TORONTO, June 25, 2023 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp. (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) is pleased to announce that Alice Margulies, CA, CPA, has been appointed as the Company’s interim CFO effective June 8, 2023, bringing her professional expertise in junior mining audit. Ms. Margulies takes over from Nickolas Mah whose resignation as CFO was effective the day prior.
The Company further announces that in consultation with Ms. Margulies and its auditors, it has revised the expected date for filing its outstanding annual financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and the required certifications (the “Issuer Statements”) to July 31, 2023.
As was previously announced on May 5, 2023, the Company’s application for a temporary management cease trade order (“MCTO”) under National Policy 12-203 – Management Cease Trade Orders (“NP 12-203”), made on April 18, 2023, was granted by the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) effective May 2, 2023.
Said application for an MCTO was made on the basis that the Company was unable to file the Issuer Statements on or before the prescribed filing deadline of May 1, 2023. The Company underwent a business combination transaction in its last financial year (the completion of which was previously announced on March 11, 2022), adding to the complexity of the audit of the Issuer Statements and contributing to the filing delay. The Company’s recent change of auditors has also contributed to the delay.
The MCTO prohibits trading in securities of the Company by its CEO and CFO until the Issuer Statements are filed and the MCTO is lifted. While the MCTO remains in effect, the general public will continue to be able to trade in the Company’s listed securities. By its terms, the MCTO will be revoked two business days following the receipt by the OSC of all filings the Company is required to make under Ontario securities law, or further order of the OSC.
The Company confirms that it will satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines set out under Sections 9 and 10 of NP 12-203 until the Issuer Statements are filed.
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a critical metals exploration and development company focused on Canadian projects near existing or past-producing mines.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, May 5, 2023 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp. (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) announces that its application for a temporary management cease trade order (“MCTO”) under National Policy 12-203 – Management Cease Trade Orders (“NP 12-203”) was granted by the Ontario Securities Commission effective May 2, 2023.
As previously announced on April 18, 2023, the Company applied for the MCTO on the basis that it would be unable to file its annual financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and the required certifications (the “Issuer Statements”) on or before the prescribed filing deadline of May 1, 2023.
The Company underwent a business combination transaction in its last financial year (the completion of which was previously announced on March 11, 2022), adding to the complexity of the audit of the Issuer Statements and contributing to the filing delay. The Company’s recent change of auditors has also contributed to the delay.
The MCTO prohibits trading in securities of the Company by its CEO and CFO until the Issuer Statements are filed and the MCTO is lifted. While the MCTO remains in effect, the general public will continue to be able to trade in the Company’s listed securities.
The Company expects to have the audit of the Issuer Statements completed no later than June 30, 2023.
The Company confirms that it will satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines set out under Sections 9 and 10 of NP 12-203 until the Issuer Statements are filed.
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a critical metals exploration and development company focused on Canadian projects near existing or past-producing mines.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, April 27, 2023 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp. (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) announces that Clayton Fisher, formerly a director and president of the Company, has resigned effective March 1, 2023. The Company wishes him well in his future endeavours.
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a critical metals exploration and development company focused on Canadian projects near existing or past-producing mines.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, April 18, 2023 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp. (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) announces that on April 13, 2023, it applied to the Ontario Securities Commission as principal regulator, and its additional regulators, for approval of a temporary management cease trade order (“MCTO”) under National Policy 12-203 – Management Cease Trade Orders (“NP 12-203”). The Company did so in anticipation that it would be unable to file its annual financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and the required certifications (the “Issuer Statements”) on or before the prescribed filing deadline of May 1, 2023.
If granted, the MCTO will prohibit trading in securities of the Company by its CEO and CFO and certain other insiders until the Issuer Statements are filed and the MCTO is lifted.
The issuance of an MCTO will generally not affect the ability of persons who are not or have not been management of the Company to trade in its securities.
