In this interview with Tracy Weslosky during PDAC 2024, Tom Drivas, CEO and Director of Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF) discussed the results from the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Appia’s PCH Ionic Adsorption Clay Project in Brazil. Announcing a significant 52.8 million tonnes of resource, Tom highlighted the presence of extremely high-grades of rare earths within this resource, showcasing some of the highest TREO (total rare earth oxide) grades globally.

Tom emphasized the project’s potential, stating, “We have only explored 1% of the total area… We have 40,000 hectares.” Tom also highlighted the project’s richness in magnet rare earths like neodymium and praseodymium, essential for producing permanent magnets in high demand. The addition of industry experts like Constantine Karayannopoulos, Jack Lifton and Don Hains, P. Geo to Appia’s Advisory Board underscores the project’s significance and potential.

Besides the project in Brazil, Appia is also advancing uranium exploration properties around the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan and has a significant uranium resource in Ontario at Elliot Lake. Notably, the company is also advancing its Alces Lake project in Saskatchewan, renowned for its high-grade critical rare earths in monazite.

To access the full interview, click here

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About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 94,982.39 hectares (234,706.59 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Lastly, the Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Project (See June 9^th, 2023 Press Release – Click HERE) which is 40,963.18 ha. in size and located within the Goiás State of Brazil. (See January 11^th, 2024 Press Release – Click HERE)

To learn more about Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp., click here

Disclaimer: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

In a thought-provoking Investor.News interview hosted by the Critical Minerals Institute founder Tracy Weslosky, Jack Lifton and Constantine Karayannopoulos, two renowned figures in the rare earths market, share their insights on the sector’s current trends and future prospects. Constantine Karayannopoulos, reflecting on the state of the market, observes, “There is never a dull moment in the rare earths industry,” highlighting the ongoing slide in prices for critical rare earth elements like neodymium and praseodymium. He expresses a cautious outlook, noting, “I’m a little pessimistic about the near term… it’s a cyclical industry.”

Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Co-Chair Jack Lifton adds: “The low prices may be here for a while because the principal producer in the world is China, and China’s having a very bad time economically right now.” He emphasizes the opportunities presented by the current market conditions for strategic investments, advising, “This is the ideal time for real mining and real processing companies to get into the game.”

Karayannopoulos also touches on the disconnection between market interest and actual market trends, suggesting, “There’s always a disconnect between reality versus expectation.” He elaborates on the nuanced dynamics within China, mentioning, “The Chinese consumer has not stopped buying, China grew at 5% last year… However, the main consumer of rare earths today, the magnet industry that feeds the electric vehicle production in China, it’s not growing as fast as people thought it was going to grow.”

Lifton further discusses the broader implications of supply and demand, cautioning, “As long as the supply is in excess, the prices are not going to go up.” He also highlights the strategic importance of investments in raw material sources and processing capabilities, particularly in light of China’s dominance in the market.

Through their conversation, Lifton and Karayannopoulos provide a nuanced analysis of the rare earths market, blending perspectives on economic trends, geopolitical strategies, and investment opportunities. To access the complete interview, click here

In a recent interview with host Tracy Weslosky, Tom Drivas, CEO and Director of Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF), announced the significant addition of Constantine Karayannopoulos to Appia’s Critical Minerals Advisory Committee. Tom discussed how this move is a major endorsement of Appia’s projects, given Constantine’s reputation in the rare earths sector. Constantine, who is well known for his leadership in the critical mineral sector lead the Neo Materials deal by Molycorp in 2012 for C$1.3 billion. He was also the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Neo Lithium Corp. when it was sold to Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. for $960 million in 2022.

Constantine Karayannopoulos joins Appia’s Advisory team, alongside world renowned critical minerals expert and the co-founder and Co-Chair of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Jack Lifton. Jack who was the co-editor of the recently published textbook, Rare Earth Metals and Minerals Industries: Status and Prospects 1st ed. 2024 Edition, is joined with Don Hains, P. Geo who is a Consulting Geologist and well-known expert in ionic clay projects. In this interview, Tom emphasizes how having three of the world-renowned rare earths experts on Appia’s Critical Minerals Advisory Committee supports the commitment to leverage top-tier expertise to advance Appia’s Projects in Canada and Brazil.

