Volta Metals Discovers High-Grade Rare Earth and Gallium Mineralization

Volta Metals Ltd, a Canadian mining company, has announced significant findings at its Springer Rare Earth Element-Gallium deposit near Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. The company drilled three holes, SL26-28, SL26-34, and SL26-36, as part of its 2026 winter drill program, and the results have revealed high-grade mineralization of rare earth oxides and gallium.

The most notable result came from drill hole SL26-28, which intersected 7.37% total rare earth oxide (TREO) and 252.7 g/t gallium oxide over a 1.5-meter interval. This sample also contained high-grade magnet rare earth elements, including 10,579 g/t neodymium oxide, 3,540 g/t praseodymium oxide, 232 g/t dysprosium oxide, and 73 g/t terbium oxide. The company noted that this sample represents the highest heavy rare earth oxide (HREO) content encountered to date at Springer.

Drill hole SL26-34, located in the northern part of the deposit, returned 1.65 meters grading 1.15% TREO and 66.8 g/t gallium oxide, including 220 g/t dysprosium oxide and 43 g/t terbium oxide. This result highlights the presence of HREO beyond the carbonatite-rich zone, extending the mineralized footprint at Springer.

SL26-36, situated in the southern part of the deposit, intersected 0.36% TREO and 31.3 g/t gallium oxide over the full 300-meter length of the hole. The grade increased with depth, with the lower portion averaging 0.42% TREO and 31.3 g/t gallium oxide.

These findings are significant for Volta Metals Ltd, as they confirm the presence of rich gallium mineralization in areas previously considered less prospective. The company's President and CEO, Kerem Usenmez, stated, "These results confirm two important aspects of Springer. First, gallium mineralization in this part of the deposit is richer than we expected. Second, the deposit remains open for expansion, demonstrating significant growth potential."

The Springer deposit is essential for Volta Metals Ltd, as rare earths and gallium are critical materials for permanent magnets and semiconductors, respectively. North America currently relies heavily on foreign supply for these strategic minerals. Expanding the scale and grade of the Springer system strengthens the company's foundation for an upcoming resource update.

Volta Metals Ltd plans to complete the 2026 winter drill program, with 13 holes totaling 5,452 meters. The company aims to report the results of the remaining holes as they are received. Following the receipt of all 2026 assay results, Volta is targeting the completion of an updated mineral resource estimate for the Springer deposit in the first quarter of 2027.