The Company underwent a business combination transaction in its last financial year (the completion of which was previously announced on March 11, 2022), adding to the complexity of the audit of the Issuer Statements and contributing to the filing delay. The Company’s recent change of auditors has also contributed to the delay.
The Company expects to have the audit of the Issuer Statements completed no later than June 30, 2023.
The Company confirms that it will satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines set out under Sections 9 and 10 of NP 12-203 until the Issuer Statements are filed.
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a critical metals exploration and development company focused on Canadian projects near existing or past-producing mines.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, March 30, 2023 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp. (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) is pleased to announce that it has closed its oversubscribed non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$605,242.86 through the issuance of 20,174,762 common shares at a price of C$0.03 per share.
Eligible finders were paid a cash commission equal to 3% of the gross proceeds of subscriptions facilitated by such finders.
The Company intends to use the proceeds for technical reporting, exploration of the Company’s mining properties, potential strategic acquisitions, and general working capital.
All securities issued pursuant to the private placement will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a mineral exploration company with an experienced team focused on battery metals exploration in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland. The Company’s mission is to create shareholder value by exploring and developing projects that display sound geology and discovery potential.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, March 17, 2023 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp. (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) is pleased to announce that it plans to undertake a non-brokered private placement of up to 16,666,667 common shares at a price of C$0.03 per share to raise gross proceeds of up to C$500,000 (the “Share Offering”).
The Company may pay a finder’s fee to certain finders of up to 3% of the aggregate gross proceeds of subscriptions facilitated by such finders.
The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Share Offering for technical reporting, exploration of the Company’s mining properties, potential strategic acquisitions, and general working capital.
The closing of the Share Offering is expected to occur on or about March 27, 2023. All securities issued pursuant to the Share Offering will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a mineral exploration company with an experienced team focused on battery metals exploration in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland. The Company’s mission is to create shareholder value by exploring and developing projects that display sound geology and discovery potential.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, June 28, 2022 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp., (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) is pleased to announce that it has completed a diamond drill program at the Company’s 100% owned St. Laurent Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project, located 160 km northeast of Timmins, Ontario. The drilling consisted of 2,460 metres in seven holes, with downhole geophysical surveys completed on six of the seven holes. A total of 570 samples, representing 800 metres of core were split for analysis. All samples have been shipped to the lab, with results expected periodically over the next eight weeks.
The St. Laurent Project has received minimal exploration activity since the initial work in the mid 1960’s when nickel-copper mineralization was first identified in a limited number of shallow drill holes. Subsequent airborne geophysical surveys defined a strong electromagnetic (EM) anomaly with an associated bullseye magnetic response, both of which are coincident with the reported disseminated mineralized zone. Diamond drilling in 2008 and 2019 identified geological characteristics indicative of gabbro breccia/conduit hosted nickel mineralization similar to the Lynn Lake Deposit (28.4 million tons @ 0.91% Ni, 0.49% Cu) the Kenbridge deposit (7.5 million tonnes @ 0.58% Ni, 0.32% Cu), and the Montcalm Deposit (3.9 million tonnes @ 1.3% Ni, 0.67% Cu, 0.05 Co).
The recently completed drill program followed up on the results of the 2019 diamond drilling, where the highest nickel grades on the project were intersected with three separate intervals of >1.0% Ni, as well as the widest intersection (113.4 m) of lower grade nickel mineralization, Table 1. Nickel assays in conjunction with the associated sulphur results indicate a high nickel tenor1 of 5% Ni for massive sulphides (35% S) in the magmatic system. Two priority Borehole EM anomalies from the 2019 program and a deeper Heligeotem II Anomaly modelled from a 2007 Survey were also targeted in this drill program.