Appia’s recent announcement of exceptional diamond drill results from the PCH ionic adsorption clay project in Brazil was also discussed in the interview. These results have revealed significant concentrations of Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) within the top 20 meters from the surface. Tom added, “Just for comparison, there is a deposit that went into production in the same area, and their average grade is 1,200 parts per million (PPM). We’re getting up to 93,000 PPM.”

Moreover, Tom outlined Appia’s broader strategy, which encompasses both rare earths and uranium projects. Tom outlined Appia’s involvement in the uranium sector, noting several uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan and Ontario. With plans to begin drilling at the Loranger Uranium-Bearing Property in Saskatchewan, Tom explains how Appia is positioning itself to capitalize on the rising uranium market. To access the full interview, click here

Don’t miss other InvestorNews interviews. Subscribe to the InvestorNews YouTube channel by clicking here

About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 113,837.15 hectares (281,297.72 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Lastly, the Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Project (See June 9^th, 2023 Press Release – Click HERE) which is 40,963.18 ha. in size and located within the Goiás State of Brazil. (See January 11^th, 2024 Press Release – Click HERE)

To learn more about Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp., click here

Disclaimer: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. is an advertorial member of InvestorNews Inc.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorNews Inc. (“InvestorNews”), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all material information concerning the Company, including important disclosure and risk factors associated with the Company, its business and an investment in its securities. InvestorNews offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This interview and any transcriptions or reproductions thereof (collectively, this “presentation”) does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities in the Company. The information in this presentation is provided for informational purposes only and may be subject to updating, completion or revision, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any information herein. This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. This presentation should not be considered as the giving of investment advice by the Company or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors. Each person to whom this presentation is made available must make its own independent assessment of the Company after making such investigations and taking such advice as may be deemed necessary. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on SedarPlus.ca and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

Welcome to the latest Technology Metals Report (TMR) where we highlight the top news stories that members of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) have forwarded to us in the last week. Key highlights in this Technology Metals Report include significant developments such as Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. enriching its advisory committee with the appointment of industry veteran Constantine Karayannopoulos, a move poised to strengthen its strategic capabilities in the critical minerals sector. Additionally, stories highlighted last week include Ford Motor Company’s substantial $4.7 billion loss in its electric vehicle (EV) segment for 2023, a figure that underscores the economic challenges facing companies transitioning to electric mobility.

Moreover, this edition of the TMR delves into Bora Mining Services’ strategic acquisition in the Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine and the landmark $18.8 billion cathode supply deal between General Motors and LG Chem, both of which underscore the strategic efforts to secure critical materials for the burgeoning EV market. The report also examines Hitachi Construction Machinery’s innovations with its all-electric dump truck prototype, signaling a push towards sustainability in mining operations. Commentary on the EV market by industry expert Jack Lifton highlights the sector’s challenges and misalignments with consumer preferences. Furthermore, Canada’s advancement over China in the BloombergNEF Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking and the discontinuation of merger talks between Lynas Rare Earths and MP Materials are highlighted, reflecting the dynamic nature and strategic maneuvers within the global critical minerals and electric vehicle sectors.

Appia Appoints Constantine Karayannopoulos as New Member to Its Critical Minerals Advisory Committee (February 9, 2024, Source) — Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF) announced the appointment of Constantine Karayannopoulos to its Advisory Committee, alongside rare earths experts Jack Lifton and Don Hains. Karayannopoulos, with a 30-year career in the rare earth and critical minerals sectors, including as President and CEO of Neo Performance Materials Inc. (TSX: NEO), brings significant expertise to Appia. His background includes pivotal roles in the industry, such as leading the first foreign company in China’s Rare Earth industry and co-founding Neo Lithium Corp. His appointment, starting February 1, 2024, is set to enhance Appia’s strategic capabilities in the critical minerals sector, supported by his consulting company, Kloni Inc. Appia has granted 300,000 options to Kloni Inc. as part of this agreement.

Rare Earths Discovery Near Wheatland So Big It Could Be World Leader (February 7, 2024, Source) — American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR | OTCQB: ARRNF) has made a groundbreaking discovery near Wheatland, Wyoming, revealing 2.34 billion metric tons of rare earth minerals, significantly surpassing initial estimates and other local discoveries. This positions Wyoming as a key player in reducing reliance on China’s rare earth market, vital for green energy technologies. With only 25% of their land explored, the potential for further discoveries is immense. The company, part of an Australian enterprise, plans scalable mining operations to meet the high global demand. This development, along with other explorations in Wyoming, could transform the U.S. into a major source of rare earth minerals, essential for a range of advanced technologies. Further economic and development projections are anticipated, underlining Wyoming’s emerging significance in the global rare earth industry.

