N.A. Niobium files ATI application for Quebec projects

Executive Summary

• North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. has submitted its initial Application for Authorization for Impact-Causing Exploration Work (ATI) to Quebec’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MRNF) for its Bardy and Blanchette projects.
• The ATI permit is a regulatory prerequisite required by the province before the company can conduct certain impact-causing exploration activities, specifically diamond drilling.
• The company has initiated stakeholder engagement processes, including notifying the First Nation Council of the Atikamekw of Wemotaci and the Municipality of La Tuque, with plans for an open-door information meeting prior to any drilling.

Key Details

• Regulatory Submission: Initial ATI application submitted to the MRNF for the Bardy and Blanchette projects located in the La Tuque regional county municipality, Quebec.
• Purpose of Permit: The ATI is mandatory for conducting impact-causing exploration activities, including diamond drilling, in Quebec.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • The company has identified four stakeholder groups for the ATI process.
  • Relevant parties notified include the First Nation Council of the Atikamekw of Wemotaci and the Municipality of La Tuque.
  • An open-door information meeting is planned with the Atikamekw of Wemotaci to share information on potential drilling locations, including areas near community members.
• Timeline: Based on current understanding, the MRNF review process is estimated to take approximately three months, though the company notes that timelines may vary due to the iterative nature of the process and feedback received.
• Future Plans: Any future impact-causing exploration work, including diamond drilling at Bardy, Blanchette, and Seigneurie, remains subject to receiving the required ATI approval and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
• Company Portfolio: The company holds 100% ownership of the Bardy and Blanchette projects and also owns the Silver Lake property in British Columbia’s Omineca mining division, with a land package in Quebec’s Grenville province focusing on rare earth elements, niobium, and nickel-copper.

Notable Quotes

• "Establishing constructive, positive relationships with stakeholders is a requirement under Quebec's ATI permitting framework and it takes time," said Murray Nye, chief executive officer of North American Niobium. "We're committed to early and consistent engagement. Our experience so far is that people value being consulted and that transparency and respect help build support for responsible projects."