Table 1 – St. Laurent Diamond Drill Assay Results 2019
DDH #
Year
From m
To m
Width m*
Ni %
Cu %
Co ppm
Au ppb
Pt ppb
Pd ppb
S %
SL-19-01
2019
238.5
248.6
10.1
0.32
0.33
155.4
66.9
23.9
31.8
2.2
SL-19-01
2019
252.4
256.0
3.6
1.10
0.45
503.9
46.0
279.6
84.4
5.1
SL-19-01
2019
256.7
260.9
4.2
1.30
0.47
567.5
690.2
132.9
124.7
5.6
SL-19-01
2019
265.8
270.5
4.7
1.00
0.83
506.0
119.9
243.9
91.4
4.8
SL-19-03
2019
328.0
441.4
113.4
0.22
0.17
139.4
16.3
23.7
20.5
3.4
*Reported width represents core measurements as insufficient information available to determine true thickness.
Bob Bresee, CEO of Voltage stated “The St. Laurent Project represents a previously unrecognized Ni-Sulphide system with very limited past exploration work. As we receive the borehole and assay results over the next while we are reminded that the Ontario Government recently announced (March 17, 2022), a Critical Minerals Strategy for the coming 5 year period to focus on exploration and development of Ni, Cu, Co, Pt, Pd, the very metals specifically contained within the St. Laurent project. We look forward to reporting on the assay and geophysical results in the coming weeks.”
Jerry Lake Property
A 285-line km Geotech VTEM survey has been completed on the Jerry Lake Project, situated 57 km northwest of the St. Laurent Project. The Jerry Lake gabbro represents the only sizeable gabbro body within the Burntbush Assemblage outside of the St. Laurent Gabbro. The Jerry Lake property has never been evaluated with an airborne EM survey, nor has any ground-based exploration been conducted. A well-defined glacial dispersal fan2 of chalcopyrite and nickel suggests the unrecognized Ni-sulphide potential of the Jerry Lake Gabbro. CEO Bob Bresee commented “Jerry Lake is a very good opportunity for Voltage to evaluate an unexplored target with exploration features similar to our Montcalm and St. Laurent Projects. We expect to report the VTEM survey results over the next few weeks.”
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a mineral exploration company with a highly experienced team focused on nickel and other battery metals exploration in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland. The Company looks to create shareholder value by aggregating and exploring projects that display sound geology and brand-new discovery potential. Voltage has a deep roster of management and key stakeholders, who are expert in the essential resource trifecta of exploration, operations and finance.
Qualified Person:
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Todd Keast, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.
References:
Nickel Tenor is a common practice in magmatic nickel-copper exploration where the nickel vs S ratio is extrapolated to 100% sulphides (35% S), to estimate the grade of massive sulphide. Nickel tenor does not provide certainty that massive sulphides will be discovered.
Gao, C. 2015 Results of regional till sampling in the Detour and Burntbush area, northern Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey,Open File Report 6297, 120p.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, May 31, 2022 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp. (CSE: VOLT) (OTC: VLTMF) (the “Company” or “Voltage”) is pleased to provide this update on the Company’s 100% owned Wheeler Project in Newfoundland.
Voltage Metals Newfoundland Wheeler Project (CNW Group/Voltage Metals Corp.)
The Wheeler property (“Wheeler”) is situated on the west coast of Newfoundland, 25 kilometres north of the deep-water port town of Stephenville. The property covers the southern extent of the Bay of Islands ophiolite complex and is composed of mafic and ultramafic assemblages dominated by gabbros, pyroxenites and peridotites. The target on the Wheeler property is magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE (plus Co-Cr) mineralization hosted within a mafic intrusion, similar to Norilsk in Russia, Lynn Lake and Namew Lake in Manitoba, Nkomati in South Africa, and Voisey’s Bay in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Wheeler includes the locations of extremely anomalous lake-sediment samples collected as part of the federal and provincial government’s lake-sediment survey (a 35,768 lake-sediment sample database) including the four highest nickel values in the province with values of 4,980, 4,750, 4,390 and 4,230 parts per million (ppm) Ni (nickel), respectively. The property also hosts copper, chromium and cobalt sediment values that are in the 99.9th percentile of the same dataset.
In August of 2021 the Company completed a 726-line-kilometre VTEM airborne geophysical survey at Wheeler, flown by Geotech Ltd, on northeast-southwest-oriented lines spaced 200 metres apart. Recent interpretation of that survey has identified several high-priority drill targets.
