NeoTerrex Minerals (TSX-V:NTX) has received authorisation from the Kativik Regional Government to undertake its 2026 exploration program at the Strange Lake West Project in Nunavik, Québec, Canada.
Fieldwork is expected to begin in August and will include geological mapping, outcrop examination, rock sampling, geochemical surveying, and lake-bottom sediment sampling across selected target areas.
The authorisation includes requirements covering waste management, wildlife protection, and caribou monitoring and mitigation.
“This authorisation represents an important first step forward for the Strange Lake West Project,” CEO Mathieu Stephens says.
The company says the program aims to investigate historical rare earth occurrences, improve NeoTerrex’s understanding of the project’s geology, and identify targets for future exploration.
Historical work identified 21 grab samples from outcrops and boulders grading between 0.1% and 1.4% total rare earth oxide, including dysprosium occurrences. The results are recorded in the Québec Government’s Sigeom database.
However, NeoTerrex says it has not independently verified all the historical sampling information. It also cautions that grab samples are selective and may not represent mineralisation across the broader project.
Strange Lake West has no recorded drilling and has not undergone recorded exploration since several rare earth element occurrences were identified in 2011.
The project sits adjacent to Torngat Metals’ Strange Lake heavy rare earth element deposit, which has received a Canadian government funding commitment of up to C$165 million ($167.56 million).
NeoTerrex says Strange Lake West displays geological similarities to the neighbouring deposit, although this interpretation remains to be tested through exploration.
The company plans to continue engaging with local and Indigenous communities while completing the 2026 field program.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: NeoTerrex Minerals
