VR completes 2021 drill program at Hecla-Kilmer and reports final data from 2020 which confirm the REE and critical metal discovery at H-K. NR-21-20
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
VR completes 2021 drill program at Hecla-Kilmer and reports final data
from 2020 which confirm the REE and critical metal discovery at H-K.
NR-21-20
October 26, 2021 , Vancouver, B.C.: VR Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: VRR , FSE: 5VR; OTC QB: VRRCF ), the
"Company", or “VR”, announces that the fall 2021 drill program has been completed at its Hecla-Kilmer
(“H-K”) project in northern Ontario, with 5 holes completed to target depths for a total of 2,604 m.
Figure 1 shows the four drill holes completed in 2020 which targeted the northern MVI anomaly (total
magnetic vectorization) at H -K, derived from the 3D inversion of the high resolution airborne magnetic
survey over the entire H-K complex, and which resulted in the discovery of significant widths of rare earth
element (“REE”) and critical metal mineralization (see Table 1 below, and NR-21-17). The five follow-up
drill holes which have just been completed focused on a large and high contrast, 3.5 mGal gravity anomaly
that is co-spatial with, but offset from, the MVI magnetic anomaly, as shown in Figure 1.
XRF scanning is currently being done on each drill hole in its entirety in order to better integrate
mineralogy and geochemistry, and to obtain continuous density and magnetic readings.
Geochemical sampling of drill core is also ongoing, and the Company expects to have all mineral
and geochemical data in hand by calendar year-end.
H-K is Confirmed as a new REE and Critical Metal System in Canada
The Company has also received final geochemical data from its expanded sampling of drill core from the
2020 drill program at H -K. The new data confirm the discovery reported in July ( see NR-21-17) of rare
earth elements (“REE”) and critical metals, for example , lithium and niobium, at H-K, hosted in sulfide -
bearing carbonatite dykes, fluorite-carbonate vein breccia and hydrothermal breccia.
Drill hole HK20-004 from 2020 was re-logged and sampled prior to the start-up of the current drill program
in order to obtain accurate data using a lithium borate fusion assay technique designed to optimize the
analytical detection for all rare earth elements. Table 1 below provides the new data, together with the
previously reported data for hole HK20-002 which was obtained by the same analytical method.
Drillhole Status From
(m)
To
(m)
Length
(m)
TREO(1)
(%)
MHREO(2)
(%) MH-T(3) Li2O
(ppm)
Nb2O5
(%)
Ta2O5
(ppm)
ThO2
(ppm)
HK20-002 Reported 159.60 183.00 23.40 0.628 0.060 11.3% 42.95 0.005 9.15 153
HK20-002 Reported 553.00 606.00 53.00 0.514 0.048 9.1% 12.99 0.012 17.08 401
including Reported 566.65 585.00 18.35 0.666 0.066 9.4% 11.39 0.014 18.76 510
HK20-004 New 40.30 98.40 58.10 0.38 0.04 11% 0.01 0.15 25.37 155
including New 56.00 83.00 27.00 0.48 0.05 12% 0.01 0.17 31.06 231
including New 57.00 60.21 3.21 1.44 0.15 10% 0.01 0.17 25.20 438
including New 67.23 78.00 10.77 0.35 0.04 0.11 0.01 0.27 50.12 259
(1) TREO is the summation of Ce2O3 + La2O3 + Pr2O3 + Nd2O3 + Sm2O3 + Eu2O3 + Gd2O3 + Tb2O3 + Dy2O3 + Ho2O3 + Er2O3 +
Tm2O3 + Yb2O3 + Lu2O3 + Y2O3
(2) MHREO is the sum of the middle and heavy rare earth oxides (Sm2O3 + Eu2O3 + Gd2O3 + Tb2O3 + Dy2O3 + Ho2O3 + Er2O3 +
Tm2O3 + Yb2O3 + Lu2O3 + Y2O3)
(3) MH-T is MHREO divided by TREO, expressed as a percent.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
Figure 2 and Figure 3 provide geochemical drill hole strip logs for both HK20-002 and -004.
The new data from HK20-004 confirm the REE and critical metals intersected in carbonatite dykes and
hydrothermal fluorite-carbonate vein breccia in hole 002. Key aspects of the new data include:
Total rare earth oxide concentrations (TREO) exceed 0.5% TREO over widths greater than 50 m;
o TREO up to 1.44 % over 3.21 m;
o Middle and Heavy rare earth oxides (HREO) of up to 0.15% over 3.21 m;
Concentrations of the critical metal n iobium of 0.15% Nb2O5 o ver widths greater than 50m ,
including 10.77m at 0.27% Nb2O5; this is a full order of magnitude greater than the niobium
concentrations in carbonatite with REE mineralization in hole 002;
Figure 4 and Figure 5 have drill core photos and corresponding QEMSCAN images (Quantitative Evaluation
of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy) that reveal the differing mineralogy and habit of REE
mineralization within the peripheral high temperature sodic alteration assemblage in HK20-002, and the
more proximal, higher temperature potassic alteration that is near-surface in HK20-004.
