(via TheNewswire)

TSX Venture Exchange: LITH

OTC-QB: LTMCF

CALGARY, ALBERTA – TheNewswire - February 18, 2026 - Lithium Chile Inc . (“ Lithium Chile ” or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce that it has received a US $5,000,000 deposit from China Union Holdings Limited (“ CUH ”) in connection with the previously announced sale of its Arizaro project through the disposition of the Company’s Argentinian subsidiary, Argentum Lithium S.A. (the “ Transaction ”).

The deposit has been received in satisfaction of one of the closing conditions under the Transaction and is being held in trust, subject to the terms of the definitive share purchase agreement (the “ Definitive Agreement ”), until the remaining closing conditions are satisfied. Upon satisfaction of such conditions, the deposit will be released in accordance with the Transaction terms.

Steve Cochrane, President of Lithium Chile, commented: “The receipt of this deposit reflects China Union Holdings’ clear commitment to completing the Transaction. Work across regulatory, technical and closing matters continues to progress as planned, with both parties moving efficiently toward satisfying the remaining conditions. We are encouraged by the pace of progress and remain focused on moving efficiently toward completing the transaction by mid-year, subject to customary approvals.”

The Company is currently advancing procedural steps required to complete the Transaction, including the preparation and distribution of an information circular to shareholders in connection with the required shareholder meeting. As stipulated in the Definitie Agreement, closing is scheduled for June 2026. The Transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals under applicable foreign investment and securities laws.

CHILEAN DEVELOPMENTS

Lithium Chile also notes the upcoming installation of the new government in Chile on March 1, 2026. The Company is encouraged by indications that the new administration intends to prioritize regulatory efficiency, investment certainty, and responsible resource development. Having successfully obtained a Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL) for its Coipasa project in 2025, Lithium Chile has demonstrated its ability to advance projects within Chile’s regulatory framework. Anticipated policy reforms and streamlined permitting processes are expected to further support the timely advancement and development of the Company’s Chilean lithium portfolio. The Company continues to engage constructively with relevant authorities and will monitor developments closely as these reforms are implemented.

ABOUT LITHIUM CHILE

Lithium Chile Inc. is an exploration company with a portfolio of 11 properties spanning 106,136 hectares in Chile and 29,245 hectares on the Salar de Arizaro in Argentina. The Company has successfully advanced its Arizaro project with the completion of NI 43-101 compliant Resource Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment and Prefeasibility Study which are all accessible on SedarPlus.ca under Lithium Chile’s profile.

Lithium Chile’s common shares are listed on the TSX-V under the symbol “LITH” and on the OTCQB under the symbol “LTMCF”.

To find out more about Lithium Chile, please contact:

Steven Cochrane, President and CEO via email: steve@lithiumchile.ca  

Or

Michelle DeCecco, COO via email: michelle@lithiumchile.ca or phone: 587-393-1990.

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.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS:

This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively " forward-looking statements "). Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "expected", "anticipated", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and completion of the Transaction; the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions, including completion of pre-closing steps; the receipt of all necessary governmental, regulatory and stock exchange approvals, acceptances and clearances (including TSXV acceptance) and any required shareholder approvals; the anticipated release and application of escrowed funds; the expected timing of closing; the intended date of the Special Meeting; the Company's ability to realize the anticipated transaction value; the Company’s plans, including potential SIB and continued advancement of its Chilean portfolio.

Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and factors that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, factors and assumptions with respect to: the ability of the parties to satisfy the conditions to closing in a timely manner; the completion of the pre-closing acquisition of additional equity in ARLI and the carve-out of the Arizaro 4 property and certain water rights; the timing and receipt of required approvals, acceptances and clearances, including TSXV acceptance, any required approvals and clearances from applicable governments, regulators and bodies in Canada, the People’s Republic of China, Argentina and other relevant jurisdictions, and any required shareholder approvals; the absence of legal or regulatory impediments; the continued validity and enforceability of the underlying mining concessions and water rights; the accuracy of title opinions and due diligence; the Purchaser's ability to obtain necessary financing and regulatory clearances; the stability of the legal and regulatory framework in Argentina; the absence of material adverse changes affecting the Arizaro Project or ARLI; the accuracy of management’s estimates and expectations; general business and economic conditions; commodity prices; geopolitical stability between relevant jurisdictions; foreign exchange rates; and the timing and terms of the escrow and deposit arrangements.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated by such forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including, but not limited to: the risk that the Transaction will not be completed on the terms or timing currently contemplated, or at all; the risk that required approvals, acceptances or clearances (including governmental approvals, TSXV acceptance and any required shareholder approvals) are not obtained, are delayed or are obtained subject to conditions;  the risk that required regulatory or governmental approvals, acceptances and clearances, including from Argentinian, Canadian, Chinese or other authorities, may not be obtained, may be delayed, or may be obtained subject to conditions or undertakings that materially alter the terms or anticipated benefits of the Transaction; the possibility that ministries or regulators, in connection with the ownership or transfer of critical mineral interests, may prohibit the Transaction or impose restrictions, additional conditions, or new regulatory requirements; the risk that changing governmental policies or geopolitical considerations relating to critical minerals, foreign investment, or national security may adversely impact the completion or terms of the Transaction; risks related to foreign investment review processes and potential national security assessments in multiple jurisdictions; the risk of trade restrictions or other measures affecting cross-border transactions between Canadian, Chinese, and Argentine entities; the risk of legal proceedings, disputes, or challenges to the Transaction by third parties, regulatory bodies, or other stakeholders; risks related to the validity, enforceability and scope of mining concessions and water rights underlying the Arizaro Project; the risk of title defects, encumbrances or third-party claims affecting the project assets; risks related to environmental liabilities, permits and compliance obligations; the Purchaser's ability to secure necessary financing to complete the Transaction; counterparty credit risk and the Purchaser's financial capacity; risks related to escrow arrangements and the potential forfeiture or delayed release of deposits; the inability to complete pre-closing steps in the manner and on the timelines contemplated; changes in laws, regulations, policies or enforcement priorities; political and regulatory risks in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; legal proceedings; counterparty and escrow risks; currency exchange fluctuations; operational risks inherent in mineral exploration and development; commodity price volatility; and general business, economic, competitive, market and geopolitical conditions.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing risk factors are not exhaustive. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because Lithium Chile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated by forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Lithium Chile will derive therefrom. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect the Company. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Lithium Chile does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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