Neotech Metals Unveils Unique Rare Earths Profile at Hecla-Kilmer Project
Vancouver, British Columbia – Neotech Metals Corp. is making waves in the critical minerals sector with compelling new data from its Hecla-Kilmer Rare Earth & Critical Minerals Project in Northern Ontario. An independent mineralogical study conducted by SGS Lakefield has definitively confirmed an apatite-dominant rare earth system, a distinct characteristic that could significantly influence extraction economics and processing strategies.
The study’s findings underscore the substantial concentration of rare earth elements (REEs) within the apatite mineralogy at Hecla-Kilmer. Crucially, up to 98% of the total rare earth elements (TREEs) are hosted within apatite, with the master composite assaying an impressive 7.4% total rare earth oxides (TREO). This distribution accounts for approximately 82% of the overall TREO, highlighting apatite as the primary mineral carrier. Furthermore, apatite is a significant component of the rock itself, with abundance ranging between 28% and 56% in the sampled intervals.
This apatite-hosted mineralization is a key differentiator for Neotech Metals. Unlike many conventional rare earth deposits that rely on discrete, more refractory minerals like monazite or bastnäsite, Hecla-Kilmer’s REEs are largely integrated within the apatite crystal lattice. This intrinsic association is a significant factor, as it supports the previously demonstrated exceptional leachability of rare earths at low temperatures and with minimal acid. Coupled with high apatite liberation rates – between 80% and 92% at moderate grind sizes – this points to potentially more efficient and cost-effective metallurgical processing pathways.
The independent analysis by SGS utilized advanced techniques, including TIMA-X, EPMA, X-ray diffraction, and LA-ICP-MS, to quantify mineral abundance and the specific deportment of rare earths. Eight representative variability samples, meticulously collected from a 361-meter interval within drill hole HK22-13, which itself averaged 1% TREO from surface, were subjected to this rigorous examination. The results consistently showed that discrete rare earth minerals such as synchysite, monazite, and bastnäsite were present only in trace quantities, reinforcing the dominance of apatite as the REE host.
This detailed mineralogical understanding is foundational for the project’s advancement. It provides independent validation for Neotech’s metallurgical testwork, which has previously indicated significant processing advantages. The combination of these datasets paints a clear picture of Hecla-Kilmer’s unique geological and processing potential, positioning it as a project of considerable interest within the evolving global supply chain for critical minerals.
Looking ahead, Neotech Metals has been actively advancing the Hecla-Kilmer project. The company completed a substantial 8,000-meter drilling campaign in 2025. Furthermore, approximately 1,900 meters of core from previous exploration by VR Resources Ltd. (between 2020-2023) has been re-logged and re-assayed for the full rare earth suite. This comprehensive data collection effort is a critical step towards the company’s objective of releasing a Maiden Resource Estimate (MRE) in 2026.
Reagan Glazier, CEO of Neotech Metals, expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory: “Hecla-Kilmer continues to distinguish itself from every comparable rare earth system we have studied. The confirmation that rare earths are overwhelmingly hosted within apatite gives this project a unique foundation among known rare earth deposits. Our metallurgical work has already shown the advantages associated with this style of mineralization, and together these results position Hecla-Kilmer as a potential significant source of critical minerals within a modern supply chain. We are very encouraged by the continued progress at the project as we advance and derisk a rare earth system that aligns with the goals of secure and sustainable value-added supply chains needed for the green transition.”
The company holds 100% ownership of three strategic projects focused on Rare-Earth Elements and Rare Metals: Hecla-Kilmer, strategically located near existing infrastructure in Ontario, and the TREO and Foothills projects in British Columbia. This portfolio, combined with the distinctive mineralogy identified at Hecla-Kilmer, positions Neotech Metals to contribute meaningfully to the critical minerals landscape.
Technical information for this release has been reviewed and approved by Jared Galenzoski, VP Exploration and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.
The rare earth market continues to be a focal point for governments and industries worldwide, driven by the exponential growth in demand for technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. Projects like Hecla-Kilmer, with their unique mineralogical characteristics and potential for efficient extraction, are crucial for diversifying and securing future supply chains. The company’s strategic approach, combining robust exploration with a deep understanding of metallurgical potential, signals a commitment to unlocking the full value of its assets in a rapidly developing market.
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