Ares Strategic Mining Begins Ore Stockpiling at Lost Sheep Mine
Vancouver, B.C. — February 18, 2026 — Leads & Copy —
Ares Strategic Mining Inc. is actively mining fluorspar ore at its Lost Sheep Fluorspar Mine in Utah, with thousands of tons stockpiled for processing, the company said.
The mining operations mark a transition from development to production build-up, representing progress toward sustained acidspar output, according to the company.
Underground operations are advancing, with ore being extracted, transported to the surface, and organized into stockpiles to support processing runs. The company’s teams have been executing mining plans while maintaining operational discipline and safety standards, Ares said.
The stockpiling phase allows Ares to build ore inventory ahead of flotation plant commissioning, optimize blending and grade control for consistent processing performance, ensure uninterrupted feedstock supply once processing begins, and demonstrate visible and measurable production momentum, the company said.
The stockpiling initiative is part of Ares’ strategy to ensure a smooth ramp-up into full acidspar production. With underground development advancing and surface infrastructure in place, the company is positioning itself for consistent throughput once the flotation plant becomes operational, Ares said.
James Walker, President and CEO of Ares Strategic Mining, said seeing tons of ore at the surface validates the team’s hard work in bringing the Lost Sheep back into production.
Fluorspar is a U.S. critical mineral essential for steel and aluminum manufacturing, fluorochemicals and refrigerants, semiconductor and electronics production, clean energy technologies, and defense and national security applications, the company said.
As the only permitted and operating fluorspar mine in the United States, Ares continues to reinforce its position as a cornerstone of domestic supply. The commencement of stockpiling demonstrates operational readiness and the company’s commitment to disciplined execution and long-term value creation, according to the company.
Ares expects to continue expanding surface stockpiles, advance flotation plant readiness, prepare for initial processing runs, and move closer to steady-state production over the coming weeks.
Ares has settled $185,199.23 CAD for services rendered to the company by consultants and service providers, by issuing 381,854 common shares. These shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.
Ares Strategic Mining Inc. is focused on the development of its fluorspar projects in the U.S. The company aims to become a supplier of high-grade fluorspar to North American markets.
Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project – Delta, Utah: 100% owned – 5,982 acres – 353 Claims; Located in the Spor Mountain area, Juab County, Utah, approximately 214 km south-west of Salt Lake City; Fully Permitted – including mining permits; NI 43-101 Technical Report identified extensive high-grade fluorspar with low levels of impurities; Mining plan approved by BLM.
First approved by Rex Rowley – Area Manager, Bureau of Land Management – 24th August 1992.
Renewed by Paul B. Baker – Minerals Program Manager, Bureau of Land Management – 12th December 2016.
James Walker is Chief Executive Officer and President of Ares Strategic Mining Ltd.
Source: Ares Strategic Mining Inc.
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