Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. has signed a drill contract for its Thomas Rare Earth property near Timmins, Ontario, targeting a magnetic feature identified as a potential carbonatite structure that has never been drilled. Carbonatites are carbonate-rich igneous rocks that serve as the world's primary source for rare earth elements (REE), niobium, zirconium, and phosphate oxide, materials essential for electronics, renewable energy technologies, and various industrial applications.
The Thomas Carbonatite project represents an untested geological target with significant implications for North American critical mineral supply chains. Research by Noble's staff identified a magnetic signature in Thomas Township resembling classic carbonatite formations, which typically appear as donut-shaped bodies with a magnetic high surrounding an extreme magnetic low. The magnetic low zone, caused by carbonate-rich sections of the intrusion, is believed to potentially host rare earth elements and other valuable minerals.
In 2023, Noble completed a magnetometer and VLF-EM survey to precisely locate the magnetic low and determine overburden depth in preparation for drilling. The upcoming Phase 2 program will involve drilling into this magnetic low to confirm the existence of a carbonatite and test for economic mineralization. The company has been awarded an Ontario Junior Exploration Program grant providing a 50% rebate on exploration programs up to $200,000 on a $400,000 program in Ontario.
"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," said Vance White, President and CEO of Noble. "We also appreciate the assistance Ontario's OJEP." The company's technical information has been verified by qualified person Wayne Holmstead P.Geo. #2509 as required by National Instrument 43-101.
This exploration initiative matters because rare earth elements are crucial components in smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, defense systems, and numerous other modern technologies. Currently, China dominates global REE production and processing, creating supply chain vulnerabilities for Western nations. Successful identification of new North American rare earth deposits could reduce geopolitical dependencies and support domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies.
The Thomas Carbonatite project forms part of Noble's broader exploration portfolio in Northern Ontario. The company holds approximately 2,215 hectares in Thomas Township/Timmins area and maintains additional interests throughout the region. More information about the company's activities can be found at https://www.noblemineralexploration.com. The exploration comes as governments and industries worldwide seek to secure stable supplies of critical minerals necessary for technological advancement and energy transition.
