Vault Strategic Mining Corp. Announces Appointment of Yoshito Okubo to the Board of Directors

News Release February 13, 2026

Vault Strategic Mining Corp. Announces Appointment of Yoshito Okubo to

the Board of Directors

Vancouver, British Columbia - February 13, 2026 – Vault Strategic Mining Corp . (TSXV:KNOX)

(OTC:KNXFF) (FSE:M85) ("VAULT" or the "Company") announces it has appointed Yoshito Okubo

to the board of directors.

Mr. Okubo has over a decade of experience in operations, business development, and emerging

technologies. He has built his career at the forefront of innovation, bridging traditional industries with

transformative technological solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and scalability.

Having worked across Canada, the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia, Mr. Okubo brings a global

perspective to Vault's resource-focused initiatives, with a strong understanding of regulatory environments

and cross-border business dynamics. His experience supports projects operating within the broader critical

minerals ecosystem, where supply chain integrity, responsible sourcing, and strategic positioning are

increasingly important to industries powering advanced technologies and AI-driven systems.

Mr. Okubo has developed and tailored strategies to help early -stage and growth -stage ventures navigate

complex operational challenges while accelerating development. His core strengths include applying

technology to improve supply chain transparency and governance frameworks. These tools are particularly

relevant in sectors where traceability and verification of materials are essential to supporting secure and

resilient technology supply chains.

He has a proven track record of driving adoption and scaling projects through strategic partnerships,

positioning organizations to align technological innovation with real -world industrial applications in

energy, infrastructure, and advanced materials markets.

Nick Horsley, CEO of Vault Strategic Mining Corp. commented, “Mr. Okubo brings a global

perspective and a deep understanding of technology-driven supply chains that aligns perfectly with Vault’s

long-term strategy. His background in operations, innovation, and cross-border business development will

add meaningful value as we advance our critical -minerals platform and strengthen the Company’s

positioning within secure, modern supply chains.”

Warrant Extension Update

Furthermore, the Company announces that the proposed extension of warrants announced on January 20,

2026 will not be proceeding. The Company previously announced its intention to extend the expiry of

2,000,000 warrants that were issued on February 14, 2023 (the " 2023 Warrants ") pursuant to a non -

brokered private placement financing, which extension was subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV")

approval. The 2023 Warrants are exercisable at $0.20 and $0.50 per share and have an expiration date of

February 14, 2026. The TSXV declined to approve the extension as the market price exceeded the strike

2

price of the 2023 Warrants at the relevant time. Accordingly, any 2023 Warrants issued in connection with

the financing that closed on February 14, 2023 and remain unexercised will expire on February 14, 2026.

About Vault Strategic Mining Corp.

Vault Strategic Mining Corp. is a North American resource company focused on the acquisition and

advancement of strategic and critical mineral projects located in top-tier mining jurisdictions. The Company

emphasizes historical and underexplored assets wit h potential for value creation through modern

exploration and disciplined development.

Vault Strategic Mining Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: KNOX), OTC Markets (OTC:

KNXFF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: M85).

On behalf of the Board:

Vault Strategic Mining Corp.

"R. Nick Horsley"

President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman

Tel: 604-343-4338 | Email: [email protected]

ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF

1933 (THE "1933 ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON

IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION

REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES

LAW.

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.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding DIA, and the Letain Project, which may include, but is not limited to,

statements with respect to the completion of the acquisition of the Letain Project, and the ability to obtain regulatory approvals,

and other factors. Often, but not always, Forward -looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is

expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "estimates" or v ariations of

such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur

or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of each entity. The for ward-looking

events and circumstances discussed in this release, including completion of the acquisition of the Letain Project, may not occur by

certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting

the Company, including the risk that DIA may not obtain all requisite approvals for the acquisition, including the approval of the

TSXV, risks of the resource industry, failure to obtain any other required regulatory approvals, economic factors, any estimated

amounts, timing of the acquisition and requited payments , the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth,

exploration and development. Although DIA has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or

results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events

or results to differ from those antici pated, estimated or intended. No forward -looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as

required by applicable securities laws, forward -looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made DIA

undertaked no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future

events, or otherwise.