“Results from the 2021 VTEM survey show 6 discrete, moderate to strong-amplitude VTEM AEM anomalies over the ophiolite complex,” stated Alan King, the company’s consulting geophysicist. “Potential geological sources of the VTEM responses include conductive serpentinization, graphitic /black shales in sediments, or conductive sulphides. Based on known geology, the most likely source for the strongest two anomalies is pyrrhotite-dominated sulphides, due to local associated magnetic anomalies and the mafic to ultramafic host rocks.”
“We are eager to drill the Wheeler project and test these priority conductors,” stated Voltage CEO Bob Bresee. “This area of southwestern Newfoundland has become very prospective for base metals, as evidenced by the success of our next-door neighbour York Harbour Metals, whose quality drill results have been driving shareholder value in recent months. The historic results on Wheeler demonstrate the excellent potential for nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group element mineralization.”
Historically documented occurrences on the Wheeler property consist of both net-textured pentlandite (nickel sulphide) and PGE-rich chalcopyrite (copper sulphide) mineralization, indicating that the minerals formed within a magma chamber. Voltage has applied for drill permits at Wheeler and is currently receiving quotations for a summer drilling program of approximately 2,000 metres, to test up to five near-surface EM anomalies.
Appointment of Technical Advisor
Voltage is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan King to its technical advisory board. Alan is a geophysics expert having consulted for decades on projects in Canada, Australia, South America, Africa and Asia. From 1990 to 2012, he was employed by Inco/Vale as a senior geophysicist and then as Manager of Geophysics with responsibility for global exploration. He was a member of the technical team that performed Inco’s due diligence during its review of Voisey’s Bay, prior to its eventual purchase from Diamond Fields in 1995. Subsequent to the acquisition, Alan continued in a supervisory role on Voisey’s Bay geophysics as the project was developed, as well as on other Inco green field and mine area projects. In his capacity as Chief Geophysicist for Vale Global Exploration, Alan worked on geophysical applications for base metals, gold, iron, manganese, coal and fertilizers (potash and phosphate), as well as target generation using regional and global data sets.
Qualified Person
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Stephen Amor, PhD, PGeo, who is a qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Voltage Metals
Voltage is a mineral exploration company with a highly experienced team focused on nickel and other battery metals exploration in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland. The Company looks to create shareholder value by aggregating and exploring projects that possess sound geology and brand-new discovery potential. Voltage has a deep roster of management and key stakeholders, who are expert in the essential resource trifecta of exploration, operations and finance.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward- looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. Management of the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Canada’s federal budget will include an investment of at least C$2 billion ($1.6 billion) for a strategy to accelerate the production and processing of critical minerals needed for the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain, two senior government sources said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, which is due to release its budget on Thursday, will make the investment to ramp up the extraction of processing of critical minerals including nickel, lithium, cobalt and magnesium, said the sources who are familiar with the matter but were not authorized to speak on the record.
he investment could be spread over more than one year, but the sources declined to comment on the time frame.
Canada last month announced financial support for building two facilities that will make battery materials for electric vehicles, and one battery gigafactory, but no agreements have yet been announced for mineral extraction or refining. read more
“There are some particular projects that we are looking at and working on at the present time,” Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said in a recent telephone interview with Reuters.
All the potential projects, “whether they’re extraction or processing, need to be accelerated significantly, and that’s what the critical mineral strategy will be about,” he added.
Canada’s finance ministry declined to confirm whether the investment would be in the budget that will be presented by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in the House of Commons.
“Canada has an abundance of valuable critical mineral deposits, and with the right investments, this sector can create thousands of new good jobs, grow our economy, and make Canada a vital part of the growing global critical minerals industry,” said Adrienne Vaupshas, press secretary for Freeland.
There are “many active conversations” between the Canadian government and companies “on the need to accelerate and scale up the production of raw materials used in EV batteries,” one of the sources said.
