Volta Drills 7.37% Rare Earth Oxide and 252.7 g/t Gallium Oxide over 1.5m at Springer
Volta Drills 7.37% Rare Earth Oxide and 252.7
g/t Gallium Oxide over 1.5m at Springer
HIGHLIGHTS:
SL26-28 returned 214.5m grading 0.80% total rare earth oxide ("TREO") and 63.8 g/t
gallium oxide (103.5m–318.0 m), including
75.0m grading 1.02% TREO and 76.6 g/t gallium oxide (124.5m–199.5m).
The high-grade within SL26-28 returned
1.63% TREO and 85.5 g/t gallium oxide over 13.5m (279.0m–292.5m),
7.37% TREO and 252.7 g/t gallium oxide over 1.5m (291.0m–292.5m),
containing high-grade magnet rare earth elements (neodymium, praseodymium,
terbium and dysprosium):
10,579 g/t neodymium oxide, 3,540 g/t praseodymium oxide, 232 g/t
dysprosium oxide and 73 g/t terbium oxide.
SL26-34 intersected high-grade heavy rare earth mineralization near surface, returning
1.65 m grading 1.15% TREO and 66.8 g/t gallium oxide (7.5m–9.15m), including
220 g/t dysprosium oxide and 43 g/t terbium oxide with heavy rare earth oxides
making up 19.5% of TREO.
Gallium mineralization is present over the entire assayed length of all three holes. Gallium
is not included in the current Springer mineral resource estimate.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 15, 2026) -
Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE:
D0W) (OTCQB: VOLMF) ("Volta"
or the
"Company")
announces assay results from drill holes SL26-
28, SL26-34 and SL26-36, completed as part of the 2026 winter drill program at its Springer Rare Earth
Element - Gallium deposit (the "Property"), near Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada (Figure 1).
"
These results confirm two important aspects of Springer. First, gallium mineralization in this part of
the deposit is richer than we expected. Second, the deposit remains open for expansion,
demonstrating significant growth potential. SL26-28 remained in gallium mineralization at 507 metres,
and two additional holes extended mineralization into rock types we had not previously considered
prospective, further expanding the geological footprint of the system. With rare earths essential to
permanent magnets and gallium increasingly critical to semiconductors and electronics, Springer
provides exposure to two strategic mineral groups for which North America remains heavily
dependent on foreign supply. Continuing to expand both the scale and grade of this system
strengthens the foundation for our upcoming resource update,
" said Kerem Usenmez, President and
CEO of Volta.
DETAILS
The sections below summarize the assay results for SL26-28, SL26-34 and SL26-36 (Figure 1). Assay
highlights and collar coordinates are provided in Tables 1 and 2. Assays for the Heavy Rare Earth Oxide
percentages of Total Rare Earth Oxide for all holes in the 2026 drill program are given in Table 3.
Figure 1. Plan map showing all drill holes on the Springer Deposit. 2026 drill holes are red.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/314354_f8af52865483a9ed_001full.jpg
Table 1. Selected assay highlights from drill holes SL26-28, SL26-34 and SL26-36, Springer
Deposit.
Drill Hole No.
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
TREO (%)*
Ga
₂
O
₃
(g/t)**
% Magnet REO of
TREO***
SL26-28
87.00
504.00
417.00
0.566
56.7
23.9
including
103.50
318.00
214.50
0.795
63.8
23.7
including
124.50
199.50
75.00
1.021
76.6
21.5
including
121.50
132.00
10.50
1.600
81.5
21.6
151.80
181.50
29.70
1.167
82.9
21.0
208.50
292.50
84.00
0.802
63.8
24.5
including
279.00
292.50
13.50
1.632
85.5
25.1
291.00
292.50
1.50
7.368
252.7
19.6
SL26-34
6.00
351.00
345.00
0.412
39.5
21.4
7.50
9.15
1.65
1.152
66.8
24.3
123.00
124.50
1.50
1.226
74.2
21.5
168.00
169.50
1.50
1.127
57.1
21.7
159.00
274.50
115.50
0.541
44.0
23.4
252.00
264.00
12.00
0.520
60.5
21.2
SL26-36
4.00
300.00
296.00
0.361
31.3
24.1
151.50
232.50
81.00
0.562
32.6
23.4
221.00
226.50
5.50
1.048
32.4
22.5
*TREO (%) = La
2
O
3
+ CeO
2
+ 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
(%).
**Ga
2
O
3
(g/t) is calculated from assayed gallium (Ga) ppm using the stoichiometric factor 1.3442.
***% Magnet REO = (Pr
2
O
3
+ Nd
2
O
3
+ Tb
2
O
3
+ Dy
2
O
3
) / TREO x 100. Pr
6
O
11
and Tb
4
O
7
% are derived from Pr and Tb ppm using stoichiometric
conversion factors of 1.2082 and 1.1762, respectively.
True thickness/width of mineralization is unknown; intervals are reported as downhole core lengths.
Table 2. Springer drill hole collar locations. UTM NAD 83, Zone 17.
Drill Hole No.
