MTM Critical Metals Limited. (MTM or the Company) has received the results of a surface geochemical sampling program completed in late 2023 at the Montviel South REE-Nb project located in Québec, Canada.
Interpreted geological map of the Montviel South claim block showing soil geochemistry TREE results. Image Credit: MTM Critical Metals
Results showed significant surface geochemical anomalies defined by the total rare earth element (TREE) values (Figure 1). Broad anomalies greater than 1,000 ppb TREE have been defined and locally the sampling has defined zones from 2,500 ppb TREE up to a maximum of 7,800 ppb TREE. Elevated soil sample grades were particularly evident in the north and north-eastern part of the claim block, consistent with the interpreted extent of the Montviel alkali intrusive complex and associated carbonatites.
Surface geochemical sampling at Montviel South was completed during the latter part of the 2023 summer field season. A total of 144 samples were collected, on a nominal 200 by 400 metre grid spacing. Assays were completed by SGS Canada, utilising its proprietary MMI technique.
The Company is assessing a follow-up exploration program at Montviel South. Further soil sampling and trenching (if appropriate) will be undertaken during the summer field season in Quebec. A high-resolution drone geophysical survey is also planned to obtain additional magnetic data for the project area.
Anticipated results of this work program should be sufficient to identify drilling targets and develop a plan for an initial drilling program plan. Drilling will be designed to discover new areas of prospective carbonatite-hosted REE-Nb mineralisation.
MTM Managing Director, Mr Lachlan Reynolds said “The geochemical anomalies highlighted by the sampling at the Montviel South project confirms that the area is geologically prospective for carbonatite-hosted REE-Nb mineralisation, similar to the nearby Montviel deposit and MTM’s Pomme REE-Nb project. 2
“This part of the Montviel intrusive complex has not been comprehensively explored and the available exploration results show that the claims contain anomalous REE, niobium and other elements indicative of carbonatite-hosted mineralisation.
"The Company is currently considering options for the next phase of exploration at Montviel South, which will be undertaken during the summer field season in Quebec, in conjunction with our work program at the Pomme Project.”
Geochemical anomalies were noted for a number of other elements, including niobium and base metals (copper, lead, zinc, nickel and manganese). However, these zones are not as continuous or widespread as the TREE anomalies.
Montviel South REE-Nb Project
The Montviel South REE-Nb project is located 10 km south of MTM’s Pomme REE-Nb project (Figure 2) where a recently completed maiden diamond drilling has confirmed the widespread presence of carbonatite-hosted REE and Nb mineralisation, locally extending to 500 metres below surface and open at depth.
The Montviel South area is known to contain highly anomalous REE’s in rock outcrops and glacial boulders identified during previous exploration programs (refer to MTM ASX announcement dated 3 October 2023).