Canada, which is home to a large mining sector, has a multi-billion-dollar fund set up to invest in green technologies and is trying to woo companies involved in all levels of the EV supply chain to safeguard the future of its manufacturing heartland in Ontario as the world seeks to cut carbon emissions.
Ontario is geographically close to U.S.-based automakers in Michigan and Ohio, and General Motors Co (GM.N), Ford Motor Co (F.N) and Stellantis NV (STLA.MI) have all announced plans to make electric vehicles at factories in the Canadian province.
MINERALS FROM MINING WASTE
Since it can take many years – even a decade or more – to open new mines, Wilkinson said some of the projects being considered involve “tailings from existing mines from which you could extract critical minerals.”
“We’re looking at brines and oil sands, tailings ponds, and all of those things,” he said.
Brendan Marshall, the vice president of economic and northern affairs for the Mining Association of Canada, said this kind of project would require research.
“There needs to be research and development” to develop technologies that can identify and separate critical minerals “from the general waste stream,” Marshall said.
Canada’s critical mineral strategy will focus on, among other things, driving research, innovation and exploration, one of the sources said.
GM said on Monday that it was investing C$2 billion on two plants, including one that will produce an electric vehicle for commercial use in Canada. Last month, GM said it had partnered with South Korea’s POSCO Chemical (005490.KS) to build a facility to make battery materials in Quebec. read more
Scott Bell, the president and managing director of GM Canada, said last month that Canada’s abundance of nickel and other raw materials would be used to make cathode active material in the Canadian province, without elaborating.
“These companies are going to need those critical minerals that our country has, so we need to start aggressively ramping up the mining and processing required,” Canadian Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in Vancouver last week.
Demand for minerals needed for batteries, including lithium and cobalt, could increase by almost 500% by 2050, the World Bank estimates. Currently Asia, and in particular China, dominates global production and processing of critical minerals, rare earths and rare metals used to make EVs.
Constantine Karayannopoulos, president and chief executive officer of Neo Performance Materials Inc(NEO.TO), a rare earths and rare metals processing company based in Toronto, said Canada and North America have a lot of catching up to do.
“We are behind the eight ball collectively in the West, behind China,” Karayannopoulos said in a telephone interview. “China is dominating this space … We need a lot of money (to build the supply chain) because we’re playing catch-up.”
TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2023 /CNW/ – Voltage Metals Corp., (“Voltage” or the “Company”) (TSXV: VOLT) is pleased to report final assay results from the diamond drill program at the Company’s 100% owned St. Laurent Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project, located 160 km northeast of Timmins, Ontario. Exploration consisted of seven holes, (2,457m), with borehole EM geophysical surveys completed on six holes. The 2022 program was a follow up to encouraging results from a 2019 program by a previous operator, with SL-19-01 intersecting three separate intervals of >1.0% Ni, and SL-19-03 intersecting 113.4 m 0.22% Ni, 0.17% Cu
Highlights
Six out of Seven holes intersected encouraging Ni-Cu sulphide mineralization.
SL-22-07 intersected 51.8 metres of 0.24% Ni 0.18% Cu, was drilled to provide definition on the broad zone of mineralization intersected in SL-19-03 which included 113.4 metres 0.22% Ni, 0.17% Cu.
SL-22-09 intersected 23.1 metres of 0.36% Ni, 0.23% Cu, including a higher-grade section of 6.0 metres of 0.62% Ni, 0.36% Cu. A deeper intersection in this hole returned 14.0 metres of 0.25% Ni, 0.14% Cu.
SL-22-10 intersected 10.3 metres of 0.29% Ni, 0.17 % Cu and a deeper higher-grade interval of 0.67% Ni, 0.44% Cu over 4.0 metres..
SL-22-11 intersected multiple intervals of mineralization including 17.5m of 0.28% Ni 0.19% Cu, an intermediate interval of 13.0 metres of 0.53% Ni, 0.27 % Cu, and a deeper intersection of 14.4 metres of 0.36% Ni, 0.32% Cu.
