REG - Focus Xplore PLC - Exploration Update

Focus XploreAnnouncement

28/08/2025 08:15

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RNS Number : 9405W  Focus Xplore PLC  28 August 2025

28 August 2025

 

Focus Xplore PLC

('Focus Xplore' or the 'Company')

 

Exploration Update

 

Focus Xplore PLC (AIM: FOX), the strategic energy and critical minerals
exploration and development company, is pleased to provide an update on the
Phase One exploration activities focused on rare earth element ("REE") and
lithium prospective pegmatites at the Bay Road, Iva, Oba, Ellie, Pearl and
Burrows projects located in Ontario, Canada.

Rock chip samples from the Bay Road, Iva, Oba and Ellie projects were
submitted to AGAT Laboratories in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Results from pegmatite
and granite samples show that Bay Road and Iva have elemental ratios and
values consistent with moderate levels of fractionation within locally
enriched, or "fertile" granites. The presence of enriched granites is a key
indicator for the formation of the target lithium and rare earth element
("REE") pegmatite systems and the Company considers the identification of this
enrichment is an encouraging development for ongoing exploration.

Focus Xplore has now completed whole-rock laboratory analysis on a total of 73
field samples, including 26 samples identified as pegmatites. The results to
date have not identified significant lithium or REE mineralisation. The
Company is now considering the next work steps, including supplementary
exploration work.

Patrick Cullen, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Xplore, commented:

"Our first field season in Ontario has already covered a wide selection of
target areas across the Company's project portfolio. We are pleased with that
progress and have laid the foundations for future work.

 

Focus Xplore is committed to building shareholder value by pursuing new
opportunities in both AI and exploration for lithium, REE, and uranium and
continues to evaluate a variety of opportunities in the critical and precious
minerals sector."

 

INTRODUCTION

Both lithium and REE-bearing pegmatite deposits form from highly fractionated
granitic intrusions. As a granite body slowly cools underground, most common
elements are locked into minerals early in the crystallisation process, for
example silicon forms quartz and potassium forms feldspar. However, certain
elements, such as lithium and REE are considered incompatible which means they
do not easily fit into the crystal structures of these early-forming minerals.

As cooling continues and more crystals grow, these incompatible elements are
excluded from the cooled and solidified minerals and become increasingly
concentrated in the remaining molten rock. This residual molten rock may
become enriched in these elements, sometimes to levels where they can form
economically valuable minerals.

By measuring the concentrations of elements like lithium and REE in rock
samples, geologists can assess how enriched or "fractionated" a granite is. In
general, the more fractionated the granite or pegmatite, the greater the
potential for hosting economic concentrations of lithium, REE and other
critical minerals.

FIELDWORK AND SUMMARY OF LABORATORY ANALYSES

Phase One activities completed at the Bay Road REE project and at the Iva,
Oba, Ellie, Pearl and the Burrows lithium projects included mapping and
prospecting with data collected at 226 stations.

Pegmatites were identified at six locations at Bay Road, at nine locations at
Iva and at nine locations at Oba(1). A total of 110 samples (26 of which were
identified as pegmatites) were collected with 73 samples submitted to AGAT
Laboratories for whole-rock analysis. Analyses were also made using a handheld
portable X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer ("pXRF") to give an approximation of
elemental ratios and assess the level of fractionation. Historic lake sediment
data from Northwestern Ontario was modelled using Planetary AI's Xplore system
to provide further insight into the relative prospectivity of each of the
target projects.

The summary of the work by project is outlined below.

Bay Road Project: The exploration programme was initiated to demonstrate a
connection between a historically mapped 6 km-long felsic dyke and nearby lake
sediments that are highly enriched in REE, including dysprosium and neodymium.
Planetary AI's Xplore system located target features that were interpreted to
be associated with the dyke trend, through the analysis of  high-resolution
LiDAR data, which were subsequently successfully located and sampled.

Fractionation of the granite and pegmatite samples has been demonstrated. This
includes rubidium to strontium ("Rb/Sr") ratios of up to 16 (three of which
greater than 10) representing extreme fractionation of a granite(2), and
rubidium to barium ("Rb/Ba") ratios of up to 19, which indicated the presence
of highly fractionated granitic pegmatite typical of metalliferous
pegmatites(3).  Additionally, two samples exhibited potassium to rubidium
("K/Rb") ratios below 100, which are typical(4) of enriched (or fertile)
granites commonly considered prospective for lithium-caesium-tantalum ("LCT")
and REE mineralisation(5).  A further thirteen samples exhibited K/Rb ratios
below 270, which lies within the range of fertile granites(4). Samples
collected also display locally elevated concentrations of caesium, gallium,
barium and yttrium which further support the presence of fertile granite(4).

