Northwire Canada EditionWednesday, October 21, 2026
Northwire
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GOLD 4142.60 −0.4% SILVER 58.15 +1.5% COPPER 6.62 +0.6% OIL 97.82 −0.7% PALLADIUM 1104.00 −1.7% DSV 11.23 −1.1% PMET 3.23 +1.2% GAL 0.390 −1.9% EVI 0.480 −2.0% SF 0.365 −2.7% EPL 0.175 +0.0% TORQ 0.055 +0.0% LMG 0.390 −2.5% MMY 0.760 +0.0% MOX 0.205 +0.0% ADZ 0.150 +25.0% NXS 0.150 +0.0% ETG 2.69 −11.2% EMNT 0.355 +1.4% PPM 0.120 −20.0% CERT 2.35 −0.4% GOLD 4142.60 −0.4% SILVER 58.15 +1.5% COPPER 6.62 +0.6% OIL 97.82 −0.7% PALLADIUM 1104.00 −1.7% DSV 11.23 −1.1% PMET 3.23 +1.2% GAL 0.390 −1.9% EVI 0.480 −2.0% SF 0.365 −2.7% EPL 0.175 +0.0% TORQ 0.055 +0.0% LMG 0.390 −2.5% MMY 0.760 +0.0% MOX 0.205 +0.0% ADZ 0.150 +25.0% NXS 0.150 +0.0% ETG 2.69 −11.2% EMNT 0.355 +1.4% PPM 0.120 −20.0% CERT 2.35 −0.4%
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Lion Rock Commences Metallurgical Testing at Past-Producing Volney Critical Minerals Project, South Dakota

Lion Rock advances Volney metallurgy with phase 2 drilling and a capital raise looming over tight liquidity.

Executive Summary
  • Lion Rock Resources has initiated a metallurgical and mineralogical testing program at its Volney Project in South Dakota.
  • The program utilizes large bulk samples (<200 kg) from exposed pegmatite surfaces to evaluate concentrate grades, recovery rates, and optimal processing pathways (on-site, off-site, or direct shipping).
  • Testing methodologies include heavy liquid separation, gravity separation, preliminary flotation, and magnetic separation to target spodumene, cassiterite, and tantalum-bearing minerals.
  • Results will directly inform the prioritization of Phase 2 regional drilling planned for later in 2026.
  • The project leverages existing infrastructure (all-season road, grid power, water, previously used concentrator) and proximity to US rail, supporting a potential rapid development timeline.
Material Impact
  • The commencement of metallurgical testing is a logical, expected progression following the successful Phase 1 drilling that confirmed high-grade lithium, tin, tantalum, and gold mineralization.
  • It does not represent a material, market-moving event on its own, as processing studies are standard pre-feasibility steps for past-producing assets.
  • The news reinforces the company's development timeline but lacks the surprise element required for a material positive rating. It is a routine operational update that validates the technical feasibility of extracting the identified critical minerals.
ROAR · Price
Company Overview
  • Lion Rock Resources is a pre-revenue exploration company focused on the Volney Project in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
  • The Volney Project is a past-producing asset hosting a lithium-tin-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite system and a newly discovered gold system.
  • Historic production included spodumene concentrate (up to 6.3% Li2O), tin concentrate (up to 62.5% Sn), and tantalite concentrate (up to 57% Ta2O5).
  • The property features private land ownership, existing infrastructure, and shallow mineralization suitable for low-cost open-pit mining.
  • No NI 43-101 resources or reserves have been declared to date.
Read the original news release →

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