Bonterra Awarded UL ECOLOGO Certification for Responsible Mineral Exploration and Announces Grants Security-Based Compensation

Rhea-AI Summary

Bonterra (OTCQX:BONXF) announced it received UL 2723 ECOLOGO Certification for mineral exploration, recognizing its ESG and responsible exploration practices, with support from AEMQ. The company also granted an aggregate of 545,000 RSUs to officers (one-year vesting) and 1,660,000 stock options exercisable at $0.18 for five years, vesting immediately.

The actions signal formal ESG recognition and security-based compensation to align management with shareholder interests.

Positive

• Received UL 2723 ECOLOGO certification for ESG practices
• Granted 545,000 RSUs to officers with one-year vesting
• Issued 1,660,000 stock options to officers, vesting immediately

Negative

• Potential dilution from 2,205,000 granted securities if exercised
• Options exercisable at $0.18 could dilute existing shareholders

Val-d'Or, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 17, 2026) - Bonterra Resources Inc. (TSXV: BTR) (OTCQX: BONXF) (FSE: 9BR2) ("Bonterra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has received UL 2723 ECOLOGO® Certification for Mineral Exploration Companies, recognizing our exemplary environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Supported by the Québec Mineral Exploration Association ("AEMQ"), the ECOLOGO® program consists of a certification recognizing best-in-class sustainability and responsible practices for mineral exploration companies, developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Marc-André Pelletier, President and CEO, commented: "Receiving the ECOLOGO® certification demonstrates the Company's commitment to sustainable development in our exploration activities. Our team works diligently to reduce the impact of our operations while respecting the environment and communicating with local communities. We would like to thank AEMQ for their support and guidance during the accreditation process."

Security-Based Compensation

The Company also announces that effective February 17, 2026, it granted an aggregate of 545,000 restricted share units of Bonterra ("RSUs") to officers of the Company. The RSUs are subject to a one-year vesting period from the date of grant in accordance with the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan.

The Company also granted stock options to officers to acquire an aggregate of 1,660,000 common shares of the Company. Each stock options vest immediately and are exercisable at a price of $0.18 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant.

ABOUT BONTERRA

Bonterra is a Canadian gold exploration company with a portfolio of advanced exploration assets anchored by a central milling facility in Quebec, Canada. The Company's assets include the Gladiator, Barry, Moroy, and Bachelor gold deposits, which collectively hold 7.4 million tonnes at 5.21g/t Au for 1.24 million ounces of Measured and Indicated categories and 9.2 million tonnes at 6.05g/t Au for 1.78 million ounces of Inferred mineral resources category.

In November 2023, the Company entered into an earn-in and joint venture agreement with Osisko Mining Inc. ("Osisko Mining") for the Urban-Barry properties (the "JV Agreement"), which include the Gladiator and Barry deposits. In October 2024, Gold Fields Ltd, through a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, completed the acquisition of Osisko Mining for C$2.16 billion. Gold Fields is now the counterparty to the JV Agreement and can continue to earn a 70% interest in the joint venture by incurring C$30 million in work expenditures on or before November 2026 (including expenditures incurred by Osisko Mining prior to October 2024). This strategic transaction highlights Bonterra's dedication to advancing its exploration assets, marking a significant step towards development.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Marc-André Pelletier, President & CEO
ir@btrgold.com

2872 Sullivan Road, Suite 2, Val d'Or, Quebec J9P 0B9
819-825-8678 | Website: www.btrgold.com

Neither 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.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking and are often identified by words such as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", and "intend". Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements regarding the award of the ECOLOGO® certification, and Gold Fields' ability to complete the remaining earn-in expenditures under the JV Agreement.

These statements are based on assumptions considered reasonable by management, including assumptions regarding exploration plans, budgets, schedules, regulatory approvals, and the continued advancement of work by Gold Fields. However, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks include, but are not limited to, changes to exploration plans, results that differ from expectations, operational or permitting challenges, the ability of the parties to complete the Joint Venture, the timing and completion of earn-in expenditures, the speculative nature of mineral exploration, commodity price fluctuations, and the availability of financing. Additional information regarding risks can be found in the Company's filings at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements in this release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284222

FAQ

What does the UL 2723 ECOLOGO certification mean for Bonterra (BONXF)?

It confirms recognition for sustainable mineral exploration practices and ESG systems. According to the company, the certification recognizes best-in-class sustainability and responsible practices developed by Underwriters Laboratories and supported by AEMQ, reflecting formal external validation of its ESG approach.

How many restricted share units did Bonterra (BONXF) grant on February 17, 2026?

Bonterra granted an aggregate of 545,000 restricted share units to officers with one-year vesting. According to the company, the RSUs vest after one year under its Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan to align executive incentives with shareholders.

What are the terms of the stock options Bonterra (BONXF) granted on February 17, 2026?

The company granted options to acquire 1,660,000 common shares exercisable at $0.18 for five years. According to the company, the options vest immediately and remain exercisable for a period of five years from the grant date.

How might the February 17, 2026 grants affect Bonterra shareholders (BONXF)?

Grants could increase share count if options are exercised, potentially diluting current shareholders. According to the company, 2,205,000 securities were granted in total (RSUs plus options), which could affect ownership percentages if converted or exercised.

Who supported Bonterra's ECOLOGO certification process for BONXF?

The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) supported the certification process. According to the company, AEMQ provided support and guidance during the accreditation, contributing to the company’s receipt of UL 2723 ECOLOGO certification.