Laboratory results have not demonstrated economical concentrations of REE. The
Company considers the laboratory results from the limited field work to date
to be indicative of a fractionated granite to be targets for future
exploration and a review of work to date is underway.

Iva Project: Historically mapped pegmatites and newly inferred pegmatites
interpreted from LiDAR survey data, were targeted as being prospective for
lithium mineralisation(6).  Lake sediment assays collected by the Ontario
Geological Survey demonstrate regionally anomalous lithium and caesium results
located in close proximity to mapped and inferred pegmatites further supported
investigation for the presence of LCT-style mineralisation. Nine pegmatites
were located and sampled in this initial phase of fieldwork.

Two pegmatite samples presented highly fractionated(2) Rb/Sr ratios, of
between 8 and 20, and a further five indicated moderate to high levels of
fractionation. Enrichment of multiple elements associated with fractionated
granites(4) were also observed, including eight samples for strontium and
barium, and seven for caesium. The majority of samples demonstrated elevated
rubidium concentrations, however, none of the samples tested yielded lithium
concentrations indicative of economic potential.

Oba and Ellie Projects: Historic occurrences of pegmatites are known at Oba
and are located in the vicinity of the highly anomalous lithium, caesium and
beryllium in lake sediment samples(7). Fieldwork confirmed the location of
nine pegmatite occurrences, seven of which were not previously mapped and
whose location were interpreted through analysis of high-resolution LiDAR
survey data. A total of 12 samples were submitted for laboratory analysis,
including the nine pegmatites and three samples taken from surrounding rocks.

No samples exhibit Rb/Sr ratios (greater than 5) typical of LCT pegmatites,
but three spatially related pegmatites in the south of the project displayed
locally anomalous(2) Rb/Sr ratios of between  2.3 and 4 as well as elevated
Rb/Ba ratios which suggest local enrichment(3). Eight of the collected samples
analysed had K/Rb ratios less than 270, suggesting fertile granite is
present(4). Multiple samples exhibited; elevated titanium (nine in total),
strontium and barium (eight samples), yttrium (three samples) and caesium (one
sample), when compared to fertile granites elsewhere. Despite this anomalism,
none of the pegmatite samples indicated significant concentrations of lithium.
However, the Company considers the identification of ratios and elemental
elevations associated with fertile granites to be a positive outcome from
sampling.

Fieldwork at Ellie did not locate pegmatites. Laboratory analyses of local
outcrop did not provide elemental signatures indicative of significant
fractionation and no samples returned significant concentrations of lithium or
associated elements.

NEXT STEPS

At Bay Road and Iva, the Company is reviewing options for supplementary
fieldwork. This will follow a comprehensive analysis of the recent
laboratory results, a reassessment of historical data and the initial AI
prospectivity modelling. A further goal is to refine the exploration strategy
across the entire portfolio.

At the Pearl Project, Focus Xplore is planning a new phase of exploration in
the western part of the project area, a zone that has not yet been accessed.
LiDAR survey data indicates a high concentration of pegmatites(8) in this
area, which lacks any known historical mapping or sampling.

Separately, at the White Pine(9) uranium project, the technical team is
preparing to start the next phase of fieldwork. This work will build on the
initial reconnaissance completed at the end of the 2024 field season. The
Company will provide more details on these plans in due course. The Company
continues to evaluate further opportunities for critical and precious metals
in the region.

REFERENCES

1: Focus Xplore PLC, 30 July 2025, RNS: Exploration Update,
https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/xe82lnx
(https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/xe82lnx)

2: Harlaux, M., Blein, O., Ballouard, C., Kontak, D.J., Thiéblemont, D.,
Dabosville, A. & Gourcerol, B., 2025. Geochemical footprints of
peraluminous rare-metal granites and pegmatites in the northern French Massif
Central and implications for exploration targeting. Ore Geology Reviews, 176,
106409.

3: Elsagheer, M. A., Azer, M. K., Moussa, H. E., Maurice, A. E., Sami,
M., Abou El Maaty, M. A., Akarish, A. I. M., Heikal, M. Th. S.,
Khedr, M. Z., Elnazer, A. A., Mubarak, H. S., Seddik, A. M. A.,
Ibrahim, M. O. & Sobhy, H., 2025. Late Neoproterozoic rare‑metal
pegmatites with mixed NYF‑LCT features: a case study from the Egyptian
Nubian Shield. Minerals, 15(5), p.495.

