Tsodilo Resources Detects Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements Within Its Skarn Metals Project
Tsodilo Resources Detects Critical Minerals
and Rare Earth Elements Within Its Skarn
Metals Project
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - Tsodilo Resources Limited (TSXV: TSD)
(OTCQB: TSDRF) (FSE: TZO) ("Tsodilo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the verification of
significant critical minerals and rare earth element ("REE") mineralization from its 100%-owned
Gcwihaba Metals Project ("Gcwihaba" or the "Project"), located in northwest Botswana. The C26 and
C27 targets were initially identified as geophysical anomalies through ground magnetic and gravity
surveys. Diamond core drilling of these anomalies confirmed skarn-hosted REE mineralization 20-50
meters below surface. The skarns and other project area proximate targets contain a polymetallic
assemblage including fifteen rare earth elements and critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, nickel,
vanadium, and silver.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
C26 and C27 Skarn features contains 15 of the 15 REE elements listed on the U.S. Department of
Interior, U.S. Geological Survey's 2025 list of Critical Minerals and 5 other critical minerals as well.
C26 and C27 skarn Neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) content represents approximately 15% of
Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) comparable to MP Materials' Mountain Pass mine (15.7%). NdPr
is essential for high-performance permanent magnet applications in electric vehicles, wind
turbines, and defense systems.
15,000m drill program will commence in 2026 to obtain a compliant NI43-101 resource statement.
Based on integrated geophysical modelling, drilling results, and geological modelling of the confirmed
skarn deposits, the Company has defined a conceptual exploration target ranging from 81 to 97 million
tonnes at grades between 0.05% and 1.49% TREO. The REE exploration target measures four
kilometers in length.
Figure 1a – Total REE concentrations map across Gcwihaba Metals Project and Figure 1b – Location
Map - C26 & C27 Skarn
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11216/280123_figure1.jpg
Tsodilo's Chairman and CEO, James M. Bruchs, comments:
"The 1.49% TREO intercept at C27 represents the highest grade recorded so far for Gcwihaba," stated
James M. Bruchs, Chairman and CEO. "These results validate our systematic exploration approach
and demonstrate evidence of a polymetallic REE skarn system with both vertical extent and grade.
Our conceptual exploration target of 81 to 97 million tonnes was generated through integrated
magnetic and gravity geophysical modelling using a ground magnetics inversion model, constrained
by drilling results and geological interpretation. This modelling was completed in-house using
Paradigm GOCAD software. Beyond rare earth elements, the skarn system has returned encouraging
base and precious metal values, including copper up to 0.41% in the C26 skarn, cobalt up to 320
ppm, and silver up to 5.1 g/t in the C27 skarn. The 2026 drilling program will focus on defining high-
grade REE zones while further evaluating the polymetallic potential of the system to support
preparation of an initial mineral resource estimate."
Rare earth elements are used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense
technologies. Global supply is concentrated in China, with demand projected to grow at 9.2% annually
through 2030. Rare earth elements and cobalt are included in the US Department of the Interior Critical
Minerals List ("CML"). The C26 and C27 skarns mineralization contain all fifteen rare earth elements on
the 2025 US Department of the Interior Critical Minerals List ("CML"), including neodymium and
praseodymium, plus five additional CML minerals including cobalt, copper, nickel, vanadium, and silver.
In total, 20 of 60 CML minerals have been identified.
Figure 2: Gcwihaba Skarn Metals Project Critical Minerals & Rare Earth Elements
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11216/280123_f7c6ad0b24ca3954_011full.jpg
This represents the first systematic assessment of REE potential at the Gcwihaba Metals Project. The
Company has completed twelve NQ-size exploration drill holes (totaling 3,303 meters) to date across the
C26 and C27 skarn targets. A total of 1,612 diamond core samples from nine drill holes were analyzed
for multi-element geochemistry, with 1,224 samples (76%) returning detectable REE mineralization. Four
drill holes returned high-grade REE intercepts up to 1.49% TREO at the C27 skarn anomaly.