Easting (m)
Northing (m)
Elevation (m)
Azimuth (°)
Dip (°)
Length (m)
SL26-28
5850809.22
5143657.31
251
270
-45
507
SL26-34
580588.78
5144079.4
248.23
270
-45
351
SL26-36
580671.9
5143552.45
250.16
270
-45
300
Azimuth and dip are collar orientations. No downhole directional survey was completed.
SL26-28: Vertical Extent and a Broad High-Grade Envelope
Drill hole SL26-28 returned 417.0m averaging 0.57% TREO and 56.7 g/t Ga
2
O
3
. This infill drill hole was
collared between drill holes SL11-02, SL11-05 and SL12-14 (Figure 2).
The principal mineralized envelope extends from 103.5m to 318.0m, returning 214.5m grading 0.80%
TREO and 63.8 g/t Ga
2
O
3
within red "syenite" cut by white dolomite carbonatite veins. The interval
includes 75.0m grading 1.02% TREO and 76.6 g/t Ga
2
O
3
(124.5m–199.5m) (Figure 3).
The highest-grade sample returned
7.37% TREO
and
252.7 g/t Ga
₂
O
₃
over 1.5m (291.0m–292.5m),
with
heavy rare earth oxides
("HREO") representing
19.6% of TREO
. The interval contains
10,579 g/t
Neodymium
oxide (Nd
₂
O
₃
),
3,540 g/t Praseodymium
oxide (Pr
₆
O
₁₁
),
232 g/t Dysprosium
oxide
(Dy
₂
O
₃
) and
73 g/t Terbium
oxide (Tb
₄
O
₇
). This sample represents the highest HREO content
encountered to date at Springer, and occurs within the same syenite-carbonatite vein assemblage
hosting the broader mineralized envelope. Importantly, mineralization persists to the base of the assayed
hole. Mineralogy/Petrology studies are ongoing to identify the REE-Ga minerals within the Springer
Deposit and the implications for exploration targeting.
Figure 2. Cross section for drill hole SL26-28.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/314354_f8af52865483a9ed_002full.jpg
Figure 3. Core photo of SL26-28, boxes 29 and 30, 120.0m-128.2m, showcasing high-grade
TREO and Gallium oxide.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/314354_f8af52865483a9ed_003full.jpg
Heavy Rare Earth Enrichment Beyond the Carbonatite-Rich Zone
Drill hole SL26-34 is located in the north part of the Springer deposit, while SL26-36 is located in the
south part and SL26-28 is in the central portion (Figure 1). SL26-34 and SL26-36 intersected a host-
rock sequence dominated by granitic gneiss and syenite with only minor carbonatite, whereas SL26-28
has more abundant carbonatite veins hosted by red syenite. The heavy rare-earth (HREO) ratio of total
rare-earth elements (TREO)* ranges from 4.0 to 8.8 % (Table 3).
Table 3. Summary of HREO % of TREO ratio for 2026 Springer drill holes.
Drill Hole No.
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Depth of Hole (m)
HREO % of TREO*
SL26-27
129.0
393.0
264.0
393
6.1
SL26-28
87.0
504.0
417.0
507
6.0
SL26-29**
420
SL26-30**
351
SL26-31
3.0
402.0
399.0
402
6.4
SL26-32
3.4
426.0
422.6
426
4.0
SL26-33
3.0
402.0
399.0
402
5.3
SL26-34
6.0
351.0
345.0
351
8.8
SL26-35
4.6
693.0
688.4
693
4.8
SL26-36
4.0
300.0
296.0
300
5.5
SL26-37
6.0
420.0
414.0
420
4.4
SL26-38**
357
SL26-39
5.5
423.0
417.5
423
4.9
*HREO % = (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
) %. HREO % of TREO = HREO% / TREO% *100.
** Assays pending.
SL26-34: Near-Surface Dysprosium and Terbium with Continuous Gallium
Drill hole SL26-34 was mineralized from top to bottom, averaging 0.41% TREO and 39.5 g/t Ga
2
O
3
from
6.0m to 351m (Figures 4 and 5).
Gallium shows a similar distribution to the HREO distribution, occurring throughout the entire assayed
length of all three holes and averaging 39.5 g/t Ga
2
O
3
over 345m and 31.3 g/t Ga
2
O
3
over 296m in
SL26-34. Together, these results extend both the heavy rare earth and gallium mineralized footprint at
Springer beyond the light rare earth dominated carbonatite-hosted zones and confirm that gallium
mineralization is also hosted within the broader granitic gneiss-syenite sequence, further supporting the
deposit-wide distribution of gallium first reported on August 10, 2026
.
Heavy rare earth enrichment is strongest near surface. From 7.5m to 9.15m, drill hole SL26-34 returned
1.65m grading
1.15% TREO
and
66.8 g/t Ga
2
O
3
, with
220 g/t Dy
2
O
3
and
43 g/t Tb
4
O
7
, representing
15.3% heavy rare earth oxides of the TREO.
Gallium strengthens with depth in drill hole SL26-34. The most continuous mineralized zone runs from
159.0m to 274.5m, returning 115.5 m grading 0.54% TREO and 44.0 g/t Ga
2
O
3
(Figure 4).