Ford Lost $4.7B On EVs Last Year, Or About $64,731 For Every EV It Sold (February 7, 2024, Source) — Ford Motor Company’s venture into electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023 resulted in a significant financial loss, overshadowing its overall profits for the year. The company experienced an operating loss of $4.7 billion from its EV business, termed as “Model e,” despite achieving a net income of $4.3 billion on $176 billion revenue. This loss equates to approximately $64,731 for each of the 72,608 EVs sold last year, demonstrating the financial challenge of transitioning to electric mobility. The loss was attributed to competitive pricing, strategic investments in new EV development, and exceeded Ford’s initial projections. The automotive giant’s commitment to EVs, which includes a $50 billion investment plan, has been questioned in light of these results. Additionally, Ford’s EV production adjustments and the broader automotive industry’s challenges with EV demand and profitability highlight the difficulties in achieving widespread EV adoption. This situation reflects broader market trends and concerns over the viability and appeal of EVs, particularly in markets dominated by conventional vehicles and specific demographic niches.

Bora Mining Acquires Share in Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (February 7, 2024, Source) — Bora Mining Services (BMS) has acquired a share in Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM), a high-grade rare earths and thorium mine, to commence operations in early 2024. With a significant investment, including a R1 billion infrastructure, BMS aims to refurbish and develop the mine, leveraging its expertise in mining operations. The mine boasts an impressive 14.5% average grade of total rare earth oxides, with potential for resource expansion. The partnership focuses on producing monazite concentrate initially, with plans to extend production to mixed rare earth carbonate and thorium. The project has received positive feedback from regulatory bodies and has a dynamic growth strategy across three phases, eventually aiming to produce individual rare earth oxides. The initiative is expected to cater to global rare earth demands, with thorium also highlighted for its safety and potential in cancer therapy.

South Korea’s LG Chem signs $19 bln cathode supply deal with General Motors (February 7, 2024, Source) — General Motors (GM) and South Korea’s LG Chem have signed a $18.8 billion deal for cathode material supply, enhancing GM’s electric vehicle (EV) production chain from 2026 to 2035. This partnership aims to support the production of 5 million high-performance EVs, with LG Chem’s Tennessee plant serving as a cornerstone for a localized supply chain. The agreement, building on a prior commitment for over 950,000 tons of Cathode Active Material, signifies a major step towards sustainable EV production. The Tennessee facility, set to be America’s largest cathode plant, will primarily supply Ultium Cells LLC, a GM and LG Energy Solutions joint venture, potentially extending to other GM EV projects. This move aligns with U.S. Inflation Reduction Act criteria, emphasizing local supply chain benefits.

Hitachi launches final tests of its electric dump truck (February 6, 2024, Source) — Hitachi Construction Machinery has introduced a prototype of its all-electric dump truck, which is now undergoing final testing at a copper-gold mine in Zambia. Based on the EH4000AC-3 model with a 221-tonne payload, this electric version includes ABB’s battery technology and converters. Unlike its diesel counterpart, it operates on internal batteries on level ground and external trolley power uphill, while regenerative braking recharges the battery downhill. Performance details are pending, but the combustion engine model’s specs offer insight. This initiative, started in 2021 by Hitachi and ABB, aims to meet electric dump truck demand in mining and reduce emissions, highlighting a shift towards electrification in heavy machinery and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Riding the EV Revolution Rollercoaster Amid the West’s Electric Car Climbdown (February 5, 2024, Source) — Jack Lifton’s critique on the electric vehicle (EV) industry highlights the clash between government strategies and market dynamics, alongside the competitive pressure from Chinese manufacturers. He points out major manufacturers like Renault and Volvo retreating from ambitious EV projects due to mismatches in market demand and production costs. Jack also observes a consumer shift back to petrol models, suggesting a misalignment between EV production and consumer preferences. Advocating for hybrids, he emphasizes the need for adaptability, innovation, and market responsiveness. His insights stress the importance of aligning visionary goals with practical market demands and competitive challenges, underlining the complexity of navigating the evolving EV landscape with agility and foresight.

