February 11th, 2026 – TheNewswire - Rockport, Ontario– New Age Metals Inc. (TSX.V: NAM | OTCQB: NMTLF | FSE: P7J) (“NAM” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the acquisition, via staking, of the Platreef PGM Project, a platinum group metals–nickel–copper (PGM–Ni–Cu) exploration property located in Northwestern Ontario within the highly prospective Lac des Iles Igneous Complex, hosting Canada’s only primary palladium mine.

The acquisition expands the Company’s PGM Division and strengthens its strategic footprint in a well-established mining district with strong infrastructure, road access, and year-round exploration potential, ~80km from the city of Thunder Bay.

The Platreef PGM Project provides exposure to palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) within mafic–ultramafic intrusive geological settings considered prospective for intrusion-hosted PGM mineralization.

Platinum group metals are recognized as critical minerals by the Government of Canada due to their importance in emissions control technologies, clean energy systems, and advanced industrial applications. The Platreef PGM Project aligns with Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to support domestic supply chains and responsible resource development.

Harry Barr, Chairman and CEO, commented, “The acquisition of the Platreef PGM Project represents a strategic addition to New Age Metals’ growing PGM pipeline. The project is located in a proven PGM district with excellent infrastructure and strong geological indicators. Our objective is to be the most aggressive PGM explorer and developer in Canada. As our focus remains on disciplined capital allocation, advancing high-quality exploration assets, and creating long-term shareholder value.”

Highlights

• Large-scale land package comprising 834 mining claims totaling approximately 16,680 hectares (~41,200 acres) in Northwestern Ontario 

• Located within the Lac des Îles Igneous Complex, a well-established PGM district hosting the Lac des Îles Mine, Canada’s only primary palladium-producing operation, owned and operated by Impala Canada Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited 

• The Company intends to proactively engage and consult with local First Nations in accordance with New Age Metals’ established policy of meaningful and ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities 

• Excellent infrastructure and logistics, including road access and proximity to Thunder Bay, a regional hub for mining services, workforce, transportation, and supply chains 

• Geological setting interpreted to be prospective for intrusion-hosted PGM–Ni–Cu mineralization, based on mafic–ultramafic intrusive units and historical exploration data 

• Magnetite-bearing gabbroic intrusions and sulphide-bearing zones reported in historical exploration programs 

• Multiple untested or underexplored intrusive and geophysical targets identified across the property 

• Strategic addition to New Age Metals’ Platinum Group Metals project pipeline, complementing the Company’s River Valley PGM Project and recently acquired Northern Shield PGM Project (Ontario) and Genesis PGM–Cu–Ni Project (Alaska) 

Click Image To View Full Size

 

Figure 1. Project location of the Platreef PGM Project in relation to Impala Canada’s Lac des Iles Mine. Mineral resource and mineral reserve figures presented are derived from public NI 43-101 disclosures¹

  

Platreef PGM Project – Lac des Iles Area

 

The Platreef PGM Project comprises 834 mining claims totaling ~16,680 hectares (~41,200 acres) and is located within the broader Lac des Îles Igneous Complex, which hosts Canada’s only primary palladium mine.

The property is considered prospective for intrusion-hosted PGM mineralization, based on:

• The presence of magnetite-bearing gabbroic intrusions 

• Above-background palladium values in historical surface samples 

• Sulphide-bearing zones spatially associated with intrusive contacts. 

• Coincident magnetic and induced polarization (IP) anomalies 

• Limited historical drilling that intersected sulphide mineralization but has not defined PGM grades of economic interest. 

 

Previous exploration is interpreted to have been constrained by limited mechanical stripping, incomplete understanding of intrusive geometry, and drill orientations that may not have optimally tested intrusive targets.

The Platreef PGM Project is located adjacent to the Lac des Iles PGM Mine, operated by Impala Canada Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats; JSE: IMP; OTCQX: IMPUY), one of the world’s leading primary producers of platinum group metals, which reports proven and probable mineral reserves of 40.9 million tonnes grading 2.31 g/t Pd, containing 3.04 million ounces of palladium, as disclosed in the NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility Study for the Lac des Iles Mine, with an effective date of July 4, 2018, filed on SEDAR+1

Exploration Strategy

 

New Age Metals intends to advance the Platreef PGM Project through a phased and systematic exploration program focused on refining geological understanding, defining priority targets, and advancing the project toward potential drill testing in a disciplined and technically driven manner.