A newly identified Maxwell Plate EM anomaly positioned between SL-10-01 and SL-19-02 suggests size and continuity of mineralization for follow-up drill testing.
A recently defined Maxwell Plate EM anomaly proximal to SL-19-06 providing a priority target for follow-up work and suggests continuity of the mineralized system to the northeast.
St. Laurent Nickel Sulphide Mineralized System
The St. Laurent Project displays geological characteristics indicative of a gabbro breccia/conduit hosted style of nickel mineralization, comparable to the Lynn Lake Deposit (28.4 million tons @ 0.91% Ni, 0.49% Cu)1 the Kenbridge deposit (7.5 million tonnes @ 0.58% Ni, 0.32% Cu)2, and the Montcalm Deposit (3.9 million tonnes @ 1.3% Ni, 0.67% Cu, 0.05 Co)3. Characteristics of these systems include, irregular massive sulphide lenses contained within broad intervals of lower grade mineralization, often disrupted by barren xenoliths of gabbro intrusion material and the surrounding wall rock material.
Nickel and sulphur assay data from St Laurent predicts a high nickel tenor4 of 5% Ni for massive sulphides (35% S) in the St. Laurent system. Drilling to date has intersected multiple intervals of wide, lower grade disseminated, stringers and blebby sulphide mineralization.
2022 Drill Hole Results
SL-22-05 was drilled 45 metres up-dip from the three closely spaced mineralized zones intersected in SL-19-01 (1.1% Ni, 0.5% Cu, 503 ppm Co, 5.1% S over 3.6m, 1.3% Ni, 0.5 % Cu, 568 ppm Co, 5.6% S over 4.2m, 1.0% Ni, 0.8% Cu, 506 ppm Co, 4.8% S over 4.7m) coincident with the center of a strong Maxwell Plate EM anomaly. The hole encountered sulphide mineralization at the expected depth with 0.7% Ni, 0.3% Cu over 2.6 m, but was abruptly terminated by the presence of mafic volcanic xenoliths. Several narrow intervals were intersected, including 3.9 m of 0.21% Ni, 0.25% Cu, and a deeper section of 0.8m of 0.81% Ni, 0.14% Cu. The presence of mafic volcanic xenoliths is an expected component of the conduit type system. Identifying the position of the larger xenoliths is important for future drill planning.
SL-22-06 was drilled to test the north-east extension of the mineralized system in the down plunge direction, targeting a deep-strong Maxwell Plate EM anomaly. Non mineralized Gabbro and Diorite were intersected throughout the entirety of hole with no explanation for the anomaly. Follow up Borehole EM surveys have defined a strong, large off-hole anomaly indicating the presence of conductive material continuing in the northeast down-plunge direction.
SL-22-07 was drilled 400 metres in front and oriented back towards SL-19-03. The purpose of the hole was to further define the width and orientation of the low- grade mineralization in SL-19-03, while at the same time testing multiple Maxwell Plate EM anomalies. SL-22-07 intersected 51.8m of 0.24% Ni, 0.18% Cu. The broad zone of mineralization was cut-off early by the presence of a large mafic volcanic xenolith. The mineralized zone in this area is interpreted to be approximately 75 metres wide. Borehole EM surveys have defined a large continuous Maxwell Plate EM anomaly coincident with the broad zone of mineralization, suggesting good continuity to the system.
SL-22-08 was drilled 80 metres east of SL-22-05 to test the edge of a Maxwell Plate EM anomaly. A wide interval of 52.7 metres of 0.12% Ni, 0.09% Cu with a higher-grade interval of 0.25% Ni, 0.18% Cu over 9.0 metres was intersected.
