Artemis Gold Announces Progressive Dividend Policy Commencing to pay dividends in second half of 2026

Press Release

February 18, 2026

Vancouver, British Columbia – Artemis Gold Inc. (TSX-V: ARTG) (“Artemis Gold” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a dividend policy as part of the Company’s disciplined capital allocation framework, providing guidance for returning capital to shareholders in a manner that is sustainable, prudent, and consistent with the Company’s near-term growth strategy and long-term goal to maximize value for shareholders.

The Company intends to declare and pay an inaugural base quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, commencing in the second half of 2026 and with two quarterly payments expected in 2026. The Company plans to increase this base quarterly dividend to $0.08 per share in 2027, or $0.32 per share annually.

Beginning in 2028 and aligned with progression toward commercial production of the Expanded Phase 2 (“EP2”) project, the Company intends to implement a variable dividend in addition to the quarterly base dividend of $0.08 per share. Commencing with the release of Q1 2028 financials, each quarterly base dividend will be topped up by a variable amount such that the total amount of dividends will approximate 40% of Free Cash Flow1.

Beginning in 2027, the Company also intends to evaluate opportunistic share buybacks, including the potential implementation of a Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”), as part of the Company’s evolving capital allocation framework, and may be utilized alongside, or as an alternative to, dividends subject to market conditions, valuation considerations, and Board approval.

The Company’s capital allocation priorities include reinvestment in growth opportunities, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and returning capital to shareholders.

Artemis Gold CEO Dale Andres stated: “The introduction of a prudent and progressive dividend policy at this time reflects both our confidence in the strength and sustainability of our operating cash flows and our confidence in our near-term growth strategy with the disciplined development of the Phase 1A and EP2 expansion projects at Blackwater. Our capital allocation framework positions Artemis Gold among leading peers who balance reinvestment for growth with shareholder returns. It recognizes the support provided by shareholders during the Company’s rapid transition from developer to low-cost producer, while maintaining flexibility to grow Blackwater to be a +500,000 ounce annual producer with plans to be one of the three largest and lowest cost gold mines in Canada by the end of 2028.”

The declaration, amounts, and payment dates of both base quarterly and variable dividends remain subject to approval of the Board of Directors and will depend upon the Company’s financial results, capital requirements, market conditions, and other factors. The Board of Directors will review the dividend policy on an ongoing basis and may amend it at any time depending on the Company’s financial position, profitability, cash flow, debt covenant compliance, and other factors considered relevant. Dividends are expected to be designated as “eligible dividends” for Canadian income tax purposes.

About Artemis Gold

Artemis Gold is a well-financed, growth-oriented gold and silver producer and development company with a strong financial capacity aimed at creating shareholder value through the identification, acquisition, and development of gold properties in mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company’s primary focus is the operation and further development of the low cost and long-life Blackwater Mine in central British Columbia approximately 160km southwest of Prince George and 450 kilometres northeast of Vancouver. The first gold and silver pour at Blackwater was achieved in January 2025 and commercial production was declared on May 1, 2025. Artemis Gold trades on the TSX-V under the symbol ARTG and the OTCQX under the symbol ARGTF. For more information visit www.artemisgoldinc.com.

Qualified Person

Artemis Gold Chief Business Development Officer, Tony Scott, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

Investor Relations contact

Meg Brown
Vice President, Investor Relations
mbrown@artemisgoldinc.com
+1 778 899 0518

Media relations contact

media@artemisgoldinc.com

IBF4