Neotech Metals (CSE:NTMC) has received results from a comprehensive and independent mineralogical study on the Hecla-Kilmer Project in Canada, confirming up to 98% of total rare earth elements (TREEs) occur in apatite.
The study, completed by SGS Lakefield, establishes Hecla-Kilmer as a fundamentally distinct rare earth system.
Apatite occurs extensively across the sampled intervals and serves as the primary carrier of rare earths – an uncommon mineralisation style globally. The apatites contain 7.4% of total rare earth oxide (TREO) content, with the master composite accounting for 82% of the TREO distribution.
Seven out of eight samples contain 85% or more of TREEs hosted in apatite.
Neotech says the combined mineralogical and metallurgical datasets now provide a consistent, independent confirmation of the unique processing advantages inherent to the Hecla-Kilmer system.
CEO Reagan Glazier says Hecla-Kilmer continues to distinguish itself from every comparable rare earth system the company has studied.
“Our metallurgical work has already shown the advantages associated with this style of mineralisation, and together these results position Hecla-Kilmer as a potential significant source of critical minerals within a modern supply chain,” Glazier says.
“We are very encouraged by the continued progress at the project as we advance and de-risk a rare earth system that aligns with the goals of secure and sustainable value-added supply chains needed for the green transition.”
In 2025, Neotech completed 8,000m of drilling at the project, as well as re-logging and re-assaying 1,900m of core drilled by previous owner VR Resources (TSX-V:VRR) between 2020-2023.
This data is to be included in an upcoming resource estimate scheduled for 2026.
Neotech Metals is a mineral explorer focused on discovering and developing primarily rare earths in Canada.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Neotech Metals
