Highlights

• Metallurgical tests by SGS-Lakefield show 97-99% leachability of rare earth elements using low-temperature hydrochloric acid
• Project demonstrates high recovery rates:
  • 75% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO)
  • 78% Niobium
  • 89.1% Phosphate
• Promising results position Hecla-Kilmer as a strong candidate for near-term development in North America's critical mineral supply chain

​Canada-based Neotech Metals Corp. has announced (opens in a new tab) promising metallurgical test results from its Hecla-Kilmer project in Ontario, Canada.

Conducted by SGS-Lakefield Canada Inc., the tests revealed that a 6-hour digestion at 50°C using 36% hydrochloric acid achieved a 97–99% leachability rate for rare earth elements (REEs). Additional findings include a 75% recovery rate of Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), 78% recovery of Niobium (Nb₂O₅) through gravity separation, and 89.1% recovery of Phosphate (P₂O₅), with all phosphate reporting to solution during leaching. ​

These results suggest that the apatite-hosted mineralization at Hecla-Kilmer is highly amenable to conventional, low-temperature acid leaching, potentially simplifying processing and reducing costs. This development positions the project as a strong candidate for near-term development, contributing to North America's critical mineral supply chain. However, these conclusions are based on initial tests; further metallurgical studies are planned to optimize processing conditions and validate scalability. ​

Neotech Metals Corp (opens in a new tab). is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company focused on discovering and developing valuable mineral resources. Its portfolio includes the Hecla-Kilmer project in Ontario, as well as the TREO and Foothills projects in British Columbia. The company's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices positions it to positively impact the mining sector while maximizing the potential of its exploration properties. ​

The firm trades under the symbol CSE NTMC and is listed on the OTC Pink market under the symbol NTMFF (opens in a new tab).