Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSXV: LEAP | OTCQB: ATOXF | FSE: 86A1) announced results of advanced laser mineral mapping on nine historical samples from its wholly owned Discovery Property in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, confirming that gallium and rubidium are hosted primarily in mica — the same host mineral the company is already targeting at its flagship NMX East Project. The disclosure also revealed unexpectedly strong beryllium and cesium responses in two separate samples, representing potential additional exploration targets. Investors may be watching whether the shared mineral host between Discovery and NMX East accelerates the company's path to recovery testing at the earlier-stage property.

Key Points

  • Quantum Critical Metals Corp. (TSXV: LEAP | OTCQB: ATOXF | FSE: 86A1)
  • Laser mineral mapping on nine Discovery Property samples confirms gallium and rubidium are hosted in mica, matching the mineral setting at NMX East
  • One sample returned a beryllium response approximately 21 times the median; a separate sample returned a cesium response approximately 65 times the median — neither confirmed by certified assay
  • Planned next steps include certified multi-element assays on all nine samples and bench-scale flotation testing to produce a mica concentrate from Discovery material

Mica Hosting Confirmed Across Nine Discovery Property Samples

The laser mineral mapping study found gallium present in all nine samples, with eight of nine showing a close relationship between gallium response and mica content. Rubidium closely followed the combined amount of potassium-bearing mica and feldspar, with a statistical relationship described in the release as having an R² of 0.988. The company states that because mica is the same host mineral as at NMX East, where its gallium and rubidium recovery approach has already been developed, it can apply that methodology directly at Discovery rather than beginning from first principles.

New Beryllium and Cesium Targets Identified at Discovery

Sample 2Y produced a beryllium response approximately 21 times the median of the other samples, appearing in a different rock type from the rubidium-bearing pegmatites, which the company says suggests a separate target on the property. Sample 6Y produced a cesium response approximately 65 times the median, with mica content alone insufficient to explain the difference, pointing to potential concentration in another mineral. The release cautions that each finding is based on a single sample and has not yet been confirmed by certified assay, and that results do not indicate the size or continuity of either target.

Historical Drill and Surface Assay Context for Gallium and Rubidium

Certified assay data cited in the announcement shows the 2018 drilling returned gallium above the detection limit in 194 one-metre core samples, ranging from 11 to 88 parts per million and averaging 37 parts per million. Two previously reported drill intervals were also cross-checked: DE-DH-10 averaged 38.4 parts per million gallium and 694 parts per million rubidium across 83 samples, and DE-DH-06 averaged 37.0 parts per million gallium and 936 parts per million rubidium across 30 samples. The company notes these averages are consistent with results reported on April 9, 2025.

Stock Option Grant Accompanies Technical Disclosure

Separately, the company announced the grant of an aggregate of 1,400,000 incentive stock options to consultants. Each option carries an exercise price of $0.10 per share and a two-year term from the September 28, 2026 grant date, expiring September 28, 2028. The options vest immediately and are subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. The immediate share price impact was not clear from available public information.