones project, Unigold’s main focus, is hosted at Nieta. A December 2022 feasibility study for the project indicated a post-tax net present value of US$30.64 million with an internal rate of return of 43.6 percent.

                                  The study also included a mineral resource estimate with measured and indicated open-pit quantities of 974,000 ounces of gold, 59.24 million pounds of copper, and 2.43 million ounces of silver with average grades of 1.56 g/t gold, 0.14 percent copper, and 3.89 g/t silver from 19.37 million metric tons of ore.

                                  The most recent news from Unigold came on Tuesday, when it announced the appointments of Juana Barcelo and Andrés Marranzini to its board of directors. Barcelo has more than 15 years of business and legal experience in the Latin American and Caribbean mining sector, and was most recently the president/country manager for the Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) and Newmont (NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM) joint venture, Barrick Pueblo Viejo.

                                  Meanwhile, Marranzini is a lawyer and the current CEO of Punta Bergantín Development, and has previously held positions within the Dominican government.

                                  FAQs for Canadian mining stocks

                                  What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?

                                  The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.

                                  How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?

                                  As of December 2025, 898 mining companies and 71 oil and gas companies are listed on the TSXV, combining for more than 60 percent of the 1,531 total companies listed on the exchange.

                                  As for the TSX, it is home to 175 mining companies and 51 oil and gas companies. The exchange has 2,089 companies listed on it in total.

                                  Together, the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.

                                  How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?

                                  There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.

                                  The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.

                                  These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.

                                  How do you trade on the TSXV?

                                  Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange’s trading hours.

                                  Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

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

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

                                  This post appeared first on investingnews.com

                                  Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:NGLOY) has slashed the value of its De Beers diamond business by US$2.3 billion, cutting the unit’s carrying value in half and pushing the FTSE 100 miner to a US$3.7 billion annual loss as a prolonged slump in the global diamond market deepens.

                                  After previous charges of US$2.6 billion in 2023 and US$2.9 billion in 2024, De Beers is now valued at US$2.3 billion—a fraction of what it was worth just a few years ago.

                                  The impairment drove Anglo to a net loss of US$3.7 billion for the year, compared with a US$3 billion loss previously. Losses at De Beers also widened sharply to US$511 million from just $25 million the year before, as the business recorded a third straight annual drop in production and trimmed its 2026 output forecast.

                                  “There is at the moment a plentiful supply of rough diamonds in the market,” CEO Duncan Wanblad told reporters.

                                  The diamond sector has been squeezed by several forces at once. US tariffs on India, where most rough diamonds are polished, have disrupted trade flows. Competition from lab-grown stones has also intensified, leading to the erosion of pricing power held by market players.

                                  Anglo has been trying to exit diamonds as part of a sweeping restructuring announced after it fended off a £39 billion takeover approach from BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) in 2024. The plan includes divesting its diamond, coal, and platinum units and refocusing on copper and iron ore.

                                  Wanblad said the sale of Anglo’s 85 percent stake in De Beers is at an advanced stage, with several credible bidders in the process alongside discussions with Botswana. The country currently owns 15 percent of the business and supplies about 70 percent of its annual rough diamond output.

                                  Wanblad said he is “optimistic” that the company would “see a deal signed” this year.

                                  Despite the hit from De Beers, Anglo’s underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose 2 percent to US$6.4 billion, buoyed by strong copper prices. The company declared a dividend of US$0.23 per share, down from US$0.64 a year earlier, while net debt fell to US$8.6 billion.

                                  Copper and iron ore remain the miner’s core profit drivers and are expected to anchor earnings once the restructuring is complete.

                                  Anglo’s proposed combination with Canada’s Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A,TECK.B,NYSE:TECK,OTCPL:TCKRF), which would expand its copper portfolio with assets including the Quebrada Blanca mine in Chile, has been approved by shareholders and is awaiting regulatory clearance.

                                  Still, diamonds remain a drag at a time when the broader industry is facing structural change. Producers are currently grappling with falling prices, lab-grown competition, and shifting consumer trends.

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

                                  This post appeared first on investingnews.com

                                  A team of researchers at Penn State have developed a plant-based nanomaterial capable of selectively extracting dysprosium from rare earth mixtures, according to a recent report.

                                  The findings published in the study detail how the team engineered a modified form of cellulose capable of isolating dysprosium, a heavy rare earth element used in semiconductors, electric motors, and generators.

