Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2026) - Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSXV: LIT) (FSE: OAY3) (OTCQB: LILIF) ("Argentina Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following updates.

Argentina Lithium filed its maiden mineral resource estimate with the NI 43-101 technical report entitled "Mineral Resource Estimate - Rincon West Project, Salta, Argentina" with an effective date of November 27, 2025 (the "Report") (Press Release December 3, 2025). This resource estimate is based on 14 diamond drill holes totalling 4823.2 drilled metres, and one production well drilled to 470 metres, plus surface and downhole geophysics and other work.

The Report identified two exploration objectives for the project: additional pump testing to evaluate the hydraulic characteristics of brine host units in the western (Villanoveño II) mining concession, and infill drilling to upgrade resource categories. Both of these recommendations have been integrated into the Company's multi-stage exploration plan for Rincon West. The rotary wells required for pump testing have been permitted and work is expected to begin as soon as the next quarter, once operational funds are in place and a drill rig contracted. The infill drilling work is subject to various permit requirements that have been mapped out and will be systematically addressed this year.

Nikolaos Cacos, CEO of Argentina Lithium, stated: "Management believes that Rincon West has strong potential to be advanced through initial economic assessment and towards a Feasibility Study and potential commercial lithium production. Subject to funding and project conditions, we look forward to advancing drilling and progressing into initial pump testing as the next phases of work at Rincon West. Of course, one of the key steps for advancing any lithium brine project is the extraction testing and associated engineering studies. With our recently announced Memorandum of Understanding signed with Lanshen, management believes we potentially will have an outstanding strategic partnership to facilitate that work, allowing us to advance and maximise the value of the Rincon West project."

The Company announced a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Xi'an Lanshen New Material Technology Co., Ltd. ("Lanshen"), a globally recognized Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology leader (Press Release December 22, 2025). This collaboration establishes the framework for Lanshen to deploy its proprietary DLE systems, engineering and project-development expertise to accelerate the advancement of the Rincon West project towards completion of a Feasibility Study and potential future commercial production.

Lithium Resource Advancement Plan Details

Two new rotary wells suitable for pump testing, and potentially for eventually production, were recommended to evaluate the hydraulic characteristics of host units in the western Villanoveño II mining concession at Rincon West. The drill permit for this work has been obtained.

• One 10-inch steel-cased well is planned for the RW-DDH-02 platform to evaluate vertical connectivity between aquifer units. A nearby 50 m observation well will also be required.

• A second 10-inch steel-cased well is planned near the RW-DDH-06 platform to assess the hydraulic properties of the highly fractured rocky units interpreted as Ordovician basement, and to determine any connectivity with overlying clastic units. This and similar formations may potentially have good fracture permeability and support the installation of brine production wells. A nearby 90 m monitoring is also recommended.

Additional exploration drilling is recommended in the eastern Rinconcita II mining concession, to test to the bottom of the potential salar sequence with the aim to evaluate the potential to define and upgrade mineral resources classifications in the target exploration zone between 385 m and 455 m depth, in accordance with NI 43-101.

To this end, two new diamond drill holes are planned, located intermediate to existing drilling at the Rinconcita II concession. Diamond drilling will facilitate the extraction of core samples for porosity and brine recovery testing, and the extraction of brine samples from specific formation intervals within the geologic sequence. The diamond drilling is subject to the submission of a new environmental report and permit approval.

In addition to exploration drilling, field work is also planned to support future scoping and feasibility studies, subject to permitting and funding, to include:

• Drilling to define and assess water resources and to delineate the water-brine interface where relevant.
• Spent brine evaporation testing.
• Spent brine infiltration testing within the salar basin.

These items, and potentially other work, will facilitate the creation of a hydrogeologic model for planning a production wellfield, and will determine certain operational parameters essential for planning of a Direct Lithium Extraction production facility at site.

The execution of the exploration plan described above is subject to the availability of additional funding. The plan does not currently form part of the Company's business objectives for the next 12 months and will only be undertaken if and when sufficient resources are available. The proceeds of the Company's current offering, announced on January 26, 2026, are not expected to be applied toward this exploration plan and are instead intended to fund the Company's planned near-term activities and working capital requirements, as set out in the offering document available on SEDAR+ and the Company's website.

