Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS) (OTC: ARSMF) (FRA: N8I1) announced that mining operations at its Lost Sheep Fluorspar Mine in Utah are now actively underway, with several thousand tons of fluorspar ore successfully mined and stockpiled at surface. This milestone marks a decisive transition from development to production build-up and represents tangible progress toward sustained acidspar output.
Underground operations are advancing steadily, with ore being extracted, transported to surface, and organized into structured stockpiles to support upcoming processing runs. The company’s teams have been executing mining plans efficiently while maintaining strong operational discipline and safety standards. The current stockpiling phase allows Ares to build strategic ore inventory ahead of flotation plant commissioning, optimize blending and grade control for consistent processing performance, ensure uninterrupted feedstock supply once processing begins, and demonstrate visible and measurable production momentum.
The stockpiling initiative is part of Ares’ broader strategy to ensure smooth ramp-up into full acidspar production. With underground development advancing and surface infrastructure in place, the company is methodically positioning itself for consistent throughput once the flotation plant becomes operational.
James Walker, President and CEO of Ares Strategic Mining, commented: “Seeing hundreds of tons of ore at surface is a powerful validation of the hard work our team has put into bringing the Lost Sheep back into production. This is real progress – tangible, measurable, and visible. We are building momentum step by step, and our shareholders can see the results on the ground.”
Fluorspar is a designated U.S. critical mineral essential for steel and aluminum manufacturing, fluorochemicals and refrigerants, semiconductor and electronics production, clean energy technologies, and defense and national security applications. As the only permitted and operating fluorspar mine in the United States, Ares continues to reinforce its position as a cornerstone of domestic supply. The commencement of stockpiling demonstrates not just operational readiness, but the company’s commitment to disciplined execution and long-term value creation.
Over the coming weeks, Ares expects to continue expanding surface stockpiles, advance flotation plant readiness, prepare for initial processing runs, and move closer to steady-state production. The company remains focused on delivering sustainable growth, operational excellence, and shareholder value as it advances toward full production capacity.
Ares has settled $185,199.23 CAD for services rendered to the company by consultants and service providers, by issuing 381,854 common shares. These shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.
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