VR intersects 2.7 % TREO with 28.5% PMREO at South Rim, the second area of high grade REE critical metals discovered at Hecla-Kilmer to-date.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
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VR intersects 2.7 % TREO with 28.5% PMREO at South Rim, the second area of
high grade REE critical metals discovered at Hecla-Kilmer to-date.
Drill Hole HK22-020: 212 m of continuous mineralization at 0.7% TREO with17 % PMREO,
with one metre samples up to 2.7% TREO(1) with 28.5% PMREO(2), and including
48 m @ 1.0 % TREO with 19% PMREO at the end of the hole, and open to depth.
The 212 metre intersection in Hole HK22-020 is on structure, along-strike to the southeast
of the 25.5 m @ 1.131% TREO with 18% PMREO intersected in Hole HK22-015.
NR-23-02
January 23, 2023 , Vancouver, B.C.: VR Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: VRR, FSE: 5VR; OTCQB: VRRCF), the
"Company", or “ VR”, is pleased to report the second batch of geochemical data for the two drill holes
completed last fall on the South Rim of the Hecla -Kilmer complex (“H -K”) located in northern Ontario.
Data from the last remaining drill holes are expected shortly.
Five drill holes were completed at Hecla-Kilmer in November, 2022, for 1,437m. The 21 drill holes
completed to date are shown on Figure 1; provided are the key REE critical metal intersections which
span an area of approximately 2 x 3 km in the western half of the multiphase alkaline complex at H-K.
The mineralization at South Rim with 2.7% TREO is shown in Photo 1; apatite veins associated with
carbonatite dykes and vein breccia, in country rock that is 100% replaced by hydrothermal alteration.
The volume potential for this new, mineralized structure on the South Rim is illustrated in Figure 2, on a
detailed magnetic plan map and cross-section through the 3D MVI magnetic inversion model.
Significance
Multiple zones. This is the second large area of > 1% TREO mineralization discovered at Hecla-Kilmer.
The new data are from two holes on the South Rim zone which is located approximately 2.5 km to the
south of the REE intersections previously reported for Pike zone, such as the 461 m intersection in
Hole 13 (NR23-001, January 17, 2023). Intersections in three additional areas will be followed-up in
2023: around Hole 17 to the west of Pike Zone; around Hole 16 in the center of the complex, and;
around Hole 1 to the southeast of Pike Zone.
PMREO grade. The consistent 16 – 28% proportion of PMREO in the TREO mineralization at South Rim
is consistent with mineralization at Pike Zone located 2.5 km to the north. This ratio is important
because of the high value of the PMREOs in response to the demand for permanent magnets in EVs and
wind turbines. For comparison, published resources for most Canadian LREE deposits in carbonatite
generally contain between 12-15% of the high value PMREO (e.g. neodymium), which is roughly 40%
lower than the proportion at Hecla-Kilmer.
Lateral scale. Like at Pike Zone, REE mineralization in Holes 15, 19 and 20 at the South Rim is associated
with carbonatite dykes, veins and vein breccia within high temperature, hydrothermal potassic
alteration that is both intense and widespread, characterized by mineral assemblages dominated by
VR RESOURCES LTD.
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magnetite, biotite, apatite, carbonate and disseminated sulfide. Importantly, these broad alteration
envelopes on structure are also mineralized, as in the carbonatite dyke swarm of sovite breccia in Hole
19, shown in Photo 1; the sovite breccia is the southern shoulder to the mineralized structure which was
intersected in Holes 15 and 20, which were inclined to the north and northeast respectively.
Vertical extent. The veins and vein breccia with up to 2.7% TREO with 28.5% PMREO in Hole 20 occur
within an intersection of 212 m of continuous mineralization grading 0.7%TREO, with the most intense
polymetallic mineralization of REE + Nb2O5 in the lower 48 metres, and open to depth. This is similar to
the intense REE mineralization at the bottom of the 461 m intersection in Hole 13 at Pike Zone, which is
also open to depth.
CEO Comment and Drill Core Photos from Hecla-Kilmer
From VR’s CEO, Dr. Michael Gunning, “The critical metal discovery at Hecla-Kilmer emphasizes:
- the scale of the hydrothermal system evident in drill core over an area of 2 x 3 km;
- the number of occurrences of > 1% TREO mineralization: at least four discovered to date;
- the higher-than-normal component of the high-value PMREOs, from 16 – 28% of TREO, and;
- location, both with regard to mineralization coming to bedrock surface at the base of till, and
the location of Hecla-Kilmer, just 23 km from provincial infrastructure.
Consider that the South Rim is now the fourth area of mineralization at Hecla-Kilmer with grades in
individual veins and breccia zones with 1 – 3 % TREO and containing 16 – 28 % PMREO:
- Photo 1 shows high grade TREO in Hole 20 on the South Rim;
- Photo 2 shows high grade TREO in Hole 13 at Pike Zone, located 2.5 km to the north;
- Photo 3 shows high grade TREO in Hole 17, located on a north-south structure west of Pike Zone;
- Photo 4 shows TREO mineralization with magnetite in Hole 16 located on a major east-west
structure that bisects the central core of the complex, in between South Rim and Pike zones.