SL-22-09 was drilled from the same setup as SL-22-08 at a steeper dip. SL-22-09 intersected 0.62% Ni, 0.36% Cu over 6.0 m within a broader interval of 23.1 metres of 0.34% Ni, 0.23% Cu. Variation in grade of mineralization between SL-22-09, SL-22-08 drilled 60 metres above, and SL-19-01 drilled 65 metres to the west, highlight the expected variations in this style of a mineralized system. SL-22-09 encountered a large mafic volcanic xenolith interpreted to have cut off a portion of the mineralized zone.
SL-22-10 was drilled to test wide sections of mineralization reported in drill holes PA-2 and PA-4 (1966). Drill casings for these two holes were located in the field, which allows the historical data to be accurately incorporated into the current model. SL-22-10 was positioned between the two older setups and planned to evaluate the western portion of the mineralized system. SL-22-10 intersected 10.3 metres of 0.29% Ni, 0.17% Cu and a second interval of 4.0 metres of 0.70% Ni, 0.44% Cu.
SL-22-11 was drilled from the same setup as SL-22-10 at a shallower dip. Multiple zones of mineralization were intersected throughout the hole, including 5.5 metres of 0.28% Ni, 0.18% Cu, 6.5 metres of 0.22% Ni, 0.21% Cu, 17.5 metres of 0.28% Ni, 0.42% Cu, and 13.0 metres of 0.53% Ni, 0.27% Cu. The mineralized zone is interpreted to be approximately 100 metres thick based on drilling in this area.
Assay results are included in Table 1. Drill intervals in the table are core lengths, as true widths have not been determined due to insufficient drill detail.
Table 1 – St. Laurent 2022 Diamond Drill Program Assay Results
BHID
From m
To m
Width m
Ni ppm
Cu ppm
Co ppm
Au ppm
Pt ppm
Pd ppm
S %
SL-22-05
196.4
204.9
8.5
2978
2116
155
0.01
0.02
0.04
1.9
SL-22-05 incl
196.4
199.0
2.6
6733
3127
315
0.03
0.04
0.07
3.6
SL-22-05
216.6
220.5
3.9
2108
2491
135
0.05
0.03
0.04
2.2
Sl-22-05
256.2
257.0
0.8
8060
1395
408
0.02
0.21
0.13
4.5
SL-22-06
NSA
SL-22-07
289.2
341.0
51.8
2356
1817
159
0.03
0.07
0.07
3.7
SL-22-07 incl
330.5
339.8
9.3
3447
3130
192
0.07
0.14
0.09
3.7
SL-22-07 incl
334.0
339.8
5.8
4176
3718
232
0.09
0.18
0.12
4.3
SL-22-08
190.0
242.7
52.7
1203
917
98
0.01
0.02
0.02
2.5
SL-22-08 incl
190.0
199.0
9.0
2482
1806
129
0.01
0.02
0.02
2.2
SL-22-08
274.5
280.5
6.0
1332
777
112
0.01
0.04
0.04
2.5
SL-22-09
237.4
260.5
23.1
3577
2332
178
0.02
0.02
0.03
2.3
SL-22-09 incl
240.0
246.0
6.0
6183
3564
278
0.02
0.04
0.04
3.4
SL-22-09
284.0
298.0
14.0
2458
1372
149
0.02
0.01
0.03
2.3
SL-22-10
86.0
96.3
10.3
2938
1692
193
0.02
0.07
0.06
3.1
SL-22-10
164.0
168.0
4.0
6696
4352
329
0.16
0.06
0.03
4.5
SL-22-10 incl
165.3
168.0
2.7
8346
5885
408
0.22
0.07
0.04
5.3
SL-22-11
25.0
30.5
5.5
2701
1749
174
0.02
0.06
0.04
2.6
SL-22-11
85.0
91.5
6.5
2148
2183
146
0.03
0.05
0.04
2.2
SL-22-11
106.4
114.0
7.6
1561
770
116
0.01
0.04
0.03
1.6
SL-22-11
134.5
152.0
17.5
2801
1859
178
0.02
0.04
0.02
2.8
SL-22-11
175.5
188.5
13.0
5270
2674
314
0.01
0.04
0.05
3.7
SL-22-11 incl
185.4
186.5
1.1
13445
4480
810
0.01
0.10
0.12
6.9
SL-22-11
209.1
223.5
14.4
3603
3208
196
0.02
0.09
0.04
3.1
2022 Drill Program
Exploration consisted of seven holes, (2,457m), with borehole EM geophysical surveys completed on six holes. A total of 570 samples, representing 800 metres of core were split for analysis. All drill holes, with the exception of SL-22-06, intersected multiple intervals of sulphide mineralization. The St. Laurent mineralized system has been sporadically tested along 650 metres strike extent, with only 4,792 metres of drilling in three separate programs since 2008. In 1966, 13 holes were competed, with drill logs (limited assay data) provided for 7 of the 13 holes (1,081m). Drill Hole locations for the 2022 program are included in Table 2.
