CleanTech Acquires 970 Acres of Mineral Rights Nearby Hicks Dome Rare Earth and Fluorspar Project in the Illinois–Kentucky Fluorspar District
CleanTech Acquires 970 Acres of Mineral Rights
Nearby Hicks Dome Rare Earth and Fluorspar Project
in the Illinois–Kentucky Fluorspar District
Vancouver, British Columbia, August 29 , 2025 — CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp.
(“CleanTech” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: CTV, OTCQB: CTVFF) is pleased to announce that,
through its 100%-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a binding option-to-purchase agreement
(the “OTP”) with an arm’s-length private party (the “Vendor”) to acquire a package of highly
prospective mineral rights (“Pope Fluorspar Properties”) near Hicks Dome deposit in Pope county
in southern Illinois. Pope Fluorspar Properties cons ist of 15 mineral rights parcels (each one a
“Property”) totaling 970 acres across Empire S ubdistrict, Stewart Subdistrict and Hobbs Creek
Subdistrict. Those Properties are strategically positioned along the major fault systems that
historically controlled mineralization throughout the approximately 1,000-square-mile Illinois-
Kentucky Fluorspar District (“IKFD”).
Transaction Summary
Under the OTP executed on August 26, 2025, the Vendor agreed to sell to CleanTech, the Pope
Fluorspar Properties for a total of US$184,000 (the “Purchase Price”), consisting of:
• US$29,100 upon OTP signing (paid);
• US$42,680 on or before September 1, 2026;
• US$54,320 on or before September 1, 2027;
• US$57,900 on or before September 1, 2028.
Empire Subdistrict: Home to Illinois' Premium Quality Fluorite
CleanTech's Empire Properties are adjacent to the historic Gaskin Mine, located less than three
miles west of Hicks Dome, which is estimated to contain Fluorspar 1 and additional Rare Earth
Element historical resources. The Gaskin operation stands as a testament to the Empire
subdistrict's extraordinary mineral wealth, having produced approximately 179,000 raw tons from
two parallel veins averaging 5 feet wide, with bedding replacement mineralized zones extending
35 feet in width2.
The Gaskin Mine's reputation for producing some of the highest-grade and gemstone-quality
fluorite in Illinois stems from its unique geological se tting. According to ISGS Circular 604, the
mine's fluorite crystals contained small amounts of rare earth elements (REE) likely derived from
1 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf
2 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf
the adjacent Hicks Dome, creating distinctively colored pink cubic fluorite crystals with beautiful
phantoms that are "instantly visually recognizable to the avid fluorite collector". Mining operations
extended through multiple working levels at depths of 200, 300, 400, 425, 450, and 475 feet, with
mineralized material present from the base of the Bethel Sandstone down into the Ste. Genevieve
Limestone3,4.
The Empire Subdistrict's mineralized veins appear predominantly along normal faults with
northeast to east-northeast strikes, potentially representing radial fractures created by the vertical
uplift at Hicks Dome or related to extensional forces that created the Dixon Springs Graben5,6.
The Qualified Person has been unable to verify the above information and that information is not
necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Pope Fluorspar Properties.
Stewart Subdistrict: The Barnett Complex Legacy
The Stewart Subdistrict, where CleanTech now holds significant mineral rights, hosted some of
the IKFD’s most productive and deepest mining operations. The Barnett Mine complex, located
0.6 miles from CleanTech’s Stewart Properties and situated along the same fault, operating from
approximately 1950 to 1983, achieved notable production through shrinkage stoping methods on
the West and Barnett veins. The operation reached a total depth of 240 meters (787 feet) and
maintained working levels that accessing veins 7 to 8 feet wide composed of coarsely crystalline
calcite containing blocks of country rock and pockets of fluorite, galena, and sphalerite7.
Mining records indicate the Barnett complex produced an estimated 550,000 tons, while Ozark-
Mahoning resource calculations from 1981 estimated historical Fluorspar resource exceeding
600,000 tons composed of 40% Barite and 20% Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂ሻ on CleanTech’s Stewart
Properties. The Parkinson and Stockton mines, also located within the same subdistrict
contributed additional production from underground workings targeting barite, calcite, fluorite, and
sphalerite mineralization8,9.
