Sheep Creek Geophysics Demonstrates Seven New Zones For Further Exploration
VANCOUVER - US Critical Metals Corp. (USCM) and US Critical Materials Corp. (Materials Corp.) reported the results for a geophysics survey completed over the Sheep Creek Rare Earth Project in southwestern Montana. Project sample results demonstrate the potential for elevated grades of rare earth mineralization. In combination with these geophysics results, Sheep Creek now has the potential for both grade and tonnage. Recent sample results include Sample #21112 at 201,216ppm (20.1%) Total Rare Earth Elements (TREE), containing 28,330ppm (2.8%) combined neodymium and praseodymium (Nd+Pr) and 363ppm Gallium (Ga), and Sample #21099 at 182,255ppm (18.2%) TREE, containing 32,750ppm (3.3%) combined Nd+Pr and 348ppm Ga.
Geophysics suggests structural continuity along strike and possibly to depth in new geophysical exploration targets that could possibly host additional carbonatite bodies. Concentration of carbonatite bodies suggests the possibility of additional undiscovered zones. The geophysical survey identifies seven locations warranting further exploration. Carbonatites contain few magnetic minerals compared to host rocks and could show as negative anomalies in magnetic studies. Supports case for focused drill program to test structures identified at surface, present in the historic underground workings, and possible deeper geophysical targets identified in the survey.
The survey covered approximately 8 kilometers by 7.45 kilometers in size, which represents a total area of approximately 59.5 square kilometers. The survey was flown with 100 meter line spacing on the survey lines at a heading of 044°/224°, and with 1,000 meter line spacing on the tie lines at a heading of 134°/314°. A total of 658 line kilometers of high resolution magnetic and radiometric data were collected by helicopter. The survey was designed with the objective of identifying targets that correspond to a pattern and delineate geological structure as it relates to the magnetic and radiometric data. To
Carbonatites at Sheep Creek are valuable for their light rare earth content including neodymium and praseodymium, and also contain significant amounts of niobium, strontium, and gallium. The carbonatites show mineralization that indicate higher rare earth element content compared to surrounding rocks. Unlike many other carbonatites, they also contain low amounts of thorium and therefore have a limited radiometric signature, making them easier to identify in this area. The geophysical survey has identified seven new un-explored targets that suggest lateral continuity along strike and possibly at depth.
James Hedrick, President of US Critical Materials Corp., said, "The geologic model for Sheep Creek continues to be confirmed by this geophysics survey. This is a rare type of potential deposit within the US and has the potential to be a significant new source of rare earths required to support multiple essential industries."