The Report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and will be posted to the Company's website www.ArgentinaLithium.com.

Stellantis Investment and Offtake

In September 2023, Argentina Lithium entered into a definitive agreement with Stellantis, a leading global automaker, for a strategic investment through Stellantis' subsidiary Peugeot Citroen Argentina S.A., in return for a 19.9% stake in the Company's subsidiary, Argentina Litio Y Energia S.A ("ALE"), with Argentina Lithium retaining 80.1%. The agreement includes an Exchange Right allowing Stellantis to convert its ALE shares into up to 19.9% of Argentina Lithium's common shares (undiluted), subject to certain conditions and a Top-Up Right to maintain that ownership threshold. Additionally, the parties executed a seven-year lithium offtake agreement, under which Stellantis will have the right to purchase up to 15,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year, if and once commercial production begins, with options for extension and rights of first refusal on surplus product.

The Company has become aware of a Complaint filed in federal court in Texas regarding investment solicitation and corporate administration that names as defendants the Company's CEO and Chairman, and the management services company owned by the Chairman. Argentina Lithium is not named as a defendant and is not a party to the Complaint. The Complaint was filed by two shareholders of the Company. The defendants have advised the Company that they have not received proper service of the Complaint and that they consider the Complaint to be entirely without merit. Although the Company is not a party to proceedings, it is monitoring the matter and will take appropriate steps to safeguard its interests if necessary.

Qualified Person

Frederik Reidel, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Argentina Lithium

Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp is focused on acquiring high quality lithium projects in Argentina and advancing them towards production in order to meet the growing global demand from the battery sector. The Company's recent strategic investment by Peugeot Citroen Argentina S.A., a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V., one of the world's leading automakers, places Argentina Lithium in a unique position to explore, develop and advance its four key projects covering over 70,000 hectares in the Lithium Triangle of Argentina. Management has a long history of success in the resource sector of Argentina and has assembled some of the most prospective lithium properties in the world-renowned "Lithium Triangle". The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Nikolaos Cacos"
_______________________________
Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director

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.

This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements or information concerning the advancement of the Rincon West project toward an initial economic assessment, Feasibility Study and potential commercial production; the Company's multi-stage exploration plan; anticipated pump testing, drilling and related field work; the timing of commencement of such activities; the potential to upgrade or expand mineral resource classifications; the development of a hydrogeologic model and production wellfield; the anticipated benefits of the Memorandum of Understanding with Xi'an Lanshen New Material Technology Co., Ltd.; the potential future deployment of Direct Lithium Extraction technology; the Company's expectations regarding the potential impact, if any, of the Complaint; the Company's intended response to, monitoring of, or actions in connection with the Complaint; and the anticipated resolution or outcome of the Complaint.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about the timely receipt of required permits, approvals and authorizations; the ability to contract drill rigs and equipment on reasonable terms; the performance of third-party contractors and strategic partners; the Company's ability to advance the project in accordance with current plans; the Company not becoming a party to the Complaint; the Complaint not having a material adverse impact on the Company's business, operations, financial condition or reputation; future prices of lithium; the price of other commodities; currency exchange rates and interest rates; favourable operating conditions; political stability; timely receipt of governmental approvals, licences and permits (and renewals thereof); access to necessary financing; stability of labour markets and market conditions in general; availability of equipment; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates and preliminary economic assessments; estimates of costs and expenditures to complete the Company's programs and goals; and there being no significant disruptions affecting the development and operation of the project.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the risk that the Complaint may result in costs, reputational impacts, operational disruptions, or other consequences to the Company, including indirect impacts, whether or not the Company becomes a party thereto; the risk of related proceedings or claims being commenced; the risk that the resolution of the Complaint may be adverse to the interests of the Defendants and could negatively impact the Company; the risk that the Complaint will be resolved in a manner adverse to the interests of the Company; the risk that all necessary regulatory approvals will not be obtained, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions; risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties; failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations; cost escalations; unavailability of materials and equipment; government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals; industrial disturbances or other job action; unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters; risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; ongoing war in Ukraine; rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company's operations; supply chains; ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities regulators. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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