                                  Rare earths tend to occur together in nature and share nearly identical chemical properties, making separation complex and costly. Commercial processes typically rely on large-scale solvent extraction systems that require extensive chemical inputs and multiple repetitive stages to achieve high purity.

                                  “As technology advances, manufacturers will need more and more dysprosium — some forecasts estimate the demand for this material may surge over 2,500 percent in the next 25 years,” said Amir Sheikhi, associate professor of chemical engineering at Penn State.

                                  The research builds on earlier work by the team, which previously used cellulose-based compounds to recover neodymium from electronic waste.

                                  In the latest study, the focus shifted to dysprosium and the challenge of separating heavier rare earth elements from lighter ones more efficiently.

                                  To achieve this, the researchers modified cellulose at the molecular level, creating nanoscale crystalline particles roughly 100 nanometers long. When introduced into a water-based mixture containing both neodymium and dysprosium, the nanocellulose selectively captured dysprosium through adsorption.

                                  The team observed that the modified cellulose chains behaved differently in the presence of dysprosium, effectively isolating it from the mixture.

                                  “Separating rare earth elements from one another has been extremely difficult, due to the metals’ very similar chemical structures,” Sheikhi explained. “We have been looking for a reliable way to separate heavy elements like dysprosium from lighter elements like neodymium, while avoiding the negative environmental side effects that come from current separation approaches.”

                                  The simplicity of the approach contrasts sharply with traditional rare earth separation facilities, which often require sprawling industrial plants and dozens of equilibrium stages to achieve magnet-grade purity.

                                  Industry studies have shown that separating similar rare earth elements can require upward of 60 repetitive extraction stages, underscoring the technical barrier that has helped concentrate processing capacity in countries such as China.

                                  China currently accounts for the majority of global rare earth processing, particularly for heavy rare earth elements like dysprosium that are critical for high-temperature magnets and defense applications.

                                  The Penn State team argues that a cellulose-based system could reduce chemical usage and lower the environmental footprint of rare earth recovery if successfully scaled.

                                  Future work will focus on refining the material and testing its ability to isolate additional rare earth elements.

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

                                  This post appeared first on investingnews.com

                                  Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (February 20) as of 9:00 p.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$67,697.37, up by 0.9 percent over the last 24 hours.

                                  Bitcoin price performance, February 20, 2026.

                                  Bitcoin price performance, February 20, 2026.

                                  Chart via TradingView.

                                  Antonio Di Giacomo, a senior market analyst at XS.com, noted that BTC deepened its corrective phase after the US Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes revealed a division over the future path of interest rates, increasing volatility and weakening appetite for speculative assets.

                                  A combination of macroeconomic caution, persistent price pressures, and geopolitical tensions has kept the Fed on a cautious stance, thus keeping BTC volatile and trading between technical resistance and intermediate support.

                                  Its future direction will largely depend on the evolution of US data, interest rates and regulatory developments.

                                  Ether (ETH) was priced at US$1,968.25, up by one percent over the last 24 hours.

                                  Altcoin price update

                                  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.42, up by 0.6 over 24 hours.
                                  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$84.56, up by 3.1 percent over 24 hours.

                                  Today’s crypto news to know

                                  White House stablecoin talks advance amid yield/rewards debate

                                  The White House hosted its third meeting with its Crypto Policy Council, led by Executive Director Patrick Witt, Senate Banking Committee staff, crypto representatives and banking executives on Thursday (February 19), focusing on the yield v reward debate for stablecoins as part of negotiations for the CLARITY Act and GENIUS Act updates.

                                  The first meeting, a broad introductory discussion that ended without a resolution, was held on February 2. The second meeting, held on February 10, was reportedly more focused, with banks presenting yield and interest prohibition principles, prohibiting rewards tied to holding stablecoins. The closed-door meetings, with no public records, were described by anonymous sources, attendees and journalists as productive but inconclusive.

                                  During the latest meeting, the White House reportedly pushed for a compromise, allowing rewards tied to transaction activity, but not to idle holdings that resemble bank deposits; however, no final deal was reached.

                                  Banking representatives from Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), Citigroup (NYSE:C), PNC Financial (NYSE:PNC) and US Bancorp (NYSE:USB), as well as trade groups like Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of America, were said to actively work on language to that end, though a final draft will still have to be circulated and weighed by the banks.

                                  CME moves crypto derivatives to 24/7 schedule

                                  CME Group will begin offering round-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options on CME Globex starting May 29, 2026, pending regulatory approval.

