Search Minerals Launches 2026 Rare Earth Exploration Program in Labrador to Advance Towards Production
Search Minerals Inc. has initiated its 2026 critical rare earth element exploration program in southeastern Labrador, focusing on resource expansion and bulk sampling to support its demonstration plant and patented extraction process.
Search Minerals Inc. (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) has announced the launch of its 2026 critical rare earth element exploration program in southeastern Labrador, marking a significant step toward advancing its portfolio of rare earth assets. The program includes channel sampling across three priority targets in the Fox Harbour Volcanic Belt and the collection of 15 tonnes of bulk sample material from the Foxtrot Deposit to support the company’s planned demonstration plant.
The initiative is designed to expand and upgrade resources at the Foxtrot Deposit, advance the Fox Run prospect toward drill readiness, and extend mineralization at Awesome Fox. These efforts are critical for testing Search’s patented Direct Extraction Process on a larger scale, a technology that has been optimized with support from the Department of Energy and Mines, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency. Interim CEO Jason Macintosh emphasized that the field season is structured to build momentum toward production as the company advances optimization studies and environmental baseline work across its properties.
The exploration program is focused on the emerging Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District, where Search controls a belt 64 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. This belt is road accessible, on tidewater, and located near three local communities, providing logistical advantages. The company has already completed a preliminary economic assessment report with resource estimates for FOXTROT and DEEP FOX, and is working on four other exploration prospects: FOX MEADOW, SILVER FOX, FOX RUN, and AWESOME FOX.
The successful execution of this program could have significant implications for the rare earth supply chain, particularly as demand for critical rare earth elements (CREE), zirconium (Zr), and hafnium (Hf) continues to grow. By advancing its demonstration plant and direct extraction technology, Search Minerals aims to position itself as a key supplier of these materials, which are essential for various high-tech and green energy applications. The company’s progress also underscores the potential of Labrador’s mineral resources to contribute to domestic and global supply chains.
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