“`html
CleanTech Vanadium Mining (OTCQB: CTVFF) is strategically expanding its footprint in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District (IKFD), inking a binding option-to-purchase agreement for 970 acres of mineral rights near the Hicks Dome deposit in Pope County, Illinois. The deal, valued at US$184,000, will be paid out in installments through September 2028.
The acquired Pope Fluorspar Properties strategically straddle three key subdistricts: Empire, Stewart, and Hobbs Creek, all within the historically prolific IKFD. These properties abut legacy mines, including the Gaskin Mine, which boasts a production history of 179,000 raw tons of high-grade fluorite, and the Barnett complex, which previously held resources exceeding 600,000 tons of fluorspar.
This acquisition swells CleanTech’s total land holdings to over 8,150 acres in a region that, from 1914 to 1995, once accounted for over 90% of U.S. Fluorspar production. This strategic move comes as fluorspar prices are on the upswing, climbing from $300/ton in 2020 to over $470/ton projected for 2025.
Positive
- Strategic acquisition of 970 acres in historically productive fluorspar district
- Properties adjacent to proven high-grade mines with significant historical production
- Fluorspar prices increased significantly from $300/ton (2020) to $470/ton (2025)
- China becoming net importer of Fluorspar since 2023, improving market dynamics
- Favorable payment terms with staged acquisition costs through 2028
Negative
- Historical resource estimates do not meet current CIM standards
- Significant verification work needed to validate historical data
- Properties require extensive exploration and development before production
08/29/2025 – 05:30 AM
Vancouver, British Columbia – August 29, 2025 – CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. (TSXV: CTV) (OTCQB: CTVFF) is making a strategic play in the fluorspar market, announcing that its wholly-owned subsidiary has secured a binding option-to-purchase agreement for mineral rights near the Hicks Dome deposit in Pope County, Illinois. The “Pope Fluorspar Properties” acquisition, encompassing 15 mineral rights parcels totaling 970 acres, positions CleanTech strategically along major fault systems within the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District (IKFD), a region steeped in mining history.
Deal Breakdown
Under the OTP executed on August 26, 2025, CleanTech will acquire the Pope Fluorspar Properties from the Vendor for a total of US$184,000. The payment schedule is as follows:
- US$29,100 upon OTP signing (paid);
- US$42,680 on or before September 1, 2026;
- US$54,320 on or before September 1, 2027;
- US$57,900 on or before September 1, 2028.
Empire Subdistrict: Targeting Premium Fluorite
CleanTech’s Empire Properties sit adjacent to the historic Gaskin Mine, located a stone’s throw from Hicks Dome, a geological feature estimated to harbor Fluorspar and rare earth element resources. The Gaskin Mine itself provides compelling evidence of the Empire subdistrict’s mineral richness. It produced approximately 179,000 raw tons from parallel veins, averaging five feet in width, with certain mineralized zones extending to 35 feet.
The Gaskin Mine is known for producing high-grade, gemstone-quality fluorite, a reputation stemming from its unique geological composition. According to the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), the mine’s fluorite crystals contained traces of rare earth elements (REE), likely originating from the nearby Hicks Dome. These trace elements create distinctive pink cubic fluorite crystals, recognizable to collectors and mineral enthusiasts. Mining operations at Gaskin spanned multiple levels, highlighting the extent of mineralization through the Bethel Sandstone into the Ste. Genevieve Limestone.
Within the Empire Subdistrict, mineralized veins predominantly trace normal faults trending northeast, potentially forming as radial fractures from the uplift at Hicks Dome or related to extensional forces associated with the Dixon Springs Graben.
It is important to note that the Qualified Person has been unable to independently verify the above historical data, and this information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Pope Fluorspar Properties.
Stewart Subdistrict: Capitalizing on the Barnett Legacy
CleanTech’s expanded mineral rights in the Stewart Subdistrict places it in an area with historical prominence. The Barnett Mine complex, a major player operating from 1950 to 1983, is situated 0.6 miles from CleanTech’s Stewart Properties along the same fault line. The complex employed shrinkage stoping methods on the West and Barnett veins, reaching a depth of 240 meters (787 feet). Veins measured 7 to 8 feet wide, consisting of calcite with pockets of country rock, fluorite, galena, and sphalerite.