• Compile and review historical geological mapping, drill data, geophysical surveys (magnetics and IP), and government datasets. 

• Conduct field verification including mapping, prospecting, and lithogeochemical sampling. 

• Complete selective mechanical stripping where appropriate to improve bedrock exposure. 

• The Company may undertake additional ground-based geophysical surveys to refine subsurface targets. 

• Advance priority targets to diamond drilling, subject to results, permitting, and available funding. 

• Engage early with local First Nations and stakeholders to ensure transparent communication and responsible exploration practices. 

Qualified Person

Troy Gallik, P.Geo. (Member ID 3550), a Practising Registrant and Qualified Person (“QP”) as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Gallik is a geological consultant to New Age Metals Inc. and is not independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

The QP has reviewed available assessment files, historical drill logs, geophysical data, government geological data, and publicly available technical reports relevant to the Company’s newly acquired claims. The QP has not completed sufficient work to independently verify all historical information referenced herein, particularly information generated by previous operators. However, the QP considers the historical information to be relevant and reliable for the purposes of identifying and discussing exploration potential.

About NAM

New Age Metals is a junior mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery, exploration, and development of critical green metal projects in North America. The Company has three divisions: a Platinum Group Element division, a Lithium/Rare Metals division, an Antimony-Gold Division as well as an investment in MetalQuest Mining’s (TSXV:MQM | OTC:MQMIF) high purity Lac Otelnuk Iron Project.

The PGM Division includes the 100% owned, multi-million-ounce, district-scale River Valley Project, one of North America’s largest undeveloped Platinum Group Element Projects, situated 100 km by road east of Sudbury, Ontario. In addition to River Valley, NAM owns 100% of the Genesis PGM-Cu-Ni Project in Alaska. Most recent PGM announcement:  https://newagemetals.com/new-age-metals-prepares-its-platinum-group-metals-division-to-launch/.

In addition, on January 21st 2026, the Company recently expanded its Platinum Group Metals portfolio through the acquisition of the Northern Shield PGM Project in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region, strengthening its exposure to district-scale mafic–ultramafic systems prospective for nickel, copper, and platinum group elements.

New Age Metals’ Antimony–Gold division is located in Newfoundland and comprises a 20,950-hectare land package across 11 non-contiguous properties. Six of these properties are situated in the St. Alban’s area, along Canstar’s Swanger and Little River mineralized trends. The remaining five properties are strategically positioned along the same regional geological trend as the past-producing Beaver Brook Antimony Mine and are also located near New Found Gold’s Queensway South Gold Project.

Management has completed Phase 1 exploration and has now finished Phase 2 fieldwork. The Phase 2 program successfully delineated multiple gold–antimony (Au–Sb) trends, and the Company is currently planning follow-up exploration while awaiting additional assay results. These results will be used to guide exploration targeting and program planning for 2026 and beyond. Most recent releases: https://newagemetals.com/axiom-exploration-group-initiates-xcite-helicopter-borne-tdem-survey-over-nams-sentinel-antimony-property-newfoundland-nam-monitors-fintech-solutions-to-enhance-market-transparency/

https://newagemetals.com/new-age-metals-samples-high-grade-antimony-gold-silver-and-lead-at-st-albans-newfoundland-and-starts-phase-2-exploration/

The Bonanza Ridge Gold and Critical Metals Project has been significantly expanded with the option agreements for the Lavender Lake and South Gibi Lake properties, adding a combined ~5,216 hectares (~12,889 acres) of prospective ground in the Kenora Gold District of northwestern Ontario. These properties, located about 25 km southeast of Kenora, are strategically positioned along a favourable structural corridor adjacent to NAM’s flagship Bonanza Gold Property, and host known gold and copper occurrences with minimal modern exploration to date. The consolidated portfolio now comprises approximately 8,500 hectares of contiguous land within an emerging gold and critical metals jurisdiction, providing substantial opportunities for follow-up field work, structural modeling, target generation, and future drill campaigns. Recent announcement:https://newagemetals.com/new-age-metals-expands-bonanza-ridge-gold-andcritical-metals-project-strategic-acquisition-oflavender-lake-south-gibi-lake-properties/.

The Company is establishing a Kenora, Ontario based field operations hub to support exploration activities across Northwestern Ontario and Eastern Manitoba. The proposed facility would provide centralized logistical, technical, and administrative support for regional exploration programs and is expected to improve field efficiency and coordination.

