Search Minerals Inc. (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) announced the launch of its 2026 environmental baseline studies for the DEEP FOX and FOXTROT rare earth elements projects in southeastern Labrador. This initiative marks a key de-risking milestone as the company advances toward Environmental Assessment Registration, targeted for the first half of 2027.
The program will generate critical environmental and technical data to support regulatory submission, project optimization, and development planning. Studies will include hydrology, ecological, and atmospheric assessments, reinforcing the company’s position within the emerging North American rare earth supply chain. The projects are located in the Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis Critical Rare Earth Elements (CREE) District, a region road accessible, on tidewater, and near three local communities.
Search Minerals controls a belt 64 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide in the district. The company has completed a preliminary economic assessment report with resource estimates for both FOXTROT and DEEP FOX. Additionally, Search is exploring four prospects along the belt: FOX MEADOW, SILVER FOX, FOX RUN, and AWESOME FOX.
The company continues to optimize its patented Direct Extraction Process technology, supported by the Department of Energy and Mines, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency. Search has completed two pilot plant operations, producing highly purified mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate and mixed rare earth oxide concentrate for separation and refining.
The 2026 baseline program is designed to generate data that will inform environmental assessment and project permitting. By gathering comprehensive environmental data early, Search aims to reduce project risks and streamline the regulatory process. This proactive approach is expected to benefit the company as it seeks to become a reliable supplier of rare earth elements within North America.
Search Minerals is led by a proven management team and board of directors, focusing on finding and developing critical rare earth elements, zirconium, and hafnium resources. The company’s projects are strategically located in southeastern Labrador, providing logistical advantages. The latest news and updates relating to SHCMF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHCMF.
The announcement underscores the growing importance of domestic rare earth supply chains in North America, as governments and industries seek to reduce dependence on foreign sources. Search Minerals’ progress on the DEEP FOX and FOXTROT projects could contribute to this strategic goal, pending successful environmental assessment and development.