Figure 4. Cross section of drill hole SL26-34.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/314354_f8af52865483a9ed_004full.jpg
Figure 5. Core photo of SL26-34, box 1, 6.75 – 9.3 m.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/314354_f8af52865483a9ed_005full.jpg
SL26-36: Gallium and Heavy Rare Earths Over the Full Hole
Drill hole SL26-36 was assayed from 4.0m to 300.0m (296.0m), averaging 0.36% TREO and 31.3 g/t
Ga
2
O
3
, with
HREO averaging 5.5%
of TREO (Figure 6). As in SL26-34, grade increases with depth,
with the upper portion of the hole (4m-157m) averaging 0.30% TREO and the lower portion (157m-
300m) averaging 0.42% TREO.
Figure 6. Cross section of drill hole SL26-36.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/314354_f8af52865483a9ed_006full.jpg
Resource Estimate
On February 23, 2026, Volta reported an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the Springer
deposit, effective December 31, 2025, prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. The MRE comprises
56.6 Mt Indicated at 0.70% TREO (including a near-surface high-grade core of 11.5 Mt at 1.10% TREO)
and 119.5 Mt Inferred at 0.58% TREO (including a near-surface high-grade core of 3.0 Mt at 1.16%
TREO). Resources are reported within an optimized open pit shell above a C$43/t net metal revenue
cut-off. Revenue is driven primarily by praseodymium and neodymium, which together account for
approximately 90% of total net metal value. The MRE placed Springer among the top 10 largest REE
deposits in North America based on the S&P Global Market Intelligence database (2025). The
Company cautions that mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated
economic viability.
Mineralization remains open in all directions. Gallium is not included in the current MRE and will be
reported separately. An NI 43-101 Technical Report supporting the MRE was filed on SEDAR+ on April
9, 2026.
Next Steps and Upcoming Milestones
Assays remain pending for the balance of the 13-hole, 5,452m 2026 winter drill program. Volta will
report those results as they are received from the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC").
Following receipt of all 2026 assay results, Volta is targeting completion of an updated mineral resource
estimate for the Springer deposit in the first quarter of 2027. The estimate will be prepared in
accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards.
The Company cautions that the timing of the mineral resource estimate depends on receipt of
all outstanding assay results, the completion of supporting metallurgical and analytical work,
and the availability of the Company's independent consultants. Mineral resources are not
mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.
QA/QC Protocol
All drilling was completed by a diamond drill rig producing NQ-size core. Volta implemented a strict
QA/QC protocol in processing all rock samples collected from the diamond core obtained from the
Springer property. The protocol included inserting reference materials, in this case high-concentration
and low-concentration certified rare earth element and gallium standards, blanks, and drill core
duplicates, to validate the accuracy and precision of the assay results. All collected rock core samples
were cut in half by a rock saw, placed in sturdy plastic bags and zip-tied shut while under the supervision
of a professional geologist. The remaining half core was returned to the core box, which is stored on the
Property. The samples were shipped from Volta's core shack in Sturgeon Falls to the Saskatchewan
Research Council's ("SRC") facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, using the Manitoulin Transport freight
shipping company.
The drill core samples were analyzed at SRC using Lithium metaborate fusion with subsequent analysis
by ICP-MS. SRC holds ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the Standards Council of Canada
("SCC"). Syenite standard SY-5 from Natural Resources Canada was inserted by SRC in the sample
stream for every 20 drill core samples. Standard SY-5 passed within two standard deviations for rare
earth elements (La to Lu) and Ga. All internal standards and duplicates, and all external blanks,
standards and core duplicates, passed a Quality Control review by the Qualified Person.
Qualified Person
The technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Julie Selway,
P.Geo., VP, Exploration, and Qualified Person ("QP") as defined in National Instrument 43-101,
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
For more information about the Company, please visit Volta's website at
www.voltametals.ca
.
ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD.
Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) (OTCQB: VOLMF) is a critical mineral exploration company
focused on rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum. Volta owns, has optioned, and is currently
exploring a critical minerals portfolio of rare earth, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in
Ontario, one of the world's most prolific and emerging hard-rock critical mineral districts.
Volta is advancing its 4,750-hectare Springer REE Deposit, located on the traditional territory of the
Nipissing First Nation in Sturgeon Falls. The Springer Rare Earth Element deposit sits approximately 70
km east of Sudbury, Ontario, with direct access via the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 64. The
project benefits from well-developed infrastructure, including paved road access, on-site power lines fed
from the Crystal Falls hydroelectric dam, a natural gas pipeline, and Canadian National Railway service,
all within 8 km of the deposit.
To learn more about Volta and its Springer and Aki Projects, please visit
www.voltametals.ca
.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
For further information, contact:
Kerem Usenmez, President & CEO
Tel: 416.919.9060
Email:
Website:
www.voltametals.ca
Neither the CSE nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) accepts responsibility
for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to exploration activities, plans,
strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often
identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects", "targeting" and similar