South African platinum industry could shed up to 7,000 jobs to cut costs (February 5, 2024, Source) — The South African platinum industry, responsible for about 70% of the world’s mined platinum, may cut 4,000 to 7,000 jobs due to restructuring amid high costs and declining prices. The Minerals Council highlighted this at the Investing in African Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, noting the impact of the shift towards electric vehicles and the falling demand for platinum group metals (PGMs) used in traditional combustion engines. High electricity and labor costs, along with a 40% and 15% drop in palladium and platinum prices respectively, have pressured miners. Major companies like Anglo American Platinum and Sibanye Stillwater are considering operation restructuring and job cuts to reduce expenses, facing challenges from lower ore grades and rising input costs.

China Drops to Second in BloombergNEF’s Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking as Canada Comes Out on Top (February 5, 2024, Source) — Canada has taken the top spot in BloombergNEF’s Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking, outpacing China due to its ample raw materials, policy support, and strong ties with the US auto industry. This represents a significant shift, emphasizing the increasing importance of sustainability and ESG practices in the sector. North America shines in the rankings, with policy initiatives like the US Inflation Reduction Act bolstering the region’s standing. Mexico notably rose nine spots, benefiting from its industrial base and potential US policy impacts. Global investment in clean energy supply chains hit $135 billion, highlighting the sector’s growth and the evolving dynamics of trade relations. The ranking assesses countries on raw materials, manufacturing, demand, ESG, and innovation, reflecting the global push towards sustainable energy solutions.

Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths quits tie-up talks with MP Materials (February 5, 2024, Source) — Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths and U.S.-based MP Materials terminated merger discussions amid valuation disagreements and strategic considerations. The potential union aimed to bolster supply chain diversification for critical minerals outside China, which commands the rare earth market. The talks’ cessation reflects the complexities of consolidating operations within the global rare earths industry, crucial for technology and defense sectors. Despite the strategic intent to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths, both companies faced hurdles, including technological challenges and anti-trust regulations. Lynas, with significant projects across Australia, Malaysia, and the U.S., and MP Materials, which relies on Chinese refining, concluded that the merger lacked sufficient synergies to proceed, underscoring the intricate dynamics of international rare earths commerce.

Canada Announces Over $4 million to Support Critical Minerals Value Chains and Create Good Jobs in Ontario (February 5, 2024, Source) — Canada is investing $4.2 million in Ucore Rare Metals Inc. through the Critical Minerals Research, Development, and Demonstration (CMRDD) program to enhance the country’s capabilities in producing critical minerals essential for the green and digital economy. This investment, announced by Mark Gerretsen, aims to scale up Ucore’s rare earth element separation technology, pivotal for electric vehicle motors and renewable energy technologies. It promotes domestic processing, reducing reliance on foreign separation and bolstering Canada’s electric vehicle value chain. This initiative will create employment, including for Indigenous communities, and support Canadian technological advancements in sustainable practices. It aligns with Canada’s commitment to a cleaner, low-carbon economy by fostering competitive value chains and economic growth.

Germany’s dream of 15 million electric vehicles is fading away (February 3, 2024, Source) — At a Berlin auto industry event, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse and Transport Minister Volker Wissing highlighted the slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Germany. Despite previous optimism, challenges such as a saturated high-end market, lack of affordable options, dwindling government incentives, and inadequate charging infrastructure have emerged. With EV sales projected to drop and the ambitious goal of 15 million EVs by 2030 now looking unrealistic, the industry faces a pivotal moment. The need for diversified vehicle power solutions, including combustion, hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles, becomes apparent. Analysts are skeptical about meeting emissions targets without further subsidies, pointing to a broader slowdown that could impact investment and long-term environmental goals.

Special thanks to the Critical Minerals Institute – Leading the Critical Minerals Sector, for more information or to send us a highlighted industry story you think we need to include in our weekly Technology Metals Report, please send to Raj Shah – my co-editor, at [email protected]. Thank you.