From VR’s CEO Dr. Michael Gunning “These new data from hole 004 last year confirm the REE and critical
metal component of the hydrothermal fluid system at H-K as first identified in hole 002. The importance of
the new data is that the REE concentrations exceed the cut-off grades commonly used in mineral resource
estimates for REE deposits globally, and niobium and lithium are not far off , even though these drill hole
intersections are located on what we believe to be the peripheral margins of the system.
“The re-logging of drill core from hole 004 in concert with these new geochemical data make it clear that
the carbonatite dykes (sovite and phoscorite) are key player s for the REE and niobium mineralization in
the multiphase complex at H-K, and potentially for copper and gold as well. The drill core photo in Figure
3 shows just this; a brecciated, carbonatite dyke with black REE minerals and semi -massive iron sulfide
which is anomalous in copper and gold.”
“In Holes 002 and 004 from last year, copper, lithium and REE + niobium mineralization occur in different
areas, at different depths, and in different types of hydrothermal breccia, carbonatite dykes and fluorite-
carbonate veins. Geology similar to that which hosts the REE + niobium style of mineralization is evident
in at least three of the five drill holes just completed. We will be able to convey a more accurate picture for
the potential of all three styles of mineralization described above when we have all of the mineral and
geochemical data in hand later this fall.”
“The two drill hole intersections from 2020 are 200 m apart laterally , and span more than 500 vertical
meters within the hydrothermal breccia system, starting at surface. These dimensions underscore the
scale of the REE mineralizing system at H- K and its importance to the upside potential of the project .
Further, I want to remind our shareholders that drilling is still at the very earliest stage at H-K. In addition
to waiting until all data are in hand from the nine holes completed to date in order to fully understand the
potential of mineralization in the northern MVI and gravity anomaly, we have yet to complete permitted,
first-pass drill holes located on the larger MVI magnetic anomaly located 2-3 km to the south, overlapping
the boundary with the southern marginal phases of the complex.
“Overall, H-K has already proven itself as a REE-bearing hydrothermal system of potential significance to
the current discussions across industry and government alike regarding the critical metals sector in North
America. We look forward to providing further updates as we receive final data from this program.”
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
Background
Hecla-Kilmer (“H-K”) is a large and multiphase alkaline intrusive complex with carbonatite some 4 – 6 km
across. It is Proterozoic in age, emplaced along the western margin of the crustal- scale Kapuskasing
structural zone which bisects the Archean Superior Craton in northern Ontario.
A shallow, six -hole diamond drill program was completed in 1970 as part of a regional base metal
exploration program by Ashland Oil and Elgin Petroleum. One hole was abandoned , and a scant 854 m
were completed in total in the other 5 holes, all on magnetic highs in the outer concentric zones of the
complex. Selco Exploration Company completed two drill holes in 1981 on peripheral magnetic highs as
part of a regional diamond exploration program; they intersected ultra-basic rocks and breccias peripheral
to the outer, concentric zones of the multiphase H -K complex. A regional airborne magnetic survey
covering H-K was completed in 1993 for diamond exploration, after the early drilling at H-K; it provides
high resolution detail of a concentrically zoned magnetic anomaly at H-K.
The opportunity for VR is to be the first company to apply modern IOCG and carbonatite mineral deposit
models to explore the H-K complex as a whole, and to use new exploration technologies not previously
available when the historic drilling was done. VR completed the first airborne EM survey over H-K in June,
2020, using the state-of-the-art VTEM+ system of Geotech Ltd. Flown at 100 m line spacing over a 6 x 7
km survey block for a total of 450 line-km, the data provide a high resolution of detail. The Company also
had an independent, 3 -D inversion of both magnetic and EM data completed for improved modeling.
Finally, a ground-based gravity survey covering an area of 1.5 x 3.5 km was completed in the winter season
of 2021, with high-resolution data generated from 597 stations on an equant grid spacing of 100 m.
The reader is referred to NR -20-08 dated June 18th, 2020, for photographs of magnetite -copper-fluorite
vein and vein breccia replacement in core from the historic 1970 drill holes located around the periphery
of the new gravity anomaly delineated by VR , and gold grains retrieved from drill core rubble. Current
exploration by VR is utilizing the newly acquired geophysical data to explore for the source of the copper
and gold, and the center of a hydrothermal breccia system within the large carbonatite complex at H-K.
Technical Information
Summary technical and geological information for the Company’s various exploration properties is
available at the Company’s website at www.vrr.ca.
VR submit ted all drill core for Minalyze XRF scanning and sawn drill core samples from HK20 -004 for
geochemical assay to the ALS Global Ltd. (“ ALS”) laboratory facilities in Timmins , Ontario, with final
geochemical analytical work done at the ALS laboratory located in North Vancouver , BC., including ICP -
MS and ICP -AES analyses for base metals, trace elements and full- suite REE analysis, and gold
determination by atomic absorption on fire assay assay. Analytical results are subject to industry-standard
and NI 43 -101 compliant QAQC sample procedures externally by the Co mpany and internally at the
laboratory as described by ALS . Samples from HK20-002 reported on July 22nd, 2021 were sent to SGS
Canada Inc. with a comparable procedure and analysis, as described in previous news releases.
