NeoTerrex Minerals: New Assay Results at Galactic Reveal High Concentrations of Zirconium and Tantalum, Key Elements to the Nuclear Energy Industry
NeoTerrex Minerals: New Assay Results at
Galactic Reveal High Concentrations of
Zirconium and Tantalum, Key Elements to the
Nuclear Energy Industry
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 6, 2024) - NeoTerrex Minerals Inc. (TSXV: NTX)
("NeoTerrex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results from its surface exploration
program at the Galactic project, located in eastern Quebec.
Highlights
38 critical minerals occurrences discovered since June 2024
Minerals key to nuclear industry, military, robotics and green energy sectors
Zirconium assay results among highest recorded in the province (9.5% Zr)
Numerous Tantalum, Dysprosium, Neodymium and Niobium occurrences
Grab samples collected from outcrops and boulders during the Company's summer exploration program
at the Galactic project indicate that in addition to containing high concentrations of Niobium ("Nb"),
Neodymium ("Nd") and Dysprosium (see August 22
nd
, 2024 news release) the area also hosts large
concentrations of the critical minerals Zirconium ("Zr") and Tantalum ("Ta"). An updated map and table of
best results which meet the occurrence thresholds established by the Quebec ministry is provided below.
Galactic Project
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8499/232750_c7032a7fd4a4e836_001full.jpg
Occurrence
UTME
UTMN
Nb (ppm)
Ta (ppm)
Dy (ppm)
Nd (ppm)
Zr (%)
Andromeda I
640120
5588236
9220
535
3020
6330
5.56
Andromeda II
640092
5588195
866
65.7
552
4580
0.98
Andromeda III
640086
5588170
1730
114.5
449
3290
0.25
Andromeda IV
640152
5588214
4070
199
1915
2270
0.85
Andromeda IX
640173
5588151
2270
63.8
1130
1155
0.47
Andromeda V
640122
5588243
8100
562
1160
2110
9.25
Andromeda VI
640062
5588225
2670
126
352
1300
0.97
Andromeda VII
640212
5588202
2870
132
241
365
0.05
Andromeda VIII
640185
5588174
1750
101
105
239
0.26
Aquarius I
641905
5588183
215
12.75
102
1105
2.51
Canis Major
639980
5587984
4490
189.5
2120
3310
3.79
Canis Minor
640013
5587972
508
66.5
142
1370
0.67
Centaurus I
639854
5587826
10400
408
2410
2860
0.79
Ceres I
639064
5588754
1895
336
1005
16350
0.06
Corvus I
638750
5588914
797
50.6
188
757
4.37
Cygnus I
639699
5588962
3400
172.5
288
1295
7.02
Cygnus II
639693
5588953
2220
102.5
162
270
5.90
Cygnus III
639699
5588887
776
41.5
97
797
0.46
Draco I
638958
5589082
1905
129.5
61
215
0.22
Draco II
638995
5589150
648
63.5
58
1095
0.13
Gemini I
639828
5588994
8880
442
4750
9000
0.64
Gemini II
639821
5588991
5260
273
446
952
0.54
Hubble I
639472
5589687
2490
202
3
6
0.03
Hydra I
639063
5588932
1790
103.5
296
1025
0.31
Orion I
638306
5590349
59
2.51
184
13900
0.00
Pegasus I
638864
5588830
11000
902
539
1710
0.04
Pegasus II
638905
5588812
2440
155.5
244
812
0.55
Sagan I
640110
5588435
1190
69.4
79
102
0.21
Sagittarius I
641309
5588272
5160
229
342
758
0.42
Sagittarius II
641314
5588241
1820
40.5
125
39
0.16
Scorpius I
638940
5588969
2690
178.5
651
5520
2.76
Scorpius II
638930
5588907
2000
116.5
72
225
0.37
Scorpius III
638902
5588964
1640
96.6
182
425
0.60
Taurus I
640501
5587984
1190
50
148
1030
0.92
Ursa I
640496
5587824
3030
120
452
719
0.95
Vesta I
641802
5588123
129.5
7.44
50
1055
0.59
Table 1: List of new discoveries. Nb, Ta, Dy, Nd and Zr in grab samples
Mathieu Stephens, President and CEO for NeoTerrex commented: "A review of the data collected this
past summer along with the new assay results paints a clearer picture and magnitude of what our
geologists have uncovered. The fact that 20% of the samples collected in a 5 square-kilometre area
contain high concentrations of these critical minerals is quite remarkable and goes to show that follow-up
work is required here. In addition, the Zirconium values are amongst the highest in Quebec and are
comparable to those encountered at the Strange Lake and Crater Lake projects, which are located
much further away from any infrastructure, unlike our Galactic project."