Table 2- 2022 Drill Hole Locations
BHID
UTM E
UTM N
Elev Z
Az
Dip
EOH m
SL-22-05
603758
5469208
290
330
-55
300.0
SL-22-06
603988
5469744
290
150
-70
486.0
SL-22-07
603835
5469675
290
150
-55
471.0
SL-22-08
603828
5469243
290
330
-55
309.0
SL-22-09
603828
5469243
290
330
-68
384.0
SL-22-10
603590
5469409
290
150
-65
219.0
SL-22-11
603590
5469409
290
150
-50
288.0
2457.0
Borehole EM Surveys
Borehole EM surveys were performed on the majority of 2019 and 2022 drill holes. The interpreted Maxwell Plate modeling is an effective method at tracking the trend of the mineralization and provides a high level of confidence for future drill targeting.
Comment on Results
The 2022 Voltage diamond drill program has improved the geological understanding of the St. Laurent project and greatly expanded the footprint of the mineralized system. Bob Bresee, President of Voltage states “The objective of the 2022 drill program was to identify massive sulphide mineralization, which based on the nickel tenor of this system indicates high grade 5% nickel. The St. Laurent magmatic system includes appreciable amounts of cobalt and PGE’s which combined with a high nickel grade provides an extremely desirable exploration target due to the high dollar value of the contained minerals. Although massive sulphides are the primary exploration focus, wide lower grade nickel mineralization in conjunction with the current high metal prices present exploration opportunities to evaluate lower nickel grade, larger volume material. The broad zones of lower grade mineralization at St. Laurent indicate a large continuous system that has been lightly drill tested with 5,873 metres total drilling since 1966, along a strike distance of 650 metres.”
Assaying & QAQC
Core was logged, tagged and sawn at the Company’s logging facility in Cochrane, Ontario. Samples were transported in sealed bags to ALS Canada Ltd. facility in Timmins for preparation. Pulps were transported to Vancouver, British Columbia for 35 element MEICP41 Aqua regia ICP AES analysis, PGM ICP23 analysis for Au- Pt- Pd analysis, S-IR08 for Sulphur analysis, Cu OG46 analysis for >10000 ppm Cu and NiOG46 analysis for >10000 ppm Ni. the sampling of, and assay data, from drill core is monitored through the implementation of a quality assurance – quality control (QA-QC) program designed to follow industry best practice.
Qualified Person
The St. Laurent 2022 diamond drill project was completed under the direct supervision of Todd Keast, P.Geo, a consultant to Voltage Metals Corp. Todd Keast, P.Geo. is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.
References:
Pinsent R.H., 1980, Nickel Copper Mineralization in the Lynn Lake Gabbro, Manitoba Department of Energy and Mines Minerals Resources Division Economic Geology Report ER-79-3.
Tartisan Nickel Corp. Sedar Website P & E Mining Consultants, Sept 17,2020, Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate of the Kenbridge Nickel Project.
Atkinson, 2011, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Nickel Tenor is a common practice in magmatic nickel-copper exploration where the nickel vs S ratio is extrapolated to 100% sulphides (35% S), to estimate the grade of massive sulphide. Nickel tenor does not provide certainty that massive sulphides will be discovered.
