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. This marks 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.
The studies will include hydrology, ecological and atmospheric assessments, reinforcing the Company’s position within the emerging North American rare earth supply chain. The DEEP FOX and FOXTROT projects are part of Search's portfolio in the Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District, a belt 64 km long and 2 km wide that is road accessible, on tidewater, and located near three local communities.
Search Minerals has completed a preliminary economic assessment report with resource estimates for both FOXTROT and DEEP FOX. The Company is also working on four exploration prospects along the belt: FOX MEADOW, SILVER FOX, FOX RUN, and AWESOME FOX. Search has continued to optimize its patented Direct Extraction Process technology with support from the Department of Energy and Mines, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency.
The Company has completed two pilot plant operations and produced highly purified mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate and mixed REO concentrate for separation and refining. This technology positions Search to potentially supply critical rare earth elements for North American manufacturing and defense needs.
By initiating these baseline studies well in advance of regulatory submission, Search Minerals aims to reduce project risks and accelerate the permitting timeline. The data collected will inform project design and help ensure environmental compliance, which is increasingly important for securing funding and off-take agreements.
For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHCMF. The full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/8y33A.