The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare this historical resource estimate
are not available. The Company has not reviewed or validated the historic data, and caution
should be taken as a qualified person has not conducted sufficient work to classify these historical
resource estimates as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating them as a
current mineral resource. The historic resource does not demonstrate economic viability and
should not be relied on. The Company considers the historical estimate relevant as it indicates
significant Fluorspar mineralization within the pr oject area; however, the reliability is uncertain
given the age of the data, and differences between historical estimation methods and current
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”) Definition Standards. The
historical resource categories were defined prior to the adoption of current CIM Definition
Standards and differ materially from current categories such as ‘Inferred Mineral Resource.’ The
3 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf
4 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Empire_Subdistrict
5 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262229/CleanTech-Acquires-Significant-Package-of-
Fluorspar-Projects-Totaling-7180-Acres-for-US4000000-in-IllinoisKentucky-Fluorspar-District
6 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Empire_Subdistrict
7 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Stewart_Subdistrict
8 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Stewart_Subdistrict
9 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/10083076
historical estimates do not meet current CIM requirements for mineral resource classification due
to: insufficient verification, lack of docu mented estimation methodology, and absence of QA/QC
protocols. Steps to verify and upgrade the historical estimates to current CIM standards include
(i) compilation and validation of all historical drill data, (ii) twin drilling of select historical holes, (iii)
confirmatory drilling in key areas of mineralization, (iv) updated geological modeling, and (v)
preparation of a new mineral resource estimate in accordance with NI 43-101.
Hobbs Creek Subdistrict: The Henson Mine Achievement
The Henson Mine within CleanTech's Hobbs Creek Properties represents one of the IKFD’s most
successful and technically challenging operations 10 . Operating during the 1980s, this mine
reached a depth of 950 feet to access the Hobbs Creek Vein along a normal fault striking
northeast and dipping steeply northwest. The operation extracted 112,000 raw tons of white and
purple fluorite hosted in breccia zones of sandstone and shale fragments. The mine's success
demonstrated the continued viability of deep vein mining in the IKFD, even as easier surface
deposits were being exhausted11.
Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District: America’s Source of Fluorspar
The Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District extraordinary productivity stems from its unique geological
architecture12 . The IKFD sits within Mississippian-age limestones intersected by northwest-
southeast trending normal faults, creating the perfect structural environment for fluorite
mineralization. These steep fault-fill veins, breccia zones, and localized carbonate replacements
developed along favorable limestone horizons, with mineralized material shoots typically
thickening at structural complexities such as fault bends, step-overs, and fault-dike
intersections13,14,15,16.
The geological complexity that made the IKFD America's fluorite capital remains intact.
mineralization occur in four primary deposit types: horizontal bedding replacement deposits, veins
along vertical faults and fractures, residual gravel deposits, and fluorite breccia. This diversity
offers multiple exploration and development targets across CleanTech's extensive land position
of over 8,150 acres17
The IKFD’s strategic importance extends beyond its historical production record. Its established
transportation infrastructure, proximity to industrial consumers, and documented production of
10 Denny, F.B., Nelson, W.J., Breeden, J.R., & Lillie, R.C. (2020). Mines in the Illinois portion of the
Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 604, 73 p
11 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Hobbs_Creek_Subdistrict
12 Denny, F.B., Nelson, W.J., Breeden, J.R., & Lillie, R.C. (2020). Mines in the Illinois portion of
the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 604, 73 p
13 https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/3117-tsx-
venture/ctv/185361-cleantech-acquires-significant-package-of-fluorspar-projects-totaling-7-180-
acres-for-us-4-000-000-in-illinois-kentucky-fluorspar-district.html
14 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262229/CleanTech-Acquires-Significant-Package-of-
Fluorspar-Projects-Totaling-7180-Acres-for-US4000000-in-IllinoisKentucky-Fluorspar-District
15 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf
16 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262230/Oracle-Commodity-Holding-Secures-2-
Fluorspar-Royalty-in-USA-From-CleanTech-Vanadium
17 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf
over 32.5 million tons position it as America' s most viable domestic Fluorspar source in an
increasingly import-dependent market. Currently, nearly all Fluorspar consumed in the United
States is imported, with Mexico supplying 72% of 2017 imports, followed by China and South
Africa18,19,20. Fluorspar prices have increased dramatically from $300 per ton in 2020 to over $470
per ton in 202521. China, which accounts for 60% of global Fluorspar production, has become a
net importer of Fluorspar since 2023
Ron Espell, CleanTech’s President Comments:
“With Fluorspar designated as critical for applications in nuclear power, lithium batteries, and
semiconductors, CleanTech's Fluorspar projects represent more than an attractive mining
investment—they are key to America's mineral independence.
