Newly acquired Kanawata property in Québec covers an intrusive type known for hosting some of the world's most significant niobium and rare-earth deposits
Vancouver, British Columbia, July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: NIOB) (FSE: KS82.F) (OTCQB: NIOMF) ("NIOB" or the "Company") continues to pursue its district-scale strategy of building an extensive portfolio of properties that are highly prospective for niobium and rare earth elements. It has acquired the Kanawata Property through staking, which covers an interpreted ijolite–carbonatite alkaline intrusion — the same class of intrusion that hosts significant niobium (Nb) and rare-earth-element (REE) deposits.
"Our long-term goal is to become a leading supplier of critical metals," said NIOB's Chief Executive Officer, Murray Nye. "So we are developing a pipeline of targets that meet our geological criteria. Kanawata is a good fit: it is in the right area and shows indications of geology similar to that of Québec's Oka and Niobec mines, two of the most significant niobium and rare earth deposits in the world."
Highlights
Kanawata Property acquired: NIOB has acquired the Kanawata Property through staking. Located approximately 50 kilometres south of Wemotaci in the Mauricie region of Québec's Grenville Province, Kanawata covers an interpreted ijolite–carbonatite alkaline intrusion.
A globally important deposit type: Ijolite–carbonatite alkaline complexes host the Oka niobium and Saint-Honoré (Niobec) niobium and rare earth mining complexes, both in Québec (see cautionary note below).
District-scale strategy: The acquisition extends NIOB's Québec critical-minerals footprint, as part of its focus on alkaline systems prospective for niobium and rare earths.
Next steps: Following an initial one-day reconnaissance field program, a first-pass exploration program — geological mapping, prospecting and sampling — is planned to confirm and characterize the interpreted intrusion; additional work remains to be done.
The Kanawata Property
The Company has staked the Kanawata Property and holds a 100% interest. The Property is located approximately 50 kilometres south of Wemotaci, in the Mauricie region of Québec's Grenville Province.
As the Property was acquired by staking (claims registered directly with the Government of Québec) rather than purchased or optioned, there is no third-party vendor, and no purchase price, share issuance or royalty is associated with the acquisition.