The potential for each of these areas is two-fold:
1. Lateral continuity of TREO mineralization along structure, and;
2. TREO mineralization in breccia systems with no apparent limit to vertical extent.
Next Steps Planned for the Hecla-Kilmer Project in 2023
This REE critical metal discovery at H -K has progressed continuously since mineralization was first
intersected at surface in Hole 4 during the first reconnaissance program in October, 2020. Since then, VR
has expanded geochemical techniques to include analysis by lithium-borate fusion to optimize detection
of all REEs, and utilized QEMSCAN thin section analysis to characterize REE mineralogy. Going forward:
1. VR has commenced a study of drill core samples from Holes 13 and 15 using scanning electron
microprobe (SEM) to determine exactly which minerals host the high value magnet rare earth
elements. Results are anticipated this quarter, and work will be ongoing through 2023;
2. VR has initiated the scoping for metallurgy and mineral extraction studies using a bulk sample
obtained from core from a dedicated drill hole with a representative, broad intersection of REE
mineralization starting at surface. This work is planned for the first half of 2023, utilizing the
world-class REE expertise at SGS Lakefield Laboratories in Ontario.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
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Follow-up drilling is planned for the spring of 2023. It will focus on supporting the afore-mentioned
advanced-stage studies at Pike Zone, and completing additional exploration drill holes on the other three
areas of mineralization discovered to date.
Overall, the path forward for this emerging discovery is strengthened by its location, just 23 km to the
west of the provincial hydroelectric dam at Otter Rapids, with supporting and active Ontario Northern
railroad and Highway 634 infrastructure.
Technical Information
Summary technical and geological information for the C ompany’s various exploration properties is
available at the Company’s website at www.vrr.ca.
VR submits sawn drill core samples for geochemical assay to the ALS Global Ltd. (“ALS”) laboratory
facilities in Timmins or Thunder Bay , Ontario, with final geochemical analytical work done at the ALS
laboratory located in North Vancouver, BC., including lithium borate fusion, 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. Analytical results are subject to industry -standard and NI 43 -101 compliant QAQC sample
procedures, including the systematic insertion of sample duplicates , blanks and certified reference
material (CRM) done both externally on the project site by the Company and internally at the laboratory
by ALS, as described by ALS.
Technical information for this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory
requirements set out in Nationa l Instrument 43 -101. Justin Daley, P.Geo., VP Exploration and a non -
independent Qualified Person oversees all aspects of the 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.
**
(1) TREO is the summation of Ce2O3 + La2O3 + Pr2O3 + Nd2O3 + Sm2O3 + Eu2O3 + Gd2O3 + Tb2O3
+ Dy2O3 + Ho2O3 + Er2O3 + Tm2O3 + Yb2O3 + Lu2O3 + Y2O3.
(2) PMREO is the sum of high value rare earth oxides used in permanent magnet motors and turbines
used in electric vehicles and wind turbines (Pr2O3 + Nd203 + Tb2O3 + Dy2O3).
About the Hecla-Kilmer Property
The Hecla-Kilmer complex 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 to the south, itself located on the northern Trans-Canada Highway.
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.
Hecla-Kilmer is located on provincial crown land, with mineral rights administered by the Ontario Ministry
of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (“MNDM”). There are no annual
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
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 exp loration company focused on greenfield opportunities in critical metals,
copper and gold (TSX.V: VRR; Frankfurt: 5VR; OTCQB: VRRCF). VR is the continuance of 4 years of active
exploration in Nevada by a Vancouver -based private company. The foundation of VR is the diverse
experience and proven track record of its Board in early -stage exploration, discovery and M&A. The
Company is well -financed for its exploration strategies and corporate obligations, and focuses on
underexplored, large-footprint mineral sy stems in the western United States and Canada. VR owns its
properties outright and evaluates new opportunities on an ongoing basis, by staking or acquisition.
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
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 statements in this
release include those related to the compan y’s upcoming plans, such as “Data from the remaining drill
holes are expected shortly”, and “VR evaluates new opportunities on an ongoing basis.”
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. Re aders 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 a nticipated 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, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
Figure 1. Locations of the 21 drill holes completed to date at Hecla-Kilmer, plotted on a contoured RTP magnetic
base map with superimposed 3D iso -shells from the MVI inversion . Key intersections for critical metal are
highlighted for the first 19 holes for which data are received, with data from the two final holes pending.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
Figure 2 . Drill hole HK22 -020 plotted on the detailed, 2VD magnetic map derived from the high
resolution drone magnetic survey completed in 2022. Note the strong correlation of mineralization in
drill holes 015 and 020 to the northeast -southwest grain of magnetic gradients, providing a clear
vector for follow-up drilling. High PMREO content is maintained along the trend. See Figure 1 for the
location of Holes 15 and 20 relative to the entire Hecla-Kilmer complex.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
Photo 1. South Rim Zone. Top Photo: carbonatite dyke (phoscorite) with REE-rich apatite and monazite matrix,
and small biotite phenocrysts at 166m with 2.85% TREO including 28.5% PMREO within 261m at 0.7% TREO.
Bottom photo: core bench photo of carbonatite (sovite) dykes and vein breccia observed over tens of metres in
HK22-019. This is the first observation of apatite (orange-pink) in a sovite (white calcite carbonatite) at H-K. This
new occurrence of mineralized sovite is a proximal indicator to the intense REE mineralization in holes 15 and 20.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
Photo 2. Pike Zone. Photograph of drill core with 2.2% TREO and 19% P205 at 219m in drill hole HK22-013.
Rare earth element mineralization is amongst a myriad of carbonatite dykes (phoscorite and sovite) which
themselves are cut by fluorite-rich carbonate veins. Protolith alkaline igneous rocks are completely replaced
by a potassic alteration assemblage dominated by hydrothermal biotite.