Drill Results
C27 Skarn Anomaly:
1.49% TREO over 2m (159.5-161.5m) in Hole 1822C27_6
1.23% TREO over 1m (146.4-147.4m) in Hole 1822C27_2
45m @ ≥0.1% TREO (74.4-243.4m) in Hole 1822C27_2
C26 Skarn Anomaly:
18m @ ≥0.1% TREO (77.6-190.6m) in Hole 1822C26_1
4m @ ≥0.1% TREO (103.4-111.4m) in Hole 1822C26_3
C27 Skarn deposit returned 1.49% TREO over 2m (159.5-161.5m) including 984 ppm Nd, 388 ppm Pr,
92 ppm Cu, 36 ppm Co, and 1.1 g/t Ag in Hole 1822C27_6. 1.23% TREO over 1m (146.4-147.4m)
including 1,195 ppm Nd, 438 ppm Pr, 430 ppm Cu, 71 ppm Co, and 0.2 g/t Ag in Hole 1822C27_2.
45m @ ≥0.1% TREO (74.4-243.4m) averaging 0.29% TREO, 330 ppm Nd, 123 ppm Pr, 517 ppm Cu,
75 ppm Co, and 0.7 g/t Ag in Hole 1822C27_2.
C26 Skarn deposit returned 18m @ ≥0.1% TREO (77.6-190.6m) averaging 0.16% TREO, 214 ppm Nd,
63 ppm Pr, 733 ppm Cu, and 1.0 g/t Ag in Hole 1822C26_1. 0.46% TREO over 1m (172.6-173.6m)
including 473 ppm Nd, 154 ppm Pr, 927 ppm Cu, and 1.0 g/t Ag in Hole 1822C26_1. 4m @ ≥0.1%
TREO (103.4-111.4m) averaging 0.23% TREO, 258 ppm Nd, 82 ppm Pr, 288 ppm Cu, and 1.0 g/t Ag in
Hole 1822C26_3. The Company plans to commence further diamond core drilling on the C27 and C26
skarn deposits in 2026.
Table 1: Rare Earth Elements, Copper, Cobalt & Silver Drill Results Summary - Gcwihaba
Project
Target
Peak Grade
Peak
Nd
(ppm)
Peak
Pr
(ppm)
Peak
Ce
(ppm)
Peak
La
(ppm)
Width
≥1%
TREO
Width
≥0.1%
TREO
Peak
Cu
(ppm)
Peak
Co
(ppm)
Peak
Ag
(g/t)
C27 Skarn
1.49% TREO
1,195
438
5,850
4,870
2m
45m
2600
320
5.1
C26 Skarn
0.46% TREO
473
154
1,777
1,270
-
18m
4073
-
1.0
TREO =
Total Rare Earth Oxide
; Nd =
Neodymium
; Pr =
Praseodymium
Note: All reported intervals are downhole lengths; true widths have not yet been determined. TREO values are reported as oxide
equivalents. Peak Nd and Pr values are from the highest-grade TREO intercepts within each anomaly. All values from certified
laboratory analysis (ALS/Actlabs ME-MS81, ME-ICP61).
Peak values represent maximum single-meter assay results. All rare earth
elements, cobalt, copper, and silver are US DOI Critical Minerals (2025). Assay data is located on the Company's website at
Tsodilo
Resources Ltd. - Metals
.
Geological Setting
The skarn deposits occur within carbonate-rich lithologies (marbles) and schists beneath 20 - 50 meters
of Kalahari sediments cover. The REE mineralization is developed within endo-skarn formed along
carbonate-rich marble lithologies, with bulk skarn mineralogy comprising pyroxene skarn (hedenbergite)
and garnet skarn (andradite). REE minerals identified include carbonates (bastnäsite, ancylite), silicates
(allanite, britholite), and phosphates (monazite, xenotime). This mineralogical assemblage is
characteristic of skarn-hosted REE deposits globally and represents well-established REE mineral types
with proven extraction methods.
The intercept grades at Gcwihaba fall within the range of reported grades for skarn-hosted REE
deposits, which typically range from 0.02% to 3% TREO (
Paulick and Machacek, 2017
). The 1.49%
TREO intercept at C27 represents the highest grade recorded at the project to date.
Exploration Implications
The high-grade intersections at C27 and broad mineralized intervals at C26 validate the Company's
geophysical exploration approach using integrated magnetic and gravity surveys beneath Kalahari
cover. The results support the conceptual exploration target of 81 to 97 million tonnes, which was
generated through ground magnetics data inversion modeling, constrained by drilling results and
geological interpretation. This approach provides a framework for systematic resource definition drilling
campaign.