4: Černẏ, P., 1989a. Exploration strategy and methods for pegmatite
deposits of tantalum. In Lanthanides, Tantalum, and Niobium. Edited by P.
Moller, P. Černý and F. Saupe. Springer-Verlag, New York, p. 274-302.

5: Černý, P., Trueman, D.L. & Goad, B.E., 1985. The Tanco pegmatite at
Bernic Lake, Manitoba. V. Geochemistry and geothermometry. Canadian
Mineralogist, 23, pp.381-420.

6: Focus Xplore PLC, 27 March 2025, RNS: Iva Lithium Project Expansion,
https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/x2p866w
(https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/x2p866w) .

7: Jackson, J.E. 2002, Lake Sediment and Water Geochemical Data from the
Kabinakagami Lake Area, Northern Ontario (MRD110).

8: Focus Xplore PLC, 18 February 2025, RNS: Update on 31 Explore Ltd
Portfolio,
https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/xjzn01r
(https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/xjzn01r) .

9: Focus Xplore PLC, 19 November 2024, RNS: White Pine Uranium Project
Activity Update,
https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/w18y8ex
(https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/focusxplore/news/rns/story/w18y8ex)

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

The technical information contained in this disclosure has been reviewed and
approved by Mr Nick O'Reilly (MSc, DIC, MIMMM QMR, MAusIMM, FGS), who is a
qualified geologist and acts as the Qualified Person under the AIM Rules -
Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies. Mr O'Reilly is a principal
consultant working for Mining Analyst Consulting Ltd which is providing
independent technical review to Focus Xplore PLC.

GLOSSARY

Critical mineral - while there is no universally accepted definition of a
critical mineral, it is commonly agreed that critical minerals have specific
industrial, technological or strategic applications for which there are few
viable substitutes. These minerals are economically important and can be
subject to supply risk.

Felsic intrusive rock - is an intrusion of igneous rock that is predominantly
composed of felsic minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and muscovite.

Fertile granite - a type of granite that contains more water and higher
concentrations of elements such as lithium and rare earth elements. These
granites can serve as the source rock for rare-element and lithium-bearing
pegmatites. As the granitic melt evolves, it crystallises into various units
and the remaining melt can then migrate and form rare-element and
lithium-bearing pegmatites in surrounding rocks.

Fractionated - In geology, when molten rock changes composition because
certain minerals form earlier than others, leaving some elements behind in the
remaining liquid.

Incompatible elements - Chemical elements that do not easily fit into the
structures of the first minerals to form from cooling magma, so they remain in
the leftover molten material.

Intrusions - Large masses of molten rock that push into surrounding rock
layers and solidify underground.

LiDAR - Light Detection and Ranging is a remote sensing method that uses light
in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) commonly
used to generate precise, three-dimensional information of the elevation of
the Earth's surface.

Pegmatite - an igneous rock with a very coarse, irregular texture that forms
during the final stage of a magma's crystallisation.

Lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites - are a principal source of lithium
and comprise a compositionally defined subset of granitic pegmatites. The
principal lithium ore minerals are spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite;
caesium mostly comes from pollucite; and tantalum mostly comes from
columbite-tantalite. Tin ore as cassiterite and beryllium ore as beryl also
occur in LCT pegmatites.

Rare earth element (REE) - a member of a group of 17 metallic elements,
encompassing the 15 lanthanides (atomic numbers 57-71) along with scandium
(Sc) and yttrium (Y). These elements are known for their unique magnetic,
luminescent, and electrochemical properties, making them crucial for various
high-tech applications.

Residual molten rock - The small amount of molten rock left over after most
minerals have formed and solidified.

This announcement contains inside information as stipulated under the Market
Abuse Regulations (EU) no. 596/2014.

**ENDS**

 

Enquiries:

 

 Patrick Cullen                      info@focusXplore.com                Focus Xplore PLC                                                                Chief Executive Officer
 James Biddle                        +44 (0) 207 628 3396                Beaumont Cornish Limited                                                        Nominated Adviser

 Roland Cornish
 Jason Robertson                     +44 (0) 207 374 2212                First Equity Limited                                                            Corporate Broker
 Corporate Website: www.focusXplore.com (http://www.focusXplore.com)     LinkedIn: Focus Xplore PLC (https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-xplore-plc)  X: @focusXplore (https://x.com/focusxplore)

 

 

Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated
Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's
responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a
responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under
the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed
solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and
will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections
afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to
the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter
referred to in it.

 

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