Investor.News Critical Minerals Media Coverage:

• February 6, 2024 – Global Winds: Opening the Door for a New Middle Eastern Hegemon https://bit.ly/492BPbH
• February 5, 2024 – Riding the EV Revolution Rollercoaster Amid the West’s Electric Car Climbdown https://bit.ly/42oLYNn
• February 4, 2024 – Empowering Canadian Resource Exploration: The Strategic Role of Flow-Through Shares, and the Power of PDAC https://bit.ly/3uv4pmO

Investor.News Critical Minerals Videos:

• February 8, 2024 – Jack Lifton and Panther Metals Darren Hazelwood on the “greenstone belt for VMS deposits” in Canada https://bit.ly/42zDzqv
• February 8, 2024 – Fathom’s Ian Fraser on Rising Market Interest in Albert Lake and Nickel as a Critical Mineral https://bit.ly/49uxFcu
• February 5, 2024 – Tawana Bain and ACRG’s Drive for a Sustainable American Supply Chain through Net-Zero Mineral Production https://bit.ly/4bnBcLg
• February 5, 2024 – Terry Lynch on Power Nickel’s Ambitious 2024 Drilling Program at the Nisk Project in Nemaska https://bit.ly/49i7OEi
• February 5, 2024 – Voyageur Pharmaceutical’s Brent Willis on Revolutionizing the Medical Imaging Industry, plus SmoothX https://bit.ly/3SsrlLt

Critical Minerals IN8.Pro Member News Releases:

• February 9, 2024 – Ucore Announces Closing of Final Tranche of Upsized Debenture Offering https://bit.ly/49o07Na
• February 9, 2024 – Appia Appoints Constantine Karayannopoulos as New Member to Its Critical Minerals Advisory Committee https://bit.ly/3OCnNVL
• February 9, 2024 – American Rare Earths Limited: Appointment of Chairman – Richard Hudson https://bit.ly/3HU47Ji
• February 8, 2024 – Auxico Announces Sampling Results From a Geological Report on the Minastyc Property https://bit.ly/3UAtsj3
• February 8, 2024 – Fathom Announces Start of Drilling at Albert Lake Project https://bit.ly/499VW7K
• February 8, 2024 – Appia Announces Outstanding Re-Assayed Diamond Drill Results Including 100 Metres Averaging 3,577 PPM TREO at Its PCH Ionic Clay Project, Brazil https://bit.ly/48dXQTs
• February 7, 2024 – American Rare Earths Resource Estimate Increased by 64% https://bit.ly/3SuhAfU
• February 7, 2024 – Imperial Mining Announces Shareholder Approval of Name Change to Scandium Canada Ltd. and Results of its 2024 Annual and Special Meeting https://bit.ly/49nE1tY
• February 5, 2024 – Ucore Welcomes Canadian Government Officials to its Kingston Ontario CDF for an NRCan Funding Announcement https://bit.ly/495cTA3
• February 5, 2024 – Nano One Provides Shareholder Update with Key Objectives for 2024 https://bit.ly/49mNgut

Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF) (“Appia”) has several projects located across Canada and Brazil with rare earths and uranium potential, as well as some other valuable metals. The current focus for Appia is on advancing their two key rare earths projects Alces Lake Project in Canada and the PCH Ionic Clay Project in Brazil.

Today we give an update on Appia’s latest activity at these two projects.

Appia’s projects are located in Canada and Brazil with a focus on rare earths and uranium

Alces Lake Project in Canada (100% owned)

The Alces Lake Project is located in Northern Saskatchewan and is known for having exceptionally high rare earths grades and gallium in favorable monazite ore. Appia state: “Alces Lake Project in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin is the highest-grade critical rare earths prospect in North America and one of the highest-grade rare earths prospects in the world.”

Appia is now starting to release their latest results from the 2023 drill campaign from the Magnet Ridge Zone at Alces Lake.

Appia announced on January 15, 2024: “Assays of up to 1.57 wt.% (15,700 ppm) Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) were returned, with thickness and grades increasing to the south-southeast…Mineralization intervals occur from near surface to < 85 metres depth.”

Appia also announced in January 2024 that they have signed a new Cooperation Agreement with the Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources Office.

Near term catalysts from Alces Lake include further assay results from the 40 diamond drill hole summer 2023 exploration program.

The PCH Project in Brazil (option to acquire up to 70% interest)

The PCH Project is potentially a very significant ionic clay rare earths project located in Goias, Brazil. Ionic clay projects are favored as the extraction process for rare earths is a relatively simple and less expensive process, already widely practiced in China. Furthermore, Appia’s PCH Project has all the key rare earths needed for the powerful magnets used in electric motors in most EVs. Most other projects don’t have this complete spectrum as discussed by leading rare earths expert Jack Lifton here.