Records indicate that the Barnett complex produced an estimated 550,000 tons. Furthermore, Ozark-Mahoning resource calculations from 1981 estimated historical Fluorspar resources exceeding 600,000 tons (40% Barite, 20% Calcium Fluoride, CaF₂) on CleanTech’s Stewart Properties. The Parkinson and Stockton mines, also situated within the same subdistrict, further contributed to the area’s production, targeting barite, calcite, fluorite, and sphalerite mineralization.
The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to generate the historical resource estimate are not currently available. Consequently, CleanTech has yet to independently review or validate the historical data, and investors should exercise caution. A qualified person has not performed sufficient work to classify these estimates as a current mineral resource. The historical assessment does not currently demonstrate economic viability and should not be relied upon.
Hobbs Creek Subdistrict: The Henson Mine Benchmark
CleanTech’s Hobbs Creek Properties encompass the Henson Mine, known for its technically challenging operations throughout the 1980s. Reaching a depth of 950 feet, the mine accessed the Hobbs Creek Vein. It extracted 112,000 raw tons of fluorite from breccia zones. The success of the Henson Mine underscored the viability of deep-vein mining within the IKFD.
The Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District: A Storied Past and Potential Future
The IKFD’s geological architecture supports fluorite mineralization. The district is within Mississippian-age limestones, intersected by northwest-southeast trending faults. Ideal conditions developed for mineralized shoots, often thickening where structural complexities existed — areas that will now become priority targets for CTFF exploration.
Mineralization occurs in several deposit types within the IKFD, from horizontal bedding replacement deposits to vertical veins running along faults. CleanTech’s extensive 8,150-acre position opens multiple exploration pathways.
The IKFD boasts existing infrastructure, proximity to key consumers, and a documented 32.5 million tons in production, positioning the region as America’s viable domestic Fluorspar source. Nearly all fluorspar currently consumed in the United States is imported. Increased geopolitical risk and logistical challenges for industries dependent on reliable supply chains mean projects such as CleanTech’s could see increased interest. Fluorspar prices have steadily climbed from $300 per ton in 2020 to over $470 per ton in 2025. China, controlling 60% of global fluorspar production, has also become a net importer since 2023.
Ron Espell, CleanTech’s President, Weighs In:
“With Fluorspar recognized as critical for nuclear power, batteries, and semiconductors, its Fluorspar properties are key to securing mineral independence for America.
“It now holds over 8,150 acres with 730 historic drill holes, in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District which once supplied over 90% of U.S. Fluorspar production from 1914 to 1995.
“CleanTech looks forward to partnering with Fluorspar users and agencies to accelerate the IKFD’s development and re-write Fluorspar mining history.”
Qualified Person
Carlos Zamora, CPG, an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and AIPG member since 2024, has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information presented in this news release.
About CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp.
CleanTech is focused on critical mineral resources in the USA. In addition to the option to acquire 8,150 acres of Fluorspar mineral rights in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, the Company holds a 100% interest in the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project in Nevada.
Further information on CleanTech can be found at www.cleantechctv.com.
Map of Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
“Ron Espell“
President
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The forward-looking statements in this news release are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, and actual events or results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
What is the total value of CleanTech’s (CTVFF) Pope Fluorspar Properties acquisition?
CleanTech is acquiring the Pope Fluorspar Properties for a total of US$184,000, paid in installments through September 2028, starting with US$29,100 upon signing.
How many acres of mineral rights did CleanTech (CTVFF) acquire in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District?
CleanTech acquired 970 acres of mineral rights across the Empire, Stewart, and Hobbs Creek Subdistricts, bringing their total land holding to over 8,150 acres.
What is the historical significance of the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District where CTVFF acquired properties?
The district historically supplied over 90% of U.S. Fluorspar production from 1914 to 1995, with total documented production exceeding 32.5 million tons.
How have Fluorspar prices changed since 2020 according to CleanTech’s announcement?
Fluorspar prices have increased substantially from $300 per ton in 2020 to over $470 per ton in 2025, with market dynamics improving as China became a net importer.
What are the historical resource estimates for the Barnett complex near CleanTech’s Stewart Properties?
The Barnett complex has historical resource estimates exceeding 600,000 tons composed of 40% Barite and 20% Calcium Fluoride, though these estimates need modern verification.
“`
Original article, Author: Jam. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/8268.html
