North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. Launches its C$2.69 Million District-Scale Fully-Funded Comprehensive 2026 Quebec Exploration Program Focused on Niobium and Rare Earth Elements Discoveries

Core Insights - North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. has announced a fully-funded exploration program for 2026, focusing on its 29,936-hectare land package in Quebec, targeting niobium and rare earth elements [1][19] - The exploration strategy aims to confirm and expand multiple targets within geological environments known for hosting critical element deposits, with a total budget of approximately $2.69 million allocated for various exploration activities [6][20] Exploration Program Overview - The 2026 exploration program will be conducted in four stages: geophysics, surface geochemistry, bedrock sampling, and drilling [6][20] - The company plans to execute a 6,000-meter drilling program, with a significant portion of the budget allocated to drilling costs estimated at $1.9 million [15][16] Historical Assays and Comparisons - Historical assays from the company's properties show promising grades for rare earth elements, with 2.7% total rare earth oxides at Blanchette and 0.68% at Bardy, which are competitive with established global producers [2][4] - For niobium, the company's grab sample at Seigneurie showed 0.32% Nb, indicating strong early-stage potential consistent with proven niobium-bearing systems [3][4] Importance of Niobium - Niobium is classified as a critical mineral by Canada and the U.S., essential for various applications including high-strength steel and clean energy technologies, highlighting the need for a reliable domestic supply [18][19] - The concentration of global niobium supply poses a national security risk for North American industries, making the establishment of local sources vital [18][19] Quebec's Geological Potential - Quebec is recognized as a premier jurisdiction for critical mineral exploration, with significant geological potential and government support for mining activities [19][20] - The Grenville Province, where the company's properties are located, remains largely underexplored, offering opportunities for new discoveries [19][20]