Technical information for this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory
requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101. Justin Daley, P.Geo., Exploration Manager and Chief
Geologist at VR and a non-independent Qualified Person oversees and/or participates in all aspects of the
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
Company’s mineral exploration projects, and the content of this news release has been reviewed on
behalf of the Company by the CEO, Dr. Michael Gunning, P.Geo., a non-independent Qualified Person.
About Hecla-Kilmer
The Hecla-Kilmer complex is located 35 k ms southwest of the Company’s Ranoke property in northern
Ontario. It is located 23 km northwest of the Ontario hydro-electric facility at Otter Rapids, the Ontario
Northland Railway, and the northern terminus of Highway 634 which links the region to the towns of
Cochrane and Kapuskasing along the northern Trans-Canada Highway located some 100 km to the south.
The H-K property is large. It consists of 224 mineral claims in one contiguous block approximately 6 x 7
km in size and covering 4,617 hectares. The property is owned 100% by VR. There are no underlying
annual lease payments on the property, nor are there any joint venture or back -in interests. There is an
industry-standard royalty attached to the property, including a buy-back provision to VR.
Like the Ranoke property, H-K is located on provincial crown land, with mineral rights administered by the
provincial Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM). There are no annual payments,
but the MNDM requires certain annual exploration expenditures and reporting. The property falls within
the traditional territories of the Moose Cree and Taykwa Tagamou First Nations.
About VR Resources
VR is an established junior exploration company focused on greenfields opportunities in copper and gold
(TSX.V: VRR; Frankfurt: 5VR; OTC QB: VRRCF). VR is the continuance of 4 years of active exploration in
Nevada by a Vancouver -based private company. The diverse experience and proven track record of its
Board in early-stage exploration, discovery and M&A is the foundation of VR. The Comp any focuses on
underexplored, large-footprint mineral systems in the western United States and Canada, and is well
financed for its exploration strategies and corporate obligations. VR owns its properties outright, and
evaluates new opportunities on an ongoing basis, whether by staking or acquisition.
The Company continues its normal course of business in 2021 within the framework of modified
exploration programs in response to the COVID -19 pandemic, with the goal of ensuring the health and
safety of staff and project personnel.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
“Michael H. Gunning”
____________________________
Dr. Michael H. Gunning, PhD, PGeo
President & CEO
For general information please use the following:
Website: www.vrr.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-262-1104
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward -looking statements. Forward -looking statements are typically
identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar
expressions or those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Forward looking statem ents in this
release include “the Company expects to have all geochemical data in hand by calendar year-end”, “These
dimensions underscore the scale of the REE mineralizing system at H- K, and its importance to the upside
potential of the project” and “VR evaluates new opportunities on an ongoing basis, whether by staking or
acquisition.”
This news release contains statements and/or information with respect to mineral properties and/or
deposits which are adjacent to and/or potentially similar to the Company’s mineral properties, but which
the Company has no interest in nor rights to explore. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on
similar properties are not necessarily indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.
Although the Company believes that the use of such statements is reasonable, there can be no assurance
that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially
from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward -looking
statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ
materially from those in forward-looking statements. Trading in the securities of the Company should be
considered highly speculative. All of the Company’s public disclosure filings may be accessed via
www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
Figure 1. Locations of the drill holes completed by VR in 2020, and those planned for 2021, plotted on the RTP
magnetic base map covering H -K. Shown in contours are the main magnetic anomalies from the 3D MVI inversion
model of the magnetic data. Shown in shaded o utline is the 3.5 mGal residual gravity anomaly derived from the
ground-based gravity survey completed in March, 2020. Drilling in 2021 will test the gravity anomaly , to augment
the drilling in 2020 which targeted the MVI magnetic anomalies.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
Figure 2. Critical metals geochemical data for total rare earth oxide with Ytrrium (TREO+Y) and Niobium (Nb 2O5)
from 2020 drill holes HK20-002 and HK20-004. TREO grades are consistently anomalous over 50m at the top of HK20-
004 and the bottom HK20-002, and only differ in average grade due to unmineralized cross -cutting lamprophyre
dykes (green) in Hole 004. Niobium is consistently more anomalous within the potassic phoscorite in Hole 004.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2
Tel: 604-262-1104; [email protected]
TSX.V: VRR; www.vrr.ca
Figure 3. Copper and gold geochemical anomalies in drill holes HK20-002 and HK20-004 are associated with semi -
massive sulfide zones in rare earth element – bearing carbonatite hydrothermal breccias hosted within nepheline
monzosyenite dyke swarms. The photo, at 135m in HK20-004, shows a patches of semi-massive pyrite on the margins
of carbonatite breccias and grades 13ppb gold over 1m.