Core Viewpoint - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. has acquired a significant package of mineral rights in Illinois, nearly doubling its holdings in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, which is crucial for the U.S. economy's mineral independence [2][3][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The company acquired 37 mineral rights parcels totaling 1,605 acres for a purchase price of US$68,700 [2][3]. - This acquisition increases CleanTech's total mineral rights holdings in Illinois to 2,846 acres, contributing to a total of over 17,550 acres across the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District has a rich history of fluorspar production, accounting for approximately 90% of U.S. fluorspar production from 1914 to 1995, with around 9 million tons produced [4]. - Fluorspar is identified as a critical mineral essential for nuclear enrichment, lithium batteries, and semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting the strategic importance of CleanTech's projects for U.S. mineral independence [6]. Group 3: Exploration Potential - The proximity of the acquired properties to the Hicks Dome deposit raises the potential for discovering rare earth elements and other trace elements, which are vital for various applications, including military [7]. - The acquisition also extends the historic Barnett mine area, known for its productive operations, enhancing CleanTech's exploration opportunities [8].
CleanTech Through Acquisition Doubles Its Illinois Mineral Rights Holdings, Surrounding Hicks Dome Rare-Earth Deposit Within Prominent Fluorspar District