DJ ARVERNE GROUP: First half of 2026 60.1% growth in gross business volume to EUR16.8 million Operational performance above expectations
ARVERNE GROUP ARVERNE GROUP: First half of 2026 60.1% growth in gross business volume to EUR16.8 million Operational performance above expectations 23-Sep-2026 / 18:00 CET/CEST Dissemination of a French Regulatory News, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. =---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First half of 2026 60.1% growth in gross business volume to EUR16.8 million Operational performance above expectations Critical Metals - Lithium de France project -- Pre-industrial phase completed in line with the roadmap -- Operational performance above initial forecasts -- Equinor Ventures reaffirms its support for the project Heating & Cooling -- Creation of la Francilienne de Géothermie with Banque des Territoires and financial commitment of up to EUR45.1 million -- First production and sale of renewable heat expected as early as next winter -- Acceleration of shallow geothermal deployment driven by a fast-growing market and stronger public support measures for the sector Drilling & Construction -- Completion of the Safran project and deployment of drilling capacity to support the Group's projects -- Successful drilling of the first wells of Lithium de France project -- Acceleration of shallow geothermal projects Strong momentum since the half-year end -- Successful issuance of ORANE[1] EUR70 million, subscribed by the longstanding shareholders ADEME Investissement, Crédit Mutuel Equity, Eiffel Investment Group, and, alongside Bpifrance and GEOGREEN -- Total exploration potential of up to 43 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in Alsace -- A new Geothermal Lithium Exclusive Permit (PER) in Auvergne, a new growth driver for Arverne 2026 objectives and Dual Flow trajectory confirmed Pau, 23 September 2026 - Arverne (FR001400JWR8 - ARVEN), France's leading provider of geothermal solutions, announces its 2026 half-year results. Pierre Brossollet, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arverne, said: «We have achieved all the key milestones of Lithium de France's pre-industrial phase, delivering results that exceed our initial expectations. At the same time, we reached a major milestone in the development of our Heating & Cooling solution with the creation of La Francilienne de Géothermie and the announced start of production from our first renewable heat sales as early as this winter. Strengthened by the support of our financial partners, enhanced visibility on the potential of our resources, and new development opportunities, we are entering Arverne's next phase of growth with confidence. PERFORMANCE BY BUSINESS Gross activity volume[2] amounted to EUR16.8 million in H1 2026, representing a strong increase of 60.1% compared with H1 2025 In EUR thousands H1 2026 H1 2025 Change Deep drilling 7,176 9,010 -20.3% Other revenue 182 138 - Consolidated revenue 7,358 9,148 -19.6% Inter-segment drilling 7,902 - - Shallow drilling (at 50%) 1,503 1,324 +13.4% Gross business volume 16,763 10,472 +60.1%
During the period, drilling was the main contributor to consolidated revenue. This activity notably reflects the in-house execution of Arverne's strategic projects, in line with its vertically integrated business model.
CRITICAL METALS
LITHIUM DE FRANCE PROJECT: outstanding results from the pre-industrial phase
In line with the commitments made in March 2025, Arverne completed the key milestones of Lithium de France's pre-industrial phase within 18 months and secured the financing required for this stage of development.
-- Drilling of the first wells marks a key project milestone
The Lithium de France and Drilling & Construction teams successfully completed the drilling of the first two geothermal wells in Schwabwiller. This major technical achievement confirms the quality of the Alsatian subsurface and validates Arverne's vertical integration strategy, built on the mastery of key capabilities in subsurface expertise and drilling operations.
-- Results from the first doublet reveal the full potential of the Alsace project
Test results from the two drilled wells exceed the high-case assumptions used in the preliminary studies. The first well achieved a stabilised flow rate of 275 m³/h (versus 250 m³/h estimated), a temperature of 145°C (versus 130°C expected) and a productivity of 10 L/s/bar, while the second recorded a stabilised flow rate of 325 m³/h (versus 200 m³ /h estimated) and an exceptional productivity of 20 L/s/bar (versus 2,5 L/s/bar estimated). Both wells show a consistent concentration of 180 mg/l de lithium in the geothermal water.
The circulation test confirms that the geothermal doublet operates at its nominal flow rate, with no induced seismicity detected under the pressure and temperature conditions expected for commercial operations. The characteristics of the geothermal brine prove to be stable and particularly favorable for both heat and lithium production. Observations made on the two wells also confirm their perfect hydraulic connectivity.
-- The Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration unit confirms its performance under real operatingconditions
The pilot plant has been operational since June 2026. Initial testing has demonstrated the effective performance of the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, achieving results in line with target concentration and recovery rates. Connected to geothermal brine from the production well since summer 2026, the facility has also successfully validated continuous 24/7 operations. Initial analyses confirm the process's excellent performance and represent a major milestone in de-risking the project.
-- Completion of the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study ahead of the Definitive Feasibility Study(DFS) results
Sedgman completed the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for the Lithium de France project, a key milestone on the path toward the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). Finalized in September 2026, the study defined the facilities required to produce 5,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Its findings will contribute to the DFS results, which are expected by the end of 2026.
-- Alongside Arverne, Equinor reaffirms its commitment to the financing of the Lithium de France project
During the period, Lithium de France secured an initial EUR29.3 million financing tranche[3] in the form of convertible bonds, fully subscribed by Arverne and Equinor Ventures, ahead of a second tranche expected in the second half of the year. This transaction reflects the renewed confidence of its partners in its development prospects.
-- An independent assessment reveals the scale of Arverne's lithium resources in Alsace
In September 2026[4], an independent assessment conducted by Sproule ERCE estimated Lithium de France's indicated and inferred resources at 26 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), with a total exploration potential of up to 43 million tonnes of LCE. These results further enhance the project's long-term visibility and development potential. The next key milestone will be the certification of reserves, expected in the first quarter of 2027.
-- The Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) confirms the project's bankability and paves the way for seniorfinancing
The progress achieved has significantly enhanced the bankability of the Lithium de France project and its ability to attract international financing. Bankability studies and the independent resource assessment have confirmed both the project's economic robustness and the value of its assets. With the support of Macquarie and Crédit Agricole CIB, a financing strategy has been defined to secure an initial tranche of senior debt in 2027. Expressions of interest from potential lenders, the appointment of their technical advisors, and the completion of the Preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment by the end of 2026 represent key milestones in the financing process. In addition, eligibility for Bpifrance's Strategic Project Guarantee (GPS) further strengthens the project's credit profile and enhances its attractiveness to lenders.
-- Strategic agreements to secure future revenue
With a target production capacity of approximately 27,000 tonnes of LCE per year for more than 30 years, the project is ideally positioned to meet the growing needs of the European battery value chain while contributing to the decarbonization of heat consumption. As lithium demand continues to grow strongly, Lithium de France is advancing discussions with potential commercial partners with a view to securing additional offtake agreements. A first contract has already been signed with Renault Group, covering the supply of 25,000 tonnes of lithium over a five-year period. At the same time, Lithium de France is accelerating the commercialization of its renewable heat production, notably through a heat distribution memorandum of understanding for the Alsace region signed with Primeo Energie France.
-- Major milestones reached towards first geothermal lithium production in 2028
(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires
September 23, 2026 12:00 ET (16:00 GMT)
