NeoTerrex Minerals Secures KRG Approval for 2026 Exploration at Strange Lake West Rare Earth Project

Kativik Regional Government Approval Enables 2026 Exploration at Strange Lake West

NeoTerrex Minerals has secured formal approval from the Kativik Regional Government to advance its 2026 mineral exploration activities at the Strange Lake West project. This regulatory milestone authorizes the company to conduct systematic field investigations on its Nunavik, Québec property.

The approval process involved a thorough evaluation of NeoTerrex’s application and includes stringent environmental stewardship requirements to promote responsible exploration. These conditions mandate waste management protocols, wildlife protection measures, and specific caribou monitoring and mitigation efforts. NeoTerrex has committed to fully adhering to these environmental and social responsibility standards throughout its field operations.

Details and Schedule of the 2026 Exploration Program

The approved 2026 exploration initiative comprises comprehensive fieldwork aimed at assessing the mineralization potential of the Strange Lake West property. Planned activities include geological mapping, rock outcrop examination, rock sampling, geochemical surveys, and lake-bottom sediment sampling across selected target areas.

Field operations are anticipated to commence in August 2026, marking a focused effort to enhance geological understanding and identify new mineralized zones. The program intends to evaluate historical rare earth occurrences, refine priority exploration targets, and gauge the property’s overall discovery potential.

Prime Location in a Leading Heavy Rare Earth Element District

Strange Lake West is strategically situated adjacent to Torngat Metals Ltd.’s Strange Lake heavy rare earth element deposit, offering NeoTerrex a significant exploration advantage. Torngat Metals has secured up to $165 million in funding commitments from the Government of Canada for its deposit, highlighting the district’s commercial importance.

According to NeoTerrex management, the project lies within one of the world's most prospective heavy rare earth element districts. Despite this, Strange Lake West remains largely unexplored and has never undergone drilling. Its proximity to an advanced rare earth deposit combined with its relatively untested status underpins the company’s exploration rationale.

Historical Exploration Highlights and Grab Sample Results

Limited prior exploration on Strange Lake West has produced encouraging surface results. The company reports 21 historical grab samples from outcrops and boulders with total rare earth oxide (TREO) values ranging between 0.10% and 1.40%. These samples include dysprosium, a valuable heavy rare earth element with significant commercial relevance.

These historical data are recorded in Québec’s Sigeom database. NeoTerrex cautions that grab samples are selective and may not represent the overall mineralization of the property. The company has not independently verified all historic sampling and advises that these results should not be solely relied upon as indicative of mineralization elsewhere on the project. No exploration has been conducted since 2011, when several rare earth occurrences were initially identified.

Geological Setting and Mineralization Potential

The Strange Lake West project exhibits geological features favorable for rare earth mineralization. The property’s geology shares similarities with the nearby Strange Lake deposit operated by Torngat Metals, forming a key part of NeoTerrex’s exploration thesis.

Management believes these geological traits, combined with positive historical surface samples and strategic location adjacent to a known deposit, provide meaningful discovery potential. The 2026 program aims to test these concepts and pinpoint new mineralization targets.

Executive Insights on Project Progress

Mathieu Stephens, P.Geo., President and CEO of NeoTerrex, emphasized the importance of the authorization, stating, "This authorization represents an important first step forward for the Strange Lake West Project." He highlighted the project’s location in a top heavy rare earth element district, its largely unexplored status, and the absence of prior drilling as key factors underscoring exploration upside.

Stephens expressed gratitude for the Kativik Regional Government’s review and approval, reaffirming the company’s commitment to responsible exploration practices. NeoTerrex plans to maintain open, constructive dialogue with local communities and Indigenous stakeholders throughout the project’s advancement, reflecting its dedication to engagement in Nunavik.

Commitment to Community and Indigenous Engagement

NeoTerrex has pledged ongoing consultation with local and Indigenous communities during the exploration program. This approach aligns with responsible exploration standards in Nunavik, where Indigenous consultation and community relations are vital.

The Kativik Regional Government’s authorization, which includes environmental safeguards, underscores the importance of such engagement. NeoTerrex’s commitment to fostering positive relationships with local and Indigenous stakeholders adheres to industry best practices for northern Québec exploration.

Company Overview and Project Portfolio

NeoTerrex Minerals Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing critical mineral and precious metal projects in Québec. The company is actively exploring a portfolio that includes tungsten, copper, gold, and rare earth element projects with the goal of creating shareholder value through discovery and development.

The Strange Lake West project is a key component of NeoTerrex’s broader exploration strategy, leveraging its expertise in critical minerals and targeting Québec’s prospective mining districts.

Qualified Person Review and Technical Validation

The technical and scientific information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Mathieu Stephens, P.Geo., President and CEO of NeoTerrex Minerals Inc., who qualifies as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. This certification assures investors of the technical accuracy and reliability of the data and historical information presented.