CETOS Water Named Finalist in Wheaton’s Future of Mining Challenge

Recognition highlights accelerating mining industry demand for technologies that reduce water risk, lower costs, and secure resilient water supply.

New York, NY — February 13, 2026 — Cetos Water today announced it has been selected as a finalist in the Wheaton Precious Metals Future of Mining Challenge, a global competition recognizing breakthrough technologies that advance sustainable mining. The 2025/2026 challenge focuses on scalable solutions for responsible water management, including water use reduction and efficiency, water monitoring, and tailings and wastewater treatment.

Cetos Water was selected for its low-energy desalination and brine management platform, designed to help mining companies manage complex water challenges while improving operational resilience and environmental performance.

“Water is increasingly the defining constraint on mining operations worldwide,” said Shannon Knee, Founder and CEO of Cetos Water. “Being recognized by Wheaton underscores the urgency of scalable solutions that protect production, improve profitability, and strengthen a mine’s license to operate.”

Solving Water Challenges Across the Mining Lifecycle

Mining operations face growing water risks from scarcity, climate volatility, and tightening discharge standards. Cetos Water’s technology addresses these challenges regardless of a site’s water balance:

• Water-positive operations benefit from cost-effective treatment of tailings and wastewater,reducing containment risk and enabling safe discharge or reuse.
• Water-negative operations can unlock unconventional water sources, reducing dependence on scarce freshwater supplies.

By transforming complex waste streams into usable freshwater and reducing brine management liabilities, Cetos Water helps operators:

• Prevent water-related production disruptions
• Lower water management costs
• Simplify permitting and regulatory compliance
• Protect assets and community relationships

Industry Momentum and Commercial Relevance

The selection reflects growing industry demand for practical, deployable solutions that integrate into existing mine infrastructure. Cetos Water is actively engaging with mining and industrial operators to deploy pilot systems and demonstrate how advanced water treatment can improve both environmental performance and project economics. Finalists will present their solutions to industry leaders at PDAC and to the executive teams of Wheaton and other base and precious metals companies.

Cetos Water develops advanced desalination solutions for hypersaline and complex industrial waters, enabling cost-effective freshwater recovery, brine minimization, and resource valorization across mining, energy, and industrial sectors. For more information, visit www.cetoswater.com or contact hello@cetoswater.com.

About Wheaton Precious Metals

Wheaton Precious Metals is the world’s premier precious metals streaming company, providing shareholders with access to a high-quality portfolio of low-cost, long-life mines around the world. Through strategic streaming agreements, Wheaton partners with mining companies to secure a portion of their future precious metals production. Committed to responsible mining practices, Wheaton employs industry-leading due diligence practices with a goal of unlocking long-term value for shareholders while supporting the broader mining industry to deliver the commodities society needs through access to capital. Wheaton’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, and London Stock Exchange under the symbol WPM. Learn more at www.wheatonpm.com.