CleanTech has positioned itself at the epicenter of America's potential fluorite renaissance.
CleanTech’s land holding now exceeds 8,150 acres with over 730 historic drill holes, in the Illinois-
Kentucky Fluorspar District which once supplied over 90% of U.S. Fluorspar production from
approximately 1914 to 199522.
CleanTech is looking forward to partnering with America’s industrial Fluorspar users and federal
agencies to accelerate the development of IKFD and re-write a new chapter in American
Fluorspar mining history.”
Qualified Person
The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and
approved by Carlos Zamora, CPG, a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists
(AIPG) since 2024, who is an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument
43-101.
About CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp.
CleanTech is a mining company focused on critical mineral resources in the USA. The Company
has an option to acquire 8,150 acres of mineral rights with historic Fluorspar resources across
multiple projects in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. CleanTech also owns a 100% interest
in the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project in Nevada.
Further information on CleanTech can be found at www.cleantechctv.com.
18 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262229/CleanTech-Acquires-Significant-Package-of-
Fluorspar-Projects-Totaling-7180-Acres-for-US4000000-in-IllinoisKentucky-Fluorspar-District
19 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf
20 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262230/Oracle-Commodity-Holding-Secures-2-
Fluorspar-Royalty-in-USA-From-CleanTech-Vanadium
21 https://www.imarcgroup.com/fluorspar-pricing-report
22 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
“Ron Espell”
President
For more information about CleanTech, please contact:
Phone: 1.877.664.2535
www.cleantechvanadium.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined
in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy
of this release.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”
(collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words “believes,” “may,” “plans,”
“will,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “projects” and similar
expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which
reflects management’s expectations regarding CleanTech’s future growth, results of operations,
performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions
and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results,
performance, or achievements to be materially di fferent from future results, performance, or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking
information in this news releases includes: the acquisition of ownership in the Pope Fluorspar
Properties, the presence of a land grab for fluorspar projects and Fluorspar as CleanTech’s major
vertical, logistical advantages at the Pope Fluorspar Properties, the ability to advance the Project
in both the near and long term, the availability of infrastructure that would assist in the
advancement of the Project. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates
of management of CleanTech at the date t he statements are made and are based on a number
of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could
cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the
control of CleanTech, there is no assurance they will prove to be correct and are not guarantees
of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements.
Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as a
guarantee of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such
events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual
results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking information,
including but not limited to: changes in operating plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to
advance the Company’s project; conditions impacting the Company’s ability to mine at the project,
such as unfavorable weather conditions, development of a mine plan, maintaining existing permits
and receiving any new permits required for the project, and other conditions impacting mining
generally; maintaining cordial business relations with strategic partners and contractual counter-
parties; meeting regulatory requirements and changes thereto; risks inherent to mineral resource
estimation, including uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will be further developed into
mineral reserves; political risk in the jurisdictions where the Company’s projects are located;
commodity price variation; and general market, industry and economic conditions. Additional risk
factors are set out in the Company’s latest annual and interim management’s discussion and
analysis, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date
of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any
forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward- looking
statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release
to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required
by applicable securities laws.