Ontario exploration firm expands search for lithium and rare earths

ONTARIO - Focus Xplore PLC (AIM:FOX), an energy and critical minerals exploration and development company, has initiated a second phase of geological prospecting, mapping, and sampling in Northwestern (NASDAQ:NWE) Ontario, Canada. This expansion follows the company’s recent launch of exploration activities at its Ellie and Bay Road Projects, where geological teams have confirmed the presence of felsic intrusions and pegmatitic features, indicating the potential for lithium and rare earth element deposits.

The exploration work at the Burrows Projects, which began last week, is part of Focus Xplore’s strategy to uncover lithium-bearing pegmatites and rare earth elements, particularly the ’magnet metals’ dysprosium and neodymium. These elements are critical for manufacturing modern permanent magnets used in various technologies, including electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Patrick Cullen, CEO of Focus Xplore, stated that the company is building early momentum in its Ontario mineral portfolio. Cullen highlighted the potential for early-stage discoveries of lithium, given that lithium-bearing minerals in pegmatites can sometimes be found exposed in the field. The company is also gathering geological data to direct future exploration efforts and enhance the targeting capabilities of their AI system.

The exploration teams have successfully identified geological features that were previously interpreted from raw LiDAR data, working in collaboration with AI consultants to prepare for the ’boots on the ground’ phase. Detailed updates are expected as data from the fieldwork is compiled.

The Burrows Projects were acquired through the purchase of 31 Explore Ltd on February 10, 2025, and span 2,400 hectares in an area identified by the Ontario Survey as a target for grassroots lithium exploration. The Bay Road Project, covering 425 hectares, is situated south of the White Otter Batholith and is considered prospective for rare earth elements. The Ellie Project encompasses 530 hectares along the trend from a felsic dyke, with nearby lake sediment results showing high lithium levels.

Historical drilling in the 1970s near the Burrows Projects encountered thick pegmatites, which were not assayed for lithium at the time. The current exploration efforts aim to address this gap and explore the potential for critical mineral deposits in the region.

This announcement is based on a press release statement and includes technical information reviewed by a qualified geologist, ensuring the accuracy of the geological findings reported.

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