The Company’s Lithium Division is one of the largest mineral claim holders in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field, where the Company is exploring hard rock lithium and various rare elements such as tantalum, rubidium, and cesium. NAM is developing its lithium division in conjunction with its Farm-in/Joint Venture agreement with Mineral Resources Ltd. (“MinRes”), one of the world’s largest lithium producers. A minimum budget to maintain the Projects has been approved by Mineral Resources Ltd for May 2025 to April 2026. Management is currently working on providing Mineral Resources, a go forward exploration program for spring, summer, and fall 2026.

In April 2024, a $1.5M NSERC Alliance grant was awarded to a collaboration led by the University of Manitoba (Drs. Fayek and Camacho), with academic partners from Lakehead University (Dr. Hollings) and industry partners including New Age Metals and Grid Metals. This research is focused on advancing Canada’s critical metals sector, with New Age Metals’ portion targeting its Bird River lithium properties. The 2025 work included core sampling and field visits. The project will likely extend beyond the original 3-year term, due to its delayed start. The parties involved in this grant plan to meet over the next 60 days and will announce our plans for 2026 and beyond.

New Age Metals Inc. is supporting a successful $180K Mitacs research grant, awarded in 2023, through its $90K contribution (already accounted for and paid under the Mineral Resources joint venture). This academic partnership with the University of New Brunswick and the University of British Columbia is focused on understanding the origin and controls of lithium pegmatite mineralization in the Cat Lake–Winnipeg River field. MSc and post-doctoral research programs have recently been completed, and the Company is reviewing the results with the academic institutions to assess how the findings may be incorporated into future exploration programs. This collaboration provides access to top-tier scientific expertise and equipment, significantly reducing analysis costs and adding long-term value to the project.

The Company is actively seeking an option/joint venture partner for our and its road-accessible Genesis PGM-Cu-Ni Project in Alaska and results from our Summer/Fall Program are expected by the end of the year. Recent announcement: https://newagemetals.com/new-age-metals-completes-summer-2025-exploration-program-on-the-genesis-pgm-cu-ni-project-alaska/ .

On August 6, 2025, New Age Metals announced an additional investment in a 4th critical metal. NAM currently owns approximately 9.63% and holds warrants that, if exercised with today’s issued and outstanding shares of MQM, would bring NAM to a 14.6% interest in MetalQuest Mining inc.

MetalQuest Mining inc. is developing one of North Americas largest iron projects, where approximately $120 million has been spent on the project. For more information, please visit MetalQuestMining.com . High-purity iron became a critical metal Federally in Canada and in the Provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador in 2024. In the summer of 2025, MQM contracted AtkinsRealis, an international engineering company, to complete a GAP Analysis on the Lac Otelnuk Project and its 2015 Feasibility Study. Results are expected in Q1 2026.

MetalQuest Mining Inc. (“MQM”) has expanded its presence in the Ontario Ring of Fire through the acquisition of both the ROF-1 Project and the recently announced Fishhook Polymetallic Project. The Fishhook Project further strengthens MetalQuest’s regional footprint, targeting polymetallic mineralization prospective for base and critical metals.

Management is currently aggressively seeking new mineral acquisition opportunities on an international scale. Our philosophy is to be a project generator with the objective of optioning our projects with major and junior mining companies through to production.

Investors are invited to visit the New Age Metals website at www.newagemetals.com where they can review the company and its corporate activities. Any questions or comments can be directed to info@newagemetals.com or Harry Barr at Hbarr@newagemetals.com or Farid Mammadov at faridm@newagemetals.com or call 613 659 2773.

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On behalf of the Board of Directors

“Harry Barr”

Harry G. Barr

Chairman and CEO

    

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.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results and are based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements include statements in which the Company uses words such as “continue”, “efforts”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “confident”, “intend”, “strategy”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “project”, “goal”, “target”, “prospects”, “optimistic” or similar expressions. These statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, among others, the Company’s ability and continuation of efforts to timely and completely make available adequate current public information, additional or different regulatory and legal requirements and restrictions that may be imposed, and other factors as may be discussed in the documents filed by the Company on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), including the most recent reports that identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to review or confirm analysts’ expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

1 Readers are cautioned that mineralization, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, and technical information reported for adjacent properties are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Lac des Iles PGM Project. The Company has not independently verified third-party data referenced herein, and such information should not be considered predictive of mineralization on the Company’s property.