The 2026 drilling program will focus on defining high-grade zones exceeding 1% TREO, improving
geological confidence, and collecting samples for metallurgical testwork. The planned 2026 drilling
campaign comprises approximately 50 NQ-size drill holes totaling 15,000 meters, designed to support
preparation of an initial mineral resource statement.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC)
All diamond drill core from the Gcwihaba Metals Project was logged, photographed, and sawn in half
using a diamond blade core saw. One half of the core was submitted for geochemical analysis, while the
other half was retained in secure storage for reference. Sampling intervals were determined based on
geological boundaries and typically ranged one meter. Control samples comprised approximately 10%
of all samples submitted, including certified reference standards, analytical blanks, field duplicates, and
preparation duplicates. QA/QC results were reviewed in real time, and all data have been verified as
meeting acceptable thresholds for accuracy, precision, and contamination before inclusion in this
release.
Diamond drill core samples were submitted for multi-element geochemical analysis at ALS Minerals
Division, South Africa. Sample preparation comprised fine crushing to 70% passing 2mm (CRU-31),
riffle splitting (SPL-21), and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 μm (PUL-31). Samples were analyzed using
38-element fusion inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; method ME-MS81) for rare
earth elements and yttrium, and 33-element four-acid digestion inductively coupled plasma atomic
emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES; method ME-ICP61) for base and trace metals. Selected samples
were also analyzed for precious metals using fire assay fusion ICP (method PGM-ICP23).
About Rare Earth Elements
The rare earths are an abundant group of seventeen elements composed of scandium, yttrium, and the
lanthanides. The elements range in crustal abundance from cerium, the 25
th
most abundant element of
the seventy-eight common elements in the earth's crust at 60 parts per million, to thulium and lutetium, the
least abundant rare-earth elements at about 0.5 part per million. The elemental forms of rare earths are
iron gray to silvery lustrous metals that are typically soft, malleable, and ductile and usually reactive,
especially at elevated temperatures or when finely divided.
The rare earths' unique properties are used in a wide variety of applications. (Source: USGS National
Minerals Information Center)
.
NdFeB magnets are the most widely used, driving demand for four key
REEs: Neodymium and Praseodymium as core inputs, and Dysprosium and Terbium" as essential
additives for thermal stability. (Source: African Development Bank, Critical Mineral Insights 9 - Rare
Earth Elements, November 24, 2025). In 2024, the U.S. imported 80% of the rare earth elements it
used." (Source: USGS News Release, Interior Department releases final 2025 List of Critical Minerals,
November 14, 2025)
Cautionary Note
The conceptual exploration target of 81 to 97 million tonnes for the C26 and C27 skarn anomalies was
generated through magnetic and gravity geophysical modelling techniques using a ground magnetics
inversion model, constrained by drilling results and geological interpretation. This modelling was
completed in-house using Paradigm GOCAD software. The potential quantity and grade of this
exploration target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a Mineral
Resource in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects
("NI 43-101"), and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the exploration target being delineated
as a Mineral Resource. The exploration target should not be misconstrued as or considered equivalent
to a Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve.
QP Disclosure
Overall supervision of the Company's exploration program is the responsibility of Asele Maboshe,
"Qualified Person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), who has
reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release, and is not independent of the
Company.
About Tsodilo Resources Limited
Tsodilo Resources Limited is an international mineral resource exploration company engaged in the
search for economic metal deposits at its Gcwihaba Resources (Pty) Limited ("Gcwihaba") projects in
Botswana. The Company has a 100% stake in its Gcwihaba project area consisting of five metal (base,
precious, platinum group, and rare earth) prospecting licenses all located in the North-West district of
Botswana.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
:
James M. Bruchs
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Head Office
Telephone +1 416 800-4214
Facsimile +1 416 987-4369
Website
www.TsodiloResources.com
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of
historical fact, which address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects
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use of proceeds, the impact of strategic partnerships and statements that describe the Company's
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that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among
other things, changes in equity markets, changes in general economic conditions, market volatility,
political developments in Botswana and surrounding countries, changes to regulations affecting the
Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the
future, exploration and development risks, the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration results
and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration business. Any forward-looking statement
speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable
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Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable,
forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance
should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the
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could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among
other things, uncertainties relating to availability and cost of funds, timing and content of work
programs, results of exploration activities, interpretation of drilling results and other geological data,
risks relating to variations in the diamond grade and kimberlite lithologies; variations in rates of
recovery and breakage; estimates of grade and quality of diamonds, variations in diamond valuations
and future diamond prices; the state of world diamond markets, reliability of mineral property titles,
changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain
required project approvals, operational and infrastructure risk and other risks involved in the diamond
exploration and development business. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on
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