                                  The decision follows a record US$3 trillion in notional crypto derivatives volume in 2025. Year-to-date in 2026, crypto derivatives average daily volume has climbed 46 percent year over year to 407,200 contracts, while futures ADV is up 47 percent. Average daily open interest currently stands at 335,400 contracts.

                                  By eliminating weekend closures, CME allows traders to hedge in real time as crypto markets move, reducing the price gap risk that builds when traditional markets are shut.

                                  Bitcoin ETFs extend five week outflow streak

                                  Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds logged another US$165.8 million in net redemptions on February 19, stretching a five-week outflow streak to nearly US$4 billion.

                                  Weekly withdrawals since mid-January have ranged from US$318 million to US$1.49 billion, raising questions about whether institutional demand is cooling.

                                  Despite the steady redemptions, Bitcoin edged up 1.4 percent over the past day to roughly US$67,800, lifting the broader crypto market cap to around US$2.4 trillion.

                                  Solana meme coin PUNCH surges after exchange listing

                                  A Solana-based meme coin known as PUNCH has surged sharply after securing a listing on a major exchange, briefly jumping more than 80 percent in a single session and posting eye-catching weekly gains.

                                  The token’s market capitalization climbed past US$30 million as it ranked among CoinGecko’s top gainers.

                                  The coin draws branding from a viral story about a rescued baby long-tailed macaque named Punch, which gained traction across social media.

                                  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.

                                  This post appeared first on investingnews.com

                                  The tech rally that powered markets through 2025 is being tested in 2026.

                                  In early February, a broad tech selloff hit markets, fueled by various elements, including aggressive artificial intelligence (AI) capital spending guidance from hyperscalers, as well as the rapid release of new AI models, which sparked disruption concerns within the software sector. This powerful combination forced investors to separate durable AI leaders from stocks whose gains were driven mainly by sentiment and stretched valuations.

                                  Technology benchmarks saw significant losses. From December 31, 2025, to its February 5 year‑to‑date low, the S&P Technology Index (INDEXSP:SP500-45) dropped by nearly 7 percent. Software-focused measures were hit especially hard; the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS:IGV) declined by almost 25 percent.

                                  Meanwhile, semiconductor‑focused peers like the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) remained up more than 5 percent over the same stretch. The divergence underscored how quickly a broad AI theme can split into clear winners and laggards depending on where revenues and profits are actually showing up.

                                  Indexes have since returned some of their losses, but investors with a multi‑year horizon need portfolio construction that can withstand the volatile nature of a sentiment-sensitive sector like tech. In this kind of environment, the challenge becomes building exposure to long‑term AI growth without drifting into a concentrated valuation risk trade.

                                  James Learmonth serves as co-chief investment officer at Harvest ETFs and oversees strategies including the Harvest Tech Achievers Growth & Income ETF (TSX:HTA). Over the same period, it declined only by about 7 percent, underscoring the difference between a diversified, income‑oriented structure and a pure software basket.

                                  Why did tech stocks sell off in early February?

                                  After piling into AI‑linked software and services names on strong cloud and AI‑related revenue growth, the technology sector underwent a steep correction from its October 2025 high. The decline followed earnings reports that included guidance pointing to sustained, capital‑intensive buildouts and longer payback periods.

                                  After hyperscalers signaled aggressive 2026 infrastructure spending, market participants began to question return‑on‑investment timelines, even as fundamentals largely held up.

                                  Companies with less certain paths to monetization saw their share prices decrease rapidly, while those showing profitable AI‑driven growth and measurable returns on invested capital were hit less hard. Disruption‑driven headlines, such as the launch of Anthropic’s Claude Cowork tools and new AI assistants aimed at legal and accounting workflows, added to the perception that many software business models are at risk, even if long‑term AI adoption remains intact.

                                  The move exposed the limits of a purely thematic AI basket approach; in this environment, a passive, set‑and‑forget AI allocation can quickly morph from a growth‑oriented bet into a concentrated valuation risk trade, which is where active managers like Learmonth are trying to draw a sharper line between structural growth and speculation.

                                  For Harvest ETFs, that line starts with business quality rather than a story about AI.

                                  “Obviously it’s a rapidly evolving landscape across AI right now,” he said. “I think having competitive moats in place is paramount for companies maintaining their leadership position over time. From a valuation perspective, we like to look at P/E with that growth multiplier peg applied to us, so you have that growth lens applied to the valuation.”

                                  Several lenses help distinguish structural winners from speculative names.

                                  Learmonth pointed to growing margins, return on equity and return on invested capital as key markers that AI‑driven capex is actually creating value, rather than just inflating a headline growth story.

