Monument Mining Hits Bonanza Gold, Eyes Major Expansion in Malaysia

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – February 18, 2026 – Monument Mining Limited (TSX-V: MMY) has unveiled a series of high-grade gold discoveries at its Selinsing Gold Mine in Malaysia, including a "bonanza-grade" intercept that signals significant potential for a major expansion and an extended operational life for its flagship asset.

The results from an ongoing drilling program included a remarkable intercept of 1.6 meters grading 28 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold, a concentration far exceeding industry averages for open-pit mines. This, along with other strong results, is bolstering the company's aggressive strategy to substantially increase its gold resources.

Drilling Success Validates Expansion Strategy

The latest announcement covers assay results from fifteen drill holes in the Buffalo Reef/Felda areas, part of a multi-stage expansion program. The findings validate the company's geological models and confirm the continuity of gold mineralization between and below existing pits.

Significant highlights from the drilling include:
* 9 meters at 2.03 g/t gold, including a richer zone of 2 meters at 4.54 g/t gold.
* 7 meters at 2.30 g/t gold from a shallow depth of just 7 meters.
* Multiple mineralized zones in a single hole, including 9 meters at 1.76 g/t gold.

In the context of gold mining, intercepts between 1 and 4 g/t are considered solid grades for an economically viable open-pit operation. The discovery of a 28 g/t intercept, however, is exceptional. Such "bonanza" grades can significantly enhance a project's economics by adding high-value ounces that require less ore to be processed.

"Some pleasing results are starting to be returned from the BRC2/BRC3 gap drilling with downhole mineralized intercepts spanning 7-9m width and continuity between mineralized intercepts becoming evident," commented Cathy Zhai, President and CEO of Monument Mining, in the company's official press release. She noted that these results are "validating the program objectives and guiding the next round of drilling.”

The drilling program is strategically divided into two stages. Stage 1 focuses on bridging the gaps between existing open pits (BRC2, BRC3, and BRC4), with the goal of combining them into a larger, more efficient single pit. Stage 2 is more exploratory, testing for down-dip extensions and new mineralized zones outside of the current mine plan, effectively searching for a deeper and wider resource.

The Path to a Longer Life of Mine

These positive results are a crucial step in Monument's overarching goal: to significantly extend the life of the Selinsing Gold Mine. The mine recently completed a major transition from processing oxide ore to more complex sulphide ore, a move that was already projected to add six years to its operational lifespan. The success of this new exploration campaign could add many more years on top of that.

The company is backing its strategy with a substantial operational push. Having already completed 40 drill holes for over 5,156 meters, Monument is accelerating its efforts. "We have 4 drill rigs up running now and plan to increase up to 9 drill rigs to accelerate the exploration programs,” Zhai stated. This ramp-up is part of a US$2.5 million program designed to be completed by the end of March 2026, with an updated resource estimate anticipated by October 2026.

This aggressive exploration is funded by a position of growing financial strength. The company recently reported a 33% year-over-year revenue increase in its third fiscal quarter of 2025, generating nearly $12.5 million in gross margin from its mining operations. With over $30 million in cash on hand, Monument is reinvesting its operational cash flow directly into resource growth, a disciplined approach aimed at minimizing shareholder dilution.

Investor Confidence and Market Momentum

The market has been rewarding Monument's strategy well before these latest results. In 2025, the company's share price surged 328%, earning it a place on the prestigious 2026 TSX Venture 50 list of top-performing companies. This momentum reflects strong investor confidence in the Selinsing mine's transition to sulphide production and its exploration potential.

Analysts are similarly bullish. Fundamental Research recently reiterated a "Buy" rating on the company's stock, setting a price target of C$1.92. The current share price hovers around C$1.15, suggesting analysts see significant upside. The new high-grade intercepts are likely to reinforce this positive sentiment, providing tangible proof that the company's exploration dollars are being converted into valuable gold ounces in the ground.

Navigating Future Growth and Regional Significance

While the drill results are highly encouraging, the ultimate scale of the Selinsing expansion hinges on more than just geology. The company has noted that fully realizing the potential of the Buffalo Reef/Felda areas and converting newly defined resources into mineable reserves will be "subject to the tenement extension." Securing the necessary land permits from Malaysian authorities will be a critical next step in turning these exploration successes into a long-term production plan.

The Selinsing Gold Mine is a key asset within Malaysia's Central Gold Belt, a historically rich mining district that forms the backbone of the nation's gold production. A successful, large-scale expansion would solidify Monument's position as a leading producer in the region and provide a long-term economic anchor for Pahang State through continued employment and investment.

With drill rigs turning and more results pending from nine additional holes, the company and its investors are keenly awaiting further news. The coming months will be pivotal in determining just how large the Selinsing Gold Mine can grow.