Tsodilo Resources Detects Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements Within Its Skarn Metals Project

Core Insights - Tsodilo Resources Limited has confirmed significant critical minerals and rare earth element (REE) mineralization at its Gcwihaba Metals Project in Botswana, particularly at the C26 and C27 targets, which were identified through geophysical surveys and confirmed by diamond core drilling [1][3][5] Exploration Results - The conceptual exploration target for the Gcwihaba project ranges from 81 to 97 million tonnes with grades between 0.05% and 1.49% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), with the REE exploration target extending four kilometers in length [3][17] - The highest grade recorded so far is 1.49% TREO at the C27 skarn, validating the company's exploration approach [5][16] - The C26 and C27 skarn features contain all fifteen REE elements listed on the U.S. Department of Interior's 2025 Critical Minerals List, along with five additional critical minerals [6][7] Drilling Program - A 15,000-meter diamond drill program is set to commence in 2026 to obtain a compliant NI43-101 resource statement, focusing on defining high-grade REE zones and evaluating the polymetallic potential of the system [6][18] - The 2026 drilling campaign will include approximately 50 NQ-size drill holes [18] Mineralization Details - The skarn deposits are located within carbonate-rich lithologies and are characterized by a polymetallic assemblage, including copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, and silver [15][16] - Notable drill results include high-grade REE intercepts, with specific results from the C27 skarn showing 1.49% TREO over 2 meters and 1.23% TREO over 1 meter [9][12] Industry Context - The demand for rare earth elements is projected to grow at 9.2% annually through 2030, with global supply currently concentrated in China [7][8] - Rare earth elements are critical for applications in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies, highlighting the strategic importance of the Gcwihaba project [7][21]