VR intersects new REE vein trends with 1.87 and 3.72% TREO respectively to expand the potential of the Pike Zone mineralization at Hecla-Kilmer.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
VR intersects new REE vein trends with 1.87 and 3.72% TREO respectively to
expand the potential of the Pike Zone mineralization at Hecla-Kilmer.
• Drill Hole HK22-018: on a north-easterly structure from Hole 13 at Pike Zone:
2m @ 3.72% TREO(1) with 33% PMREO(2), within 5m @ 1.73% TREO with 21% TREO, above
105 m @ 0.6% TREO with 18% PMREO at the end of the hole, and open to depth.
• Drill Hole HK20-001: on a south-easterly structure from Hole 13 at Pike Zone:
3m @ 1.87% TREO with 20% PMREO, and 8.0 m @ 1.0% TREO with 19.5% PMREO, and
open to depth.
NR-23-03
February 9, 2023 , Vancouver, B.C.: VR Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: VRR, FSE: 5VR; OTCQB: VRRCF), the
"Company", or “VR”, is pleased to report the remaining geochemical data from the five-hole drill program
completed last fall on its Hecla-Kilmer (“H-K”) REE critical metal discovery located in northern Ontario.
Data have now been received for all five holes completed last November, and from the first hole drilled
at Hecla-Kilmer in 2020, HK20-001, for which samples were not submitted at the time.
High-grade vein mineralization with > 1% TREO has now been intersected in 16 of the 21 drill holes
completed to date in four drill programs at Hecla-Kilmer:
▪ Figure 1. Key REE + Nb intersections at Hecla-Kilmer, plotted on an RTP magnetic base map of
the entire 5 x 7 km multiphase complex at H-K;
▪ Table 1. Detailed summary of the key REE intersections at Hecla-Kilmer shown on Figure 1.
Significance
The Pike Zone occurs at the intersection of two major structures that cross the 5 x 7 km complex at H-K.
1. The REE intersections in Holes 001 and 018 highlight the potential for higher grade vein
mineralization along strike of these structures, and;
2. The continuous mineralization from bedrock surface to 504 m depth in Hole 13, a vertical hole
drilled at the structural intersection, underscores the vertical extent of the REE mineral system.
Figure 2. The new vein mineralization at 3.7% TREO in Hole 018 is along the strike of a northeast-
trending structure and magnetic grain that was intersected in Hole 11 with 11 m @ 1.0 % TREO.
MVI magnetic anomalies 1,000 m farther along strike to the northeast have yet to be drill tested.
Figure 3. The new vein mineralization at 1.87% TREO in Hole 001 is on a northwest-trending structure
and magnetic grain and is approximately 500 m along strike from the extensive vein breccia and REE
mineralization in Hole 013 at Pike Zone.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
CEO Comment and Drill Core Photos
Photo 1 is an example of the intensity of hydrothermal alteration that hosts the high grade carbonatite
dykes, veins and vein breccia at Hecla-Kilmer. Zones from 2 to 5 metres wide with up to 3.72% TREO
reported herein for Hole 18 at Pike Zone occur within host rocks that are completely, 100% replaced by
a high temperature potassic alteration-forming fenite, composed of a fine-grained mosaic of
hydrothermal biotite, magnetite, pyroxene, apatite and carbonate, with accessory iron sulfide.
From VR’s CEO, Dr. Michael Gunning: “The REE critical metal discovery at Hecla-Kilmer has strengthened
after each of the four drill programs completed to date. The vast majority of the 21 holes completed so
far have intersected high-grade veins and vein breccia within broad intervals of alteration which itself
contain lower grade mineralization over hundreds of metres. The emerging discovery hinges on:
- the sheer scale of the hydrothermal system, with high-grade mineralization discovered in at least
four different areas spanning an area of 2 x 3 km in the western part of the complex, and with no
apparent limit to the vertical extent of mineralization beyond 500 metres at Pike Zone;
- A consistently high component of the high-value PMREOs, from 16 – 28% of TREO;
- 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 at Otter Rapids.
The high proportion of the four permanent magnet REOs in the new TREO mineralization intersected in
Holes 1 and 18 at Pike Zone is worth re-emphasizing. This ratio is important because of the high value of
the PMREOs, including the light rare earths neodymium and praseodymium and the heavy rare earths
terbium and dysprosium, in response to the demand for permanent magnets in electric vehicles and wind
turbines. For comparison, published resources for most Canadian LREE deposits in carbonatite generally
contain between 12-15% PMREO, which is roughly 40% lower than the proportion at Hecla-Kilmer.
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 mineralized drill core from Holes 13 and 15 using scanning electron
microprobe (SEM) technology in order to determine exactly which minerals host the permanent
magnet rare earth elements. Results are anticipated soon, and work will be ongoing through 2023;
2. VR has completed scoping for metallurgy and mineral extraction studies at Pike Zone 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 recognized REE expertise at SGS Lakefield Laboratories in Ontario.
Follow-up drilling is planned for the S pring of 2023. It will focus on supporting the afore -mentioned
advanced-stage metallurgical studies at Pike Zone , and completing additional exploration drill holes on
the other three areas of mineralization discovered to date at Hecla-Kilmer.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
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 access and support from the active Ontario
Northern railroad and Highway 634 infrastructure.
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 submits sawn drill core samples for g eochemical 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 i nsertion 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 National 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 unde rlying,
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 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 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
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
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 o n
underexplored, large-footprint mineral systems 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: 778-731-9292
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 company’s upcoming plans, such as “Follow-up drilling is planned for
the spring of 2023”, 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. 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 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 Comp any’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 and key REE intersections for 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 model.
