Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) has released assay results from three drill holes completed during its 2026 winter drill program at the Springer Rare Earth Element–Gallium deposit near Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. The results include a peak intersection of 7.37% total rare earth oxide and 252.7 g/t gallium oxide over 1.5 metres in hole SL26-28, which the company describes as the highest heavy rare earth oxide content encountered to date at Springer. The announcement also confirms that gallium mineralisation is present across the full assayed length of all three holes, though gallium is not yet included in the current Springer mineral resource estimate.

Key Points

  • Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA | FSE: D0W | OTCQB: VOLMF) released 2026 drill assay results for the Springer deposit in Ontario
  • Hole SL26-28 returned a peak of 7.37% TREO and 252.7 g/t gallium oxide over 1.5m, with broader intercepts of 214.5m at 0.80% TREO and 63.8 g/t gallium oxide
  • The current mineral resource estimate comprises 56.6 Mt Indicated at 0.70% TREO and 119.5 Mt Inferred at 0.58% TREO; gallium is excluded from this estimate
  • Investors may be watching for remaining assay results from the 13-hole, 5,452m drill program and a targeted updated resource estimate in Q1 2027

SL26-28 Delivers Deepest and Highest-Grade Rare Earth Intercept at Springer

Drill hole SL26-28 intersected 417.0m averaging 0.57% TREO and 56.7 g/t gallium oxide. Within that interval, 214.5m graded 0.80% TREO and 63.8 g/t gallium oxide from 103.5m to 318.0m. The peak 1.5m sample, from 291.0m to 292.5m, returned 7.37% TREO and 252.7 g/t gallium oxide, including 10,579 g/t neodymium oxide, 3,540 g/t praseodymium oxide, 232 g/t dysprosium oxide, and 73 g/t terbium oxide. The release states mineralisation persisted to the base of the 507m hole, indicating the system remains open at depth.

Near-Surface Heavy Rare Earth Enrichment Confirmed in SL26-34

Hole SL26-34, drilled in the northern portion of the deposit, was mineralised from top to bottom over 345.0m, averaging 0.41% TREO and 39.5 g/t gallium oxide. Near-surface heavy rare earth enrichment was notable, with the interval from 7.5m to 9.15m returning 1.15% TREO and 66.8 g/t gallium oxide over 1.65m, including 220 g/t dysprosium oxide and 43 g/t terbium oxide. The release states heavy rare earth oxides represent 19.5% of TREO in this near-surface interval, and that gallium strengthens with depth throughout the hole.

Gallium Mineralisation Confirmed Across Broader Granitic Host Rocks in SL26-36

Hole SL26-36, located in the southern section of the deposit, was assayed over 296.0m and averaged 0.36% TREO and 31.3 g/t gallium oxide, with heavy rare earth oxides averaging 5.5% of TREO. Grade increases with depth were recorded in this hole, with the lower portion from 157m to 300m averaging 0.42% TREO. Together, SL26-34 and SL26-36 confirm that gallium and heavy rare earth mineralisation extend into granitic gneiss and syenite host rocks beyond the carbonatite-dominated zones previously characterised. Assays for three holes in the 2026 program remain pending.

Resource Base and Upcoming Mineral Estimate Update

Volta's existing Springer mineral resource estimate, effective December 31, 2025, totals 56.6 Mt Indicated at 0.70% TREO and 119.5 Mt Inferred at 0.58% TREO. Gallium is excluded from this estimate and will be reported separately, the company stated. Following receipt of all 2026 assay results, Volta is targeting completion of an updated mineral resource estimate in the first quarter of 2027, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The company cautions that timing depends on outstanding assays, metallurgical work, and consultant availability, and that mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.