Vancouver, Canada – TheNewswire - February 18, 2026 – Lighthouse Gold Inc. (CSE: LGHT) (“Lighthouse” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on preparations towards the commencement of its maiden (Phase I) exploration program at the Aurora NW Project located in Guyana, South America.

As previously announced, the Company entered into a definitive option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Aurora NW Project (the “Property”). The Property consists of four (4) Prospecting Permits Medium Scale (“PPMS”) totalling approximately 4,799 acres (1,942 hectares) located in the Cuyuni–Mazaruni (Region 7) region of Guyana.

The Property is situated within the Cuyuni greenstone belt of the Guiana Shield in the Amazon Craton — a geologically prospective terrane known to host structurally-controlled gold mineralization. The project area is underlain by metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary sequences intruded by granitic and tonalitic bodies and affected by strong deformation and greenschist-facies metamorphism.

The Property is located approximately three (3) kilometres from the Aurora Gold Mine concessions and approximately seven (7) kilometres from the Aurora Gold Mine, the largest active gold mine in Guyana, owned and operated by Zijin Mining Group Corporation. The Company cautions that mineralization on nearby or adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Aurora NW Project.

The Company is expediting the maiden exploration program at Aurora NW, including building a local and experienced team and ensuring the work is completed safely & efficiently. Lighthouse has now employed an experienced Country Administration Manager within Guyana who will oversee the logistical support for the technical team to be successful at site. The Phase I exploration program is designed to evaluate the Property’s gold potential and among other tasks will include:

1. Compilation, digitization and reinterpretation of historical data.
2. Detailed geological mapping and collection of structural information.  
3. Systematic rock and stream geochemistry surveys.  
4. Saprolite and soil sampling of identified priority targets. Hand auger testing if needed.

The objective of this phase of work is to identify and prioritize mineralized corridors and generate drill-ready targets. Subject to results, the Company anticipates advancing to trenching, geophysical surveys and drilling later in the exploration season.

“We are taking a disciplined and technically driven approach to advancing Aurora NW,” stated Will Rascan, Interim CEO of Lighthouse. “Our project is located in such close proximity to the actual mine, the Aurora gold deposit, therefore our main objective in Phase I is to define if part of the controlling structural framework is extending into Lighthouse’s Property and of course outline discrete geochemical and geological targets that will require trenching and drilling later in the field season.”

The exploration program is designed to maximize capital efficiency while positioning the Company to make informed technical decisions within the three-year option period. The Company is also evaluating potential additional acquisitions in the surrounding area to consolidate prospective ground within the fertile Guyanese greenstone belt.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gregory Smith, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”).

On Behalf of the Board.

For further information, please contact:

William Rascan,

Interim CEO

Email: will@lighthousegold.com

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements relating to the Company’s planned exploration activities, anticipated results, future work programs, potential acquisitions, and advancement of the Property. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by applicable law.