                                  “You want to make sure companies are actually growing profitably, and not just generating revenue for the sake of generating revenue, but not able to pass that through in terms of bottom‑line growth as well. I think return on equity and return on invested capital, along those same lines, are key metrics to look at too,’ he noted.

                                  Companies with clear, recurring AI‑related revenue streams, such as infrastructure or enabling hardware, tend to fare better than those whose AI exposure is largely driven by narrative.

                                  “We have for a long time argued that the hardware and semiconductor side of the business is where we want to be (more heavily focused) right now, because it is seeing the revenue and profit generation directly from the infrastructure investment. That being said, particularly with the severity of the declines that we’ve seen in the software side over the past few weeks, I think (some opportunities) might be starting to spring up there,’ said Learmonth.

                                  “We have reduced our software exposure a little bit over the past few quarters, but we are still maintaining some software exposure in those companies where we think they have competitive moats, whether that’s specialized areas like tax preparation and accounting, things like that,’ the expert elaborated.

                                  Following the earlier correction, which Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives says may have been an overreaction, AI‑sensitive stocks are now trading at more reasonable multiples than at their October 2025 peak.

                                  For the S&P 500 Software & Services group, the average forward P/E multiple has fallen from about 32.6 times to 22.7 times expected profits, even though analysts still forecast double‑digit revenue and earnings growth, plus net margins close to 30 percent. That average hides a wide gap between names that still trade on premium “AI story” multiples and others that have rerated much more sharply, which is where stock picking becomes critical.

                                  In a recent note, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) spotlighted Atlassian (NASDAQ:TEAM), Shopify (NYSE:SHOP) and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) as some of the most compelling software opportunities for investors looking to buy the dip.

                                  Investor takeaway

                                  Against this backdrop, the focus is shifting from “how much AI” to “how AI is structured.’

                                  For investors who want to stay exposed to AI‑driven tech, but are wary of sharp, headline‑driven swings, vehicles like the Harvest Tech Achievers Growth & Income ETF could offer a middle ground by combining active stock selection in structural winners with a covered‑call overlay.

                                  “That’s how we generate enhanced yields — by selling calls on our long equity positions to generate option premiums, which we then pay as distributions on a fixed monthly basis,” explained Learmonth.

                                  “That sale of options can help to mitigate some of the month‑to‑month volatility across the fund, with the tradeoff being some foregone upside in a strong bull market.”

                                  As the AI trend evolves, success will likely favor those who view AI as a long-term, multi-year structural shift rather than a short-term theme. Winners will employ active management, prioritize income and utilize a disciplined structure to separate signal from noise.

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

                                  This post appeared first on investingnews.com

                                  Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (February 20) 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$67,850.72, up by 1.2 percent over the last 24 hours.

                                  Bitcoin price performance, February 20, 2026.

                                  Bitcoin price performance, February 20, 2026.

                                  Chart via TradingView

                                  Ether (ETH) was priced at US$1,959.77, up by 0.6 percent over the last 24 hours.

                                  Altcoin price update

                                  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.42, trading flat over 24 hours.
                                  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$83.59, down by 3.1 percent over 24 hours.

                                  Today’s crypto news to know

                                  CME moves crypto derivatives to 24/7 schedule

                                  CME Group will begin offering round-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options on CME Globex starting May 29, 2026, pending regulatory approval.

                                  The decision follows a record US$3 trillion in notional crypto derivatives volume in 2025. Year-to-date in 2026, crypto derivatives average daily volume has climbed 46 percent year over year to 407,200 contracts, while futures ADV is up 47 percent. Average daily open interest currently stands at 335,400 contracts.

                                  By eliminating weekend closures, CME allows traders to hedge in real time as crypto markets move, reducing the price gap risk that builds when traditional markets are shut.

                                  Bitcoin ETFs extend five-week outflow streak

                                  Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds logged another US$165.8 million in net redemptions on February 19, stretching a five-week outflow streak to nearly US$4 billion.

                                  Weekly withdrawals since mid-January have ranged from US$318 million to US$1.49 billion, raising questions about whether institutional demand is cooling.

                                  Despite the steady redemptions, Bitcoin edged up 1.4 percent over the past day to roughly US$67,800, lifting the broader crypto market cap to around US$2.4 trillion.

                                  Solana meme coin PUNCH surges after exchange listing

                                  A Solana-based meme coin known as PUNCH has surged sharply after securing a listing on a major exchange, briefly jumping more than 80 percent in a single session and posting eye-catching weekly gains.

