Neotech Metals Announces Distinct Apatite-Dominant Rare Earth Mineralization at Hecla-Kilmer
Neotech Metals Announces Distinct Apatite-
Dominant Rare Earth Mineralization at Hecla-
Kilmer
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2025) - Neotech Metals Corp. (CSE:
NTMC) (OTCQB: NTMFF) (FSE: V690) (
"Neotech"
or
"the Company"
) is pleased to report the
results of a comprehensive and independent mineralogical study completed by SGS Lakefield (
"SGS"
)
on the Company's 100% owned Hecla-Kilmer (
"H/K"
) Rare Earth & Critical Minerals Project in northern
Ontario. These results
confirm that up to 98% of total rare earth elements occur in apatite
, and it is this
distinctive apatite mineralogy, with
exceptional leachability at low temperatures
, that sets H/K apart.
Key Findings from SGS Lakefield Metalogical Study include:
Apatites contain uniquely high *TREO content (7.4% TREO), with the master composite accounting
for approximately 82% of the *TREO distribution.
Seven out of eight samples contain 85% or more of total rare earth elements (*TREEs) hosted in
apatite,
Apatite hosts up to 98% of *TREEs across the dataset,
Apatite occurs as a major rock-forming mineral (28% to 56% abundance) within the sampled
interval,
Discrete rare earth minerals are present only in trace quantities, including synchysite (0.36%),
monazite (0.05%), and bastnäsite (0.01%) in the Master Composite.
This study establishes H/K as a fundamentally distinct rare earth system. Apatite occurs extensively
across the sampled intervals and serves as the primary carrier of rare earth elements—an uncommon
mineralization style globally. SGS further reports that monazite, synchysite, bastnäsite, allanite, and other
rare earth minerals (REM) together account for less than 1% of the mineral assemblage, confirming that
discrete rare earth minerals are only present at trace levels and that apatite overwhelmingly hosts the
rare earth content.
Targeting Apatites
Extensive mineralogical work completed by SGS Canada confirms that rare earths at Hecla-Kilmer are
overwhelmingly hosted within apatite, supported by a multi-method analytical program that included
TIMA-X (Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyzer), EPMA (Electron Probe Micro Analysis), X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation by Inductively Couple Mass Spectrometry).
Eight representative variability samples, collected across the 361-metre interval in drill hole HK22-13
(which averaged 1% *TREO from bedrock surface), were examined to quantify both mineral abundance
and mineral-specific rare earth deportment.
This mineralogical distribution establishes Hecla-Kilmer as a distinctly apatite-hosted rare earth system,
fundamentally different from conventional monazite- or bastnäsite-dominant deposits. The independent
SGS report confirms that the rare earth content resides largely within the apatite crystal lattice, rather
than in separate refractory mineral grains nor inclusions within the individual apatite crystals.
This host-mineral relationship directly supports the exceptional low-temperature, low-acid leachability
demonstrated in Neotech's metallurgical testwork announced on April 1, 2025. High liberation of apatite
(80–92% across all samples) at moderate grind sizes further reinforces its suitability as the primary
metallurgical target for rare earth extraction.
The combined mineralogical and metallurgical datasets now provide a consistent, independent
confirmation of the unique processing advantages inherent to the Hecla-Kilmer system.
Figure 1 – Table showing respective samples and Lanthanum dispersions throughout various holes,
with 6 samples exhibiting >90% in the apatite crystal structures.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9768/278003_ed8e49ab74221a7d_001full.jpg
“Hecla-Kilmer continues to distinguish itself from every comparable rare earth system we have
studied,”
stated CEO, Reagan Glazier, in comment.
“The confirmation that rare earths are
overwhelmingly hosted within apatite, gives this project a unique foundation among known rare earth
deposits. Our metallurgical work has already shown the advantages associated with this style of
mineralization, and together these results position Hecla-Kilmer as a potential significant source of
critical minerals within a modern supply chain. We are very encouraged by the continued progress at
the project as we advance and derisk a rare earth system that aligns with the goals of secure and
sustainable value-added supply chains needed for the green transition.”
2025 Hecla-Kilmer Drill Campaign
During 2025 the Company successfully completed approximately 8,000 meters of drilling at H/K, as well
as re-logging and re-assaying approximately 1,900 meters of core drilled by the previous owner, VR
Resources Ltd. between 2020-2023 for the full rare earth suite and is to be included in the Maiden
Resource Estimate ("
MRE
"), expected to come in 2026.
Qualified Person
Technical Information for this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian
regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101. Jared Galenzoski VP Exploration, P.Geo.,
and Qualified Person, has reviewed and approved all of the data and statements made for this news
release.
About the Neotech Metals
Neotech Metals Corp. (CSE: NTMC) (OTCQB: NTMFF) (FSE: V690) is a mineral exploration company
dedicated to discovering and developing valuable mineral resources within promising jurisdictions
around the world. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices,
Neotech is positioned to make a positive impact while maximizing the potential of its exploration
properties.
The Company holds 100% ownership in three high-quality strategic Rare-Earth Element and Rare
Metals projects, including the Hecla-Kilmer, located 20 km from the Otter Rapids 180MW hydroelectric
power generation station and active Ontario Northway railway, along with its TREO and Foothills projects
located in British Columbia.
For additional information on NTMC, please visit the Company's website at
www.neotechmetals.com
.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Reagan Glazier, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Neotech Metals Corp.
Contact Information
Reagan Glazier, CEO and Director
+1 403-815-6663
*
TREO (Total Rare-Earth Oxides) has been used to express the results in the press release. TREO is calculated by converting the elemental
ppm to Rare-Earth Oxides using a conversion factor and is the summation of CeO
2
+ La
2
O
3
+ Pr
6
O
11
+ Nd
2
O
3
+ Sm
2
O
3
+ Eu
2
O
3
+ Gd
2
O
3
+
Tb
4
O
7
+ Dy
2
O
3
+ Ho
2
O
3
+ Er
2
O
3
+ Tm
2
O
3
+ Yb
2
O
3
+ Lu
2
O
3
+ Y
2
O
3
.
*
TREE (Total Rare-Earth Elements) has been used to express the results in the press release. TREE is calculated by summing the elemental
ppm of Rare-Earth Elements Ce + La + Pr + Nd + Sm + Eu + Gd + Tb + Dy + Ho + Er + Tm + Yb + Lu + Y.
**
PMREO (Permanent Magnet Rare-Earth Oxides) has been used to express the results in the press release. TREO is calculated by converting
the elemental ppm to Rare-Earth Oxides using a conversion factor and is the summation of Pr
6
O
11
+ Nd
2
O
3
+ Tb
4
O
7
+ Dy
2
O
3.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian
securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-
looking terminology such as "will", "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that
certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and
estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different,
including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have
attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that
cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such
statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking
statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required
by applicable securities laws.
Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit
https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278003