Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) has announced the completion of a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey alongside its Phase 1 ground exploration program at the Clay Howells West rare earth element project located in northern Ontario. This integrated campaign, incorporating magnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric surveys with geological mapping and geochemical sampling, has produced an extensive dataset to inform upcoming exploration efforts. The company collected 61 rock and 45 soil samples, with several exhibiting elevated radiometric readings in initial field assessments, pending laboratory validation of elemental content.
Key Highlights
- Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) completed its 2026 airborne geophysical survey and Phase 1 ground exploration at the Clay Howells West Rare Earth Element Project near Kapuskasing, Ontario.
- The airborne survey covered 1,143 line-kilometres using helicopter-borne magnetic, VLF-EM, and radiometric data collection with 50-metre traverse line spacing and an average terrain clearance of approximately 36 metres.
- Ground exploration gathered 106 geochemical samples (61 rock, 45 soil) submitted to Activation Laboratories for multi-element analysis; preliminary field radiometric readings ranged from 120 to 950 counts per second on selected samples.
- Processed airborne data and lab results are pending; the company is assessing the feasibility of an initial drill program as the project progresses from early-stage exploration.
Extensive Airborne Survey Completed Across Clay Howells Properties
Medaro Mining confirmed receipt of the final airborne geophysical survey report from Geo Data Solutions GDS Inc., marking the successful conclusion of data acquisition over the Clay Howells East and West claim blocks in northern Ontario. The survey encompassed 1,143 line-kilometres of helicopter-borne magnetic, very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM), and radiometric data collection. Survey parameters were designed to deliver high-resolution geophysical data suitable for structural analysis and anomaly detection throughout the project area.
Survey operations utilized 50-metre traverse line spacing with 350-metre tie lines, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the terrain. The helicopter maintained an average clearance of approximately 36 metres to optimize data quality. The resulting datasets include residual magnetic intensity, first vertical derivative, VLF-EM conductivity, and potassium, uranium, and thorium radiometric maps. These will be integrated with geological mapping and geochemical data to prioritize follow-up exploration targets, including potential drill sites.
Phase 1 Ground Exploration Yields Robust Geochemical Sample Collection
The initial ground exploration program completed systematic geological mapping, prospecting, and ground radiometric surveys over priority targets identified during planning. Field teams collected 106 geochemical samples—61 rock and 45 soil—from multiple locations. Rock samples targeted syenite outcrops, pegmatites, and related intrusive rocks, while soil samples were taken over geophysical targets to correlate subsurface anomalies with surface geochemistry.
Samples were submitted to Activation Laboratories Ltd. (ActLabs), an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facility in Timmins, Ontario, for multi-element and rare earth element analysis. Analytical results remain pending. Ground verification of historical radiometric anomalies was conducted using a Super-Spec RS-125 handheld gamma-ray spectrometer. Scintillometer readings from rock samples generally ranged between 120 and 200 counts per second (cps), with several samples showing elevated readings between 200 and 325 cps. Notably, one sample recorded locally elevated readings from 750 to 950 cps during field measurement.
Preliminary Radiometric Readings Await Laboratory Confirmation
Medaro Mining emphasized that scintillometer measurements are preliminary field observations and do not directly measure uranium, thorium, rare earth element concentrations, or economic mineralization. Elevated radiometric readings require laboratory confirmation to determine actual elemental concentrations and assess their significance for exploration. This distinction is crucial for investors, as portable field instruments do not establish the presence of economic mineralization.
The highest radiometric reading of 750–950 cps on a single rock sample reflects gamma radiation detected from radionuclide decay but does not directly indicate specific concentrations of uranium, thorium, potassium, or rare earth elements. Laboratory analysis will be necessary to quantify elemental concentrations and evaluate mineralization potential relative to economic thresholds for rare earth deposits.
Project Location and Geological Context in Northern Ontario
The Clay Howells West Project is situated about 50 kilometres north-northeast of Kapuskasing, within the Clay-Howells alkalic intrusive and carbonatite complex. The area features syenites, carbonatites, massive magnetites, fault-altered breccias, and syenite breccias—geological formations commonly associated with rare earth element mineralization in alkaline settings. Historical regional data have identified magnetic and radiometric anomalies, forming the basis for the company’s exploration targeting.
Exploration in the Clay-Howells region dates back to the 1950s, primarily focusing on magnetic anomalies and nearby mineral occurrences. Medaro cautions that the project remains at an early exploration stage and that references to regional geology, historical exploration, or adjacent mineralization are for context only and do not guarantee mineralization on the Clay Howells West Project. The company has not independently verified all historical data and advises against relying on it as confirmation of mineral potential.
Quality Assurance and Chain of Custody Procedures Enforced
Medaro Mining followed standard quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols during sampling and analysis. Rock samples were collected from representative outcrops selected based on lithology, alteration, mineralization, and structural features to ensure geological relevance. Soil samples were taken from the B-horizon where possible, following industry best practices to avoid surface contamination.
Samples were sealed and transported under chain of custody by company personnel to Activation Laboratories in Timmins. ActLabs is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited, meeting international standards for analytical quality. These procedures ensure data integrity once results are available. However, analytical results remain pending.
Field Mapping Reveals Potassic-Altered Syenite and Intrusive Features
During Phase 1, geological mapping identified potassic-altered syenite across mapped areas. Syenite outcrops with elevated field radiometric responses suggest radionuclide-enriched minerals within the intrusive complex. A contact between syenite and a finitized dyke was documented, indicating multiple intrusive phases and hydrothermal alteration events. These observations support the model targeting alkaline intrusive rocks as hosts for rare earth mineralization.
Access was primarily via ATVs and an Argo all-terrain vehicle, with one day of helicopter support for inaccessible areas. This reflects logistical challenges typical of early-stage projects in northern Ontario. Combined geological, radiometric, and geochemical data will guide prioritization of future drill targets.
Management Comments on Exploration Progress and Future Plans
Mark Carruthers, President and CEO of Medaro Mining, described the completion of the airborne survey and Phase 1 field program as a significant milestone for the Clay Howells West Project. He stated that the integrated datasets from airborne surveys, geological observations, radiometric measurements, and geochemical sampling will refine exploration targets and assist in planning subsequent work phases.
The company is considering an initial drill program based on these integrated datasets. Carruthers highlighted anticipation for receiving ActLabs’ analytical results and the final processed airborne data as the project advances. He reiterated that the project remains in early exploration stages with no mineral resources defined, consistent with regulatory disclosure requirements and reflecting the preliminary nature of the work.
Early Exploration Status and Resource Definition Disclaimer
Medaro Mining stresses that Clay Howells West is an early-stage exploration project with no defined mineral resources or estimates. The Phase 1 program and airborne survey provide foundational data for future exploration but do not confirm mineral resource presence or guarantee project advancement. Investors should recognize the inherent risks of early exploration, including the possibility that results may not indicate significant mineralization or support further development.
The company’s approach emphasizes systematic exploration and disciplined evaluation to build shareholder value responsibly. Pending analytical and geophysical results will be critical in deciding whether to proceed with more advanced exploration such as drilling. No guidance has been provided on development timelines, resource targets, or expected outcomes beyond assessing drilling potential.
Qualified Person Review and Regulatory Compliance
Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., a company consultant and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this release. This ensures compliance with Canadian securities regulations and confirms that disclosures meet mineral exploration reporting standards.
Medaro Mining focuses on acquiring and advancing high-quality mineral projects in Ontario, Quebec, and Sweden. The company aims to enhance shareholder value through systematic exploration, disciplined project evaluation, and responsible development. The immediate impact on share price was not evident from public information at the announcement time.