                                  The token’s market capitalization climbed past US$30 million as it ranked among CoinGecko’s top gainers.

                                  The coin draws branding from a viral story about a rescued baby long-tailed macaque named Punch, which gained traction across social media.

                                  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.

                                  This post appeared first on investingnews.com

                                  /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

                                  1911 Gold Corporation (‘1911 Gold’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: AUMB,OTC:AUMBF) (OTCQX: AUMBF) (FRA: 2KY) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a loan agreement (the ‘Loan Agreement’) with Auramet International, Inc. (‘Auramet’), providing for a US$30 million secured credit facility (the ‘Credit Facility’). It is anticipated that the proceeds from the Credit Facility will be used to advance critical operational milestones at the True North Gold Project, specifically providing the capital required to purchase essential mining equipment, underground development at the True North mine, and the installation of the new crushing circuit at the mill.

                                  1911 Gold Corporation - TSXV: AUMB, OTCQB: AUMBF, FRA: 2KY (CNW Group/1911 Gold Corporation)

                                  Shaun Heinrichs, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated ‘We are very pleased to secure this credit facility with Auramet, a group that has a long and successful history with the True North Gold Project and a deep understanding of its potential. This US$30 million facility provides the necessary funding to advance the restart plan outlined in our recently released PEA, which showcased a high-return, low-capital-intensity path back to production. By securing this financing, we remain well-capitalized to achieve our key operational milestones at Rice Lake as we position 1911 Gold for a restart in 2027.’

                                  Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, US$15 million of the Credit Facility (the ‘Tranche 1 Amount‘) will be made available on the Closing Date (as defined below) and, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, the remaining US$15 million of the Credit Facility (the ‘Tranche 2 Amount‘) will be made available during the period commencing on the date that is 90 days following the Closing Date and ending on the date that is 180 days following the Closing Date. The outstanding principal amount under the Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate of 12% per annum calculated and payable monthly in arrears on the last business day of each calendar month; provided, however, that no interest shall accrue on the Tranche 1 Amount for a period of six months following the Closing Date. The Tranche 1 Amount shall be amortized and repaid to Auramet in 12 equal monthly instalments of US$1.25 million commencing on the date that is 13 months following the Closing Date and ending on the date that is 24 months following the Closing Date (the ‘Maturity Date‘). The Tranche 2 Amount shall be repaid to Auramet on the Maturity Date.

                                  The obligations under the Loan Agreement and the Offtake Agreement (as defined below) are secured by a first-ranking security interest on all personal property of the Company and a continuing collateral mortgage against the Company’s True North Gold Project and Rice Lake exploration properties. The Loan Agreement includes terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, including certain specified positive and negative covenants and mandatory prepayment terms.

                                  The closing of the advance of the Tranche 1 Amount is anticipated to occur prior to the end of February (the ‘Closing Date‘) and is subject to customary conditions, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘TSXV‘).

                                  In consideration for the arrangement of the Credit Facility, on the Closing Date, the Company will pay Auramet an arrangement fee of US$1,050,000, representing 3.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the Credit Facility, which fee is payable, at the option of the Company, in cash or by the issuance of 1,369,600 common shares in the capital of the Company (‘Common Shares‘) at a deemed price of C$1.05 per Common Share.

                                  In consideration for the lending of the Tranche 1 Amount, on the Closing Date, the Company will pay Auramet a drawdown fee of US$375,000, representing 2.5% of the Tranche 1 Amount, which fee is payable, at the option of the Company, in cash or by the issuance of 489,142 Common Shares at a deemed price of C$1.05 per Common Share, and will issue to Auramet 4,500,000 common share purchase warrants of the Company (the ‘Tranche 1 Warrants‘), with each Tranche 1 Warrant exercisable to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to C$1.07 per Common Share, representing a 10% premium to the 5-day volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares on the TSXV for the five consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the date of the Loan Agreement, with such Tranche 1 Warrants expiring on the Maturity Date, subject to acceleration.