VR RESOURCES LTD.
1500 – 409 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C1T2
Tel: 778-731-9292; [email protected]
TSX.V: vrr www.vrr.ca
Table 1. Key REE intersections at Hecla-Kilmer.
Drill hole From
(m)
To
(m)
Length
(m)
TREO(1)
(%)
MHREO(2)
(%)
PMREO(3)
(%)
Magnet %
of REOs
Nb2O5
(%)
Ta2O5
(ppm)
ThO2
(ppm)
HK22-021 170 213.34 43.34 0.48 0.05 0.10 21% 0.17 30.54 147.88
HK22-020 149 361 212 0.69 0.17 0.12 16% 0.14 20.9 267
including 200 220 20 0.89 0.17 0.16 18% 0.12 14.0 601
and 309 357 48 0.96 0.89 0.19 16% 0.17 0.1 28
HK22-019 71.52 147 75.48 0.35 0.11 0.06 16% 0.10 9.2 61
HK22-018 157 195 38 0.49 0.13 0.09 16% 0.11 18.8 732
including 185 190 5 1.73 0.26 0.37 21% 0.12 19.0 3806
and 213 230 17 0.68 0.28 0.11 15% 0.28 52.9 513
and 291 396 105 0.60 0.16 0.11 18% 0.13 23.2 286
HK22-017 86 131 45 0.65 0.07 0.13 19% 0.13 18.0 82
and 330.42 362 31.58 0.70 0.06 0.12 18% 0.12 20.7 130
HK22-015 68.8 124 55.2 0.70 0.08 0.13 18% 0.17 23.1 322
including 97 122.48 25.48 1.13 0.13 0.21 18% 0.17 27.6 540
and 147.7 162 14.3 0.48 0.06 0.08 17% 0.16 38.5 144
HK22-014 205 253 48 0.49 0.05 0.10 20% 0.13 22.2 398
HK22-013 83 444 361 0.96 0.14 0.20 20% 0.13 23.4 263
including 155 221.61 66.61 1.57 0.17 0.34 22% 0.09 20.8 487
and 155 194 39 2.04 0.22 0.45 21% 0.07 14.2 550
and 255.38 272.08 16.7 2.04 0.22 0.46 22% 0.08 13.8 370
and 311 326 15 2.22 0.25 0.47 21% 0.09 26.2 548
and 358 369 11 1.41 0.26 0.28 19% 0.17 25.6 290
and 396 431 35 1.10 0.28 0.20 17% 0.23 39.7 278
and 491 504 13 1.43 0.37 0.26 18% 0.31 51.2 774
HK22-011 227 315 88 0.52 0.05 0.09 18% 0.12 23.7 165
including 276 289 13 0.97 0.08 0.17 17% 0.11 23.9 190
HK22-010 86 217 131 0.40 0.04 0.07 17% 0.16 36.6 253
including 86 166.07 80.07 0.56 0.06 0.10 18% 0.16 19.7 359
HK21-009 88 95 7 0.85 0.08 0.13 15% 0.11 16.9 123
and 120 272.15 152.15 0.54 0.05 0.08 16% 0.09 14.2 109
including 243 247 4 1.75 0.15 0.30 17% 0.34 58.0 386
HK21-008 144 179 35 0.40 0.03 0.07 16% 0.17 13.7 108
and 237 357 120 0.57 0.04 0.10 18% 0.20 21.3 143
including 324 335 11 1.13 0.09 0.20 28% 0.38 39.2 289
HK21-005 80.75 318.21 237.46 0.49 0.04 0.08 17% 0.20 27.3 149
including 152 180 28 0.80 0.08 0.14 18% 0.17 26.5 252
including 156 159 3 1.70 0.18 0.32 19% 0.08 16.1 562
including 183 238 55 0.44 0.03 0.07 17% 0.23 25.4 123
including 275 306 31 0.61 0.04 0.10 17% 0.31 33.4 215
HK20-004 56 83 27 0.48 0.05 0.11 22% 0.17 31.1 231
including 57 60.21 3.21 1.44 0.15 0.34 15% 0.17 25.2 439
HK20-002 159.6 183 23.4 0.63 0.06 0.10 19% 0.05 8.3 152
and 553 606 53 0.51 0.05 0.09 17% 0.12 17.1 390
HK20-001 83 86 3 1.87 0.19 0.38 19% 0.06 16.4 609
and 102 110 8 0.70 0.07 0.14 7% 0.02 6.2 228
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. 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). The % Magnet REO column is this PMREO sum divided by TREO, and expressed
as a percent.
4. Magnet % of REO is the PMREO proportion of TREO as a percent.
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 -018 plotted on the detailed, 2VD magnetic map derived from the high
resolution drone magnetic survey completed in 2022. Note the strong correlation of high grade vein
mineralization in drill holes 01 8 and 011 to the northeast -southwest grain of magnetic grad ients,
providing a clear vector for follow-up drilling. High PMREO content is maintained along the trend. See
Figure 1 for the location of Holes 11 and 18 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
Figure 3. Locations of all drill holes in the Pike Zone, plotted on high resolution 1VD magnetic map covering the
Hecla-Kilmer complex. Structures control high grade REE veins and breccia zones , as mapped by integrated
gravity and magnetic boundaries. The focus for follow-up drilling is the strong northerly structure through Holes
10 and 13 for which gold is associated with REE mineralization, and the northeast-trending structure through
Holes 11 and 18, along which PMREO concentration is strong.