Search Minerals Inc. (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) announced the commencement of its 2026 environmental baseline studies for the DEEP FOX and FOXTROT rare earth elements projects in southeastern Labrador, marking a key de-risking milestone as the Company advances toward Environmental Assessment Registration targeted for H1 2027. The program will generate critical environmental and technical data to support regulatory submission, project optimization and development planning, including hydrology, ecological and atmospheric studies, while reinforcing the Company’s position within the emerging North American rare earth supply chain.
Led by a proven management team and board of directors, Search is focused on finding and developing Critical Rare Earth Elements (CREE), Zirconium (Zr) and Hafnium (Hf) resources within the emerging Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District of South-east Labrador. The Company controls a belt 64 km long and 2 km wide and is road accessible, on tidewater, and located near 3 local communities. Search has completed a preliminary economic assessment report with resource estimates for FOXTROT and DEEP FOX. Search is also working on four exploration prospects along the belt which include: FOX MEADOW, SILVER FOX, FOX RUN and AWESOME FOX.
Search has continued to optimize our patented Direct Extraction Process technology with the generous support from the Department of Energy and Mines, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and from the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency. We have completed two pilot plant operations and produced highly purified mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate and mixed REO concentrate for separation and refining.
This baseline program is a critical de-risking step for the projects, as it provides the environmental data necessary to support the Environmental Assessment Registration. The results will also inform project optimization and development planning, ensuring that the projects are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic benefits. The timing is strategic, as demand for rare earth elements continues to grow, driven by their use in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other green technologies. By advancing these projects, Search Minerals is positioning itself as a key player in the North American rare earth supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
For more information on Search Minerals and its projects, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHCMF.