                                  In consideration for the lending of the Tranche 2 Amount, on the date of drawdown of the Tranche 2 Amount, the Company will pay Auramet a further drawdown fee of US$375,000, representing 2.5% of the Tranche 2 Amount, which fee is payable, at the option of the Company, in either cash or in Common Shares by issuing such number of Common Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the amount of the drawdown fee converted to Canadian dollars based on the Bank of Canada daily exchange rate on the business day prior to the date of drawdown of the Tranche 2 Amount, by (ii) the greater of (A) the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSXV on the trading day immediately prior to the date of drawdown of the Tranche 2 Amount, and (B) the lowest price permitted by the TSXV, and will issue to Auramet an additional 4,500,000 common share purchase warrants of the Company (the ‘Tranche 2 Warrants‘ and, together with the Tranche 1 Warrants, the ‘Warrants‘), with each Tranche 2 Warrant exercisable to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to the greater of (i) a 10% premium to the 5-day volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares on the TSXV for the five consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the trading day immediately prior to the date of drawdown of the Tranche 2 Amount, and (ii) the lowest price permitted by the TSXV.

                                  The Common Shares and the Warrants issuable pursuant to the Loan Agreement and the Common Shares underlying the Warrants will be subject to a four-month statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

                                  The Common Shares and the Warrants issuable pursuant to the Loan Agreement and the Common Shares underlying the Warrants have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

                                  In connection with the Credit Facility, the Company also entered into an offtake agreement (the ‘Offtake Agreement‘) with Auramet, pursuant to which the Company will sell to Auramet 100% of gold produced from its True North Gold Project and its Rice Lake exploration properties until the date that is the later of (i) the date which is 36 months following the Closing Date, and (ii) the date on which full repayment of the Credit Facility has been made.

                                  About Auramet

                                  Auramet is a private company established in 2004 by seasoned professionals who have assembled a global team of industry specialists with over 400 years combined industry experience. It is one of the largest physical precious metals merchants in the world and has provided over $1.5 billion in term financing facilities to date. Auramet offers a full range of services including physical metals trading, metals merchant banking (including direct lending), and project finance advisory services to all participants in the precious metals supply chain.

                                  About 1911 Gold Corporation

                                  1911 Gold is an advanced gold explorer and developer focused on its 100%-owned True North Gold Project in the Archean Rice Lake Greenstone Belt in Manitoba, Canada. The Company controls a large, highly prospective ~62,000-hectare land package with numerous past-producing gold operations within trucking distance of the fully built and permitted True North mine and mill complex. 1911 Gold is positioning itself to restart operations in 2027 and offers a unique, near-term production story with significant exploration upside. The strategy is to build a district-scale gold mining operation around a centralized, and readily expandable infrastructure to support a socially and environmentally responsible, long-term mining operation with little development risk and a growing mineral resource base.

                                  1911 Gold’s True North complex and the exploration land package are located within and among the First Nation communities of the Hollow Water First Nation and the Black River First Nation. 1911 Gold looks forward to maintaining open, cooperative, and respectful communications with all of our local communities and stakeholders to foster mutually beneficial working relationships.

                                  ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                                  Shaun Heinrichs
                                  President and CEO

                                  CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

                                  This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘). Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as ‘plans’, ‘expects’ or ‘does not expect’, ‘is expected’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘estimates’, ‘forecasts’, ‘intends’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘does not anticipate’, or ‘believes’, or that describe a ‘goal’, or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken, occur or be achieved.

                                  All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including, but not limited to, statements about the structure and terms of the Credit Facility, the Loan Agreement and the Offtake Agreement, the use of proceeds of the Credit Facility, the timing and ability of the Company to close the advance of the Tranche 1 Amount on the terms announced or at all, the timing and ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions precedent in respect of the Credit Facility, including the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, and the Company’s objectives, goals and future plans and strategies, are forward-looking statements. 

                                  All forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Company’s forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Company believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements.

                                  Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, predictions, projections, forecasts, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s inability to close the Credit Facility, including the advance of the Tranche 1 Amount, on the terms described in this news release or on other terms acceptable to the Company, the Company’s inability to satisfy the conditions precedent in respect of the Credit Facility, the Company’s inability to receive necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Credit Facility, and the Company’s inability to repay the Credit Facility or comply with the covenants set out in the Loan Agreement.

                                  Although 1911 Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

                                  All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are given as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

                                  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.

                                  SOURCE 1911 Gold Corporation

                                  Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2026/20/c6523.html

                                  News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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                                  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.

                                  Azurite mineral on rocky surface, highlighted with a green dashed line. from Steadright Critical MIneral

                                  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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                                  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.

                                  Map of LaFleur Minerals

                                  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

                                  Map highlighting LaFleur Minerals

                                  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.

                                  Map of LaFleur Minerals

                                  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

                                  Aerial view of a Lafleur Mineral

                                  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.

                                  Industrial machinery with large drums and walkways at LaFleur Minerals

                                  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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