Neotech Metals has signed an agreement to acquire the Torrance Project from Kenorland Minerals, gaining a 100% interest in the site.
The Torrance Project is located approximately 125km north of Timmins in Ontario, Canada, and includes 580 mining claims over roughly 12,270 hectares (ha).
It has potential for hosting niobium-tantalum-rare earth element mineralisation within alkaline carbonatite formations.
The area displays unique ring-shaped magnetic patterns similar to other known complexes in the Kapuskasing Structural Zone, such as Lackner Lake, Nemegosenda Lake and Hecla-Kilmer.
Situated near Neotech’s Hecla-Kilmer Project, the Torrance Project benefits from access to existing infrastructure and roads, which will facilitate exploration activities.
Since acquiring the project in 2022, Kenorland has reprocessed regional geophysical data and conducted a 2,865 line-km high-resolution aeromagnetic gradiometry and very low frequency electromagnetic survey, along with limited mapping and prospecting.
These efforts have uncovered several potential targets for additional exploration.
The Torrance Project offers an early-stage opportunity to discover a carbonatite-hosted rare earth system within a geologically promising area.
Under the terms of the transaction, Neotech will issue 1,000,000 shares to Kenorland.
These shares will be under a 24-month lock-up period post-closing, during which Kenorland cannot sell or transfer them, except under certain conditions like affiliate transfers or a change in Neotech's control.
According to the purchase agreement, Neotech must carry out at least 2,000m of diamond drilling at the project within three years of closing, with provisions for force majeure.
If this commitment is unmet, Kenorland can reclaim the project from Neotech for a nominal fee, ensuring it remains in good standing.
The project is subject to an existing 2% net smelter returns royalty held by Kenorland Royalties, a Kenorland subsidiary.
Neotech has the option to repurchase 1% of this royalty for C$5m.
Completion of the transaction is pending standard conditions including necessary regulatory approvals from bodies like the Canadian Securities Exchange and, potentially, the TSX Venture Exchange.
Neotech Metals CEO Reagan Glazier said: “The acquisition of the Torrance Project further reinforces our commitment to advancing Hecla-Kilmer as part of a broader, district-scale opportunity within the Kapuskasing Structural Zone.”
