Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX-V:NOB, FRANKFURT: NB7, OTCQB:NLPXF) has completed the Phase 1 helicopter-supported summer exploration program on its Chapiteau Rare Earth Property in Labrador and the Mehmet Rare Earth Property in Quebec, marking a key step in advancing critical minerals projects in Canada. The program, which took place during the last week of June and first week of July, involved surface exploration with support from Canadian Helicopters out of Goose Bay, Labrador.
A total of 69 samples have been sent to Activation Labs in Ancaster, Ontario, for analysis of gold, platinum, palladium, and a comprehensive suite of elements including rare earth elements (REEs). Results are expected by mid-August, after which follow-up exploration will be planned. Additionally, Noble has applied to the Ontario Junior Exploration Program for diamond drilling on the Lucas Property near Timmins, Ontario, though access challenges due to water-soaked ground will delay the program until freeze-up.
The Chapiteau Rare Earth Property, located in western Labrador, consists of 25 map-staked units in one group and 18 units about 15 km east. The property lies in one of Canada's most prospective rare earth districts, approximately 100 km south of the Strange Lake REE deposits and 38 km northeast of the Crater Lake Scandium-REE resource. Historical work by Midland Exploration from 2010-2011 identified numerous REE targets associated with a large magnetic alkaline granite complex roughly 9 km in diameter. Grab samples from that period returned up to 8.34% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO), with heavy rare earth enrichment ranging from 2.29% to 12.85% HREO. Within Noble's claims, six grab samples exceeded 0.5% TREO, ranging from 1.4% to 3.02% TREO. The only known drill hole on the property, Y3-11-04, intersected anomalous REE values averaging approximately 0.14% TREO + Y2O3 over its entire length, demonstrating a large mineralized system.
The Mehmet Rare Earth Property in northeastern Quebec is classified as a hyperalkaline rare-metals showing, a geological environment that can host REEs, niobium, zirconium, tantalum, and other critical minerals. One government sample from the property contained 2157.1 ppm total REEs, including 550 ppm neodymium, 623 ppm lanthanum, and 1027.3 ppm cerium. Such systems are attractive for their potential to host large-tonnage critical mineral deposits essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, permanent magnets, and defense technologies.
H Vance White, President & CEO of Noble, commented, “We are pleased to get this program underway in order to determine the expected follow up programs later the summer and early fall.” The company's focus on REEs aligns with growing demand for critical minerals, and these projects benefit from proximity to established deposits like Strange Lake and Crater Lake. The completion of this phase positions Noble to assess the economic viability of these early-stage properties and underscores the strategic importance of domestic critical mineral supply chains. As global competition for REEs intensifies, exploration efforts in stable jurisdictions like Canada become increasingly vital for reducing dependence on foreign sources.
