Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX-V:NOB, FRANKFURT: NB7, OTCQB:NLPXF) announced that it has signed a drill contract for drilling on the Thomas Rare Earth property near Timmins, Ontario. The company has been awarded an Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) grant by the Ontario Government, which provides a 50% rebate on exploration programs of up to $200,000 on a $400,000 exploration program.
Research by Noble's staff identified a magnetic feature in Thomas Township that resembles a classic carbonatite magnetic signature. Carbonatites are a special group of carbonate-rich igneous rocks and the world's primary source of rare earth elements (REE), niobium, zirconium, and phosphate oxide. The magnetic signature of a carbonatite usually resembles a donut-shaped body with a magnetic high surrounding an extreme magnetic low. The magnetic low is caused by the carbonate-rich section of the intrusion and may be the carrier of REE, niobium, zirconium, and phosphate oxide.
To the best of the company's knowledge, the magnetic structure has never been drilled and does not outcrop on surface. In 2023, a magnetometer and VLF-EM survey was completed by Noble to identify the exact position of the magnetic low and the depth of the overburden. Phase 2 will consist of drilling into the magnetic low to confirm the existence of a carbonatite and test for economic mineralization.
Vance White, President and CEO of Noble, said, “We are pleased to start up a drill program on this exciting untested project in light of the geopolitical interest in finding new sources of Rare Earth Elements. We also appreciate the assistance Ontario’s OJEP.”
Wayne Holmstead, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release and has reviewed and approved the technical information on behalf of Noble.
The Thomas Carbonatite project is part of Noble's extensive landholdings, which include mineral rights in approximately 70,000 hectares in Northern Ontario and approximately 24,000 hectares in Quebec. The company plans to generate option/joint venture exploration programs on these properties. More information about Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. can be found at https://www.noblemineralexploration.com.
The OJEP grant underscores the Ontario government's support for critical mineral exploration, particularly for rare earth elements that are essential for advanced technologies and clean energy. This drilling program represents a significant step toward potentially discovering a new domestic source of these strategically important materials.