Demand for these critical minerals is expected to grow substantially over the next few years due to their
critical role in various key the industries. The unique properties of Zirconium make it ideal for use in
nuclear reactors as a cladding material for Uranium rods, where it serves as a barrier between the
radioactive uranium or plutonium fuel and the reactor coolant. Niobium is a key component in the
aerospace and defense industries, where it enhances the performance of jet engines and rockets. It is
also indispensable in advanced scientific and medical technologies, such as superconducting magnets
used in MRI machines. Dysprosium and Neodymium are essential for advanced technologies,
particularly in clean energy and defense, most notably wind turbines, electric vehicle motors, precision-
guided missiles and aircraft systems. With the limited global supply concentrated in a few countries,
securing access to these critical minerals is crucial for technological innovation, energy transitions, and
national security.
The Galactic project, spanning 11,156 hectares, is located 50 kilometres northwest of the major mining
port of Sept-Îles, Quebec and within 35 kilometres of highway access and electricity. NeoTerrex
geologists had identified the area as having excellent potential for discovery due to the presence of a
peralkaline granitic complex, a common environment for significant critical mineral deposits.
The Galactic project was mostly explored in the 1970s when Niobium was first discovered. It has since
remained relatively unexplored until NeoTerrex completed a 3-week, helicopter-assisted exploration
program in June 2024 which focused on the southwestern portion of the project where bedrock exposure
seemed more prevalent. 200 grab samples were taken over an area covering approximately 2,150
hectares.
Mineralization is principally associated with swarms of syenitic and pegmatitic dykes within larger
intrusives or gneiss. The dykes contain various exotic minerals that could not be identified in the field.
Mineralogy studies are underway to determine the nature of the minerals observed. The reader is
cautioned that grab samples are selective samples and may not necessarily be representative of the
mineralization hosted on the Galactic project.
Management prioritizes local involvement and plans to engage with nearby communities in preparation
for a second phase of exploration on the multiple discoveries and the areas not yet covered.
QAQC
Analyses were performed by ALS Canada Ltd. with the analytical procedure performed in Vancouver
(BC). All samples were analyzed using the method ME-MS89L. Ce, Dy, La, Nd, Pr and Y were used for
monitoring the analyses.
A total of 10 blanks and 10 certified reference materials (CRMs) with known grades (OREAS 463) were
inserted among the samples for an insertion rate of 9.6%. Rare earth element concentrations were
provided from a lithium borate fusion with ICP-MS analysis (ME-ICP81 and ME-MS89L).
Valour Project
Drilling is ongoing at the Valour project with approximately half the drill holes having been completed to
date (refer to November 20, 2024 news release). The drill program is expected to be completed before
Christmas.
Qualified Persons
Technical and scientific aspects of this news release have been reviewed, verified, and approved by
Mathieu Stephens, P.Geo., President and CEO of NeoTerrex, the Qualified Person, as defined by
National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About NeoTerrex
The Company is currently advancing its prospective critical minerals projects located in the province of
Quebec with the majority of its projects located within or near areas with excellent infrastructure.
NeoTerrex is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing critical minerals sector in North America with
the exploration and development of new deposits.
For further information, please contact:
NeoTerrex Minerals Inc.
Mathieu Stephens, President & Chief Executive Officer
343-308-2648
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of
the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements, including without
limitation, statements pertaining to NeoTerrex's future plans, objectives or goals regarding the follow up
work at Galactic and the drill program at Valour. All statements included herein, other than statements of
historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and
uncertainties.
The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in
accordance with applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that such information will prove
to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
information. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a
description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking
information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at
www.sedarplus.ca
.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit
https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232750