Drill results announced in October 2023 from the PCH Project have been very encouraging, including Hole RC-063 that reported 24 metres of mineralization from surface with a total weighted average of 27,188 ppm or 2.72% of Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO). The hole remains open at depth and has extended the known area of Target IV.

Appia Geology Manager, Carlos Bastos, stated: “The assay results from PCH-RC-063 are highly promising, revealing sustained mineralization of essential elements including Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Neodymium (Nd), and Praseodymium (Pr). Notably, several elements surpassed the upper detection limit of the assay method being used, and updated results will be reported once received.”

Note: Bold emphasis by the author.

On January 16, 2024, Appia announced reanalysis of Hole RC-063 resulting in even higher grades of a Total Weighted Average of 38,655 ppm or 3.87% TREO.

From the first 10 holes drilled at the PCH Project the total weighted average grade is 7,578 ppm or 0.76% Total Rare Earth Oxide.

The January 11, 2024 Appia announcement highlights the excitement that the Appia team has towards the PCH Project. They announced an extension of their existing mining claims at the Project from 17,551.07 hectares to an expansive 40,963.18 hectares across a total of 22 claim blocks. The substantial 133% increase in the current land package includes 12 new claims independently staked by the Company and incurred minimal costs.

The PCH Project is situated in a jurisdiction supportive of mining activities with many major mining corporations actively exploring and mining located just ~30 km from the city of Iporá. Access is good using well-developed regional roads with optimal infrastructure including water and power to the Project. Appia says that “the Project has the support of both local and state governments”.

Appia is targeting a Maiden Resource for the PCH Project Target IV in Q1, 2024.

Typical differences between ionic clay and hard rock rare earth projects

Closing remarks

Appia is making steady progress on multiple projects with the key focus currently on the Alces Lake Project in Canada and the PCH Project in Brazil. Both Projects have strong potential with good grades and amenable ore, but will take time to develop. Appia also has their various uranium projects, but that’s for next time.

Appia trades on a market cap of C$27 million. 2024 could potentially be a very big year for Appia. Stay tuned.

The rare earths necessary for the manufacturing of the magnets needed for the type of electric motors that can drive electric cars fall into two categories, the basic critical permanent magnet rare earths, neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr), and the critical, critical rare earths necessary for that purpose, dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb). Without the addition of Dy and/or Tb to the alloy based on NdPr (a natural mixture called didymium) the magnetic material produced will not be able to maintain its (magnetic) strength at the high operating temperature and cycles of heating and cooling experienced daily by the electric drive motors to be used in EVs.

Unfortunately, while rare earth bearing deposits with NdPr contents of 16% to 25% of the total of rare earths contained are fairly well known, such deposits do not contain more than a “trace” of Dy and Tb. Dy and Tb, therefore, were laboratory curiosities until almost the end of the twentieth century when large areas of the formations known now as ionic adsorption clays were discovered in southern China’s Jiangxi Province. These, at or near, surface formations are the result of the natural weathering (dissolution) of rare earth bearing granites by tropical (warm) rains, creating, after a few hundred thousand centuries, “deposits” of porous clays in which the rare earths have been chromatographed (partially separated) by atomic number.

The lower atomic numbered rare earths such as cerium and lanthanum are barely present in these clays. They do have substantial distributions though of the basic critical magnet rare earths, Nd and Pr, and surprisingly and luckily, the highest relative concentrations of the higher atomic numbered rare earths, such as Dy and Tb, known anywhere. In addition, the rare earth elements are “adsorbed” on the clay particles; not chemically bound, so that they can be extracted from the clays by a simple wash of the common agricultural chemical, ammonium sulfate in water solution.

The clays in China are processed “in situ,” i.e, in place, by pumping an ammonium sulphate solution through the clay and then collecting the solutions in downstream plastic tanks where the rare earths are then precipitated as water insoluble carbonates or oxalates for transport to a processing plant where they are separated from each other and ultimately become part of alloys that can be magnetized and can maintain their magnetization at high temperatures. These ionic clay formations containing, in China, perhaps 300-1000 ppm of rare earths were the only commercial sources known for the heavy rare earths until quite recently when similar deposits in southeastern Asia in line with those in China were discovered.

In particular, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has significant ionic adsorption clays bearing rare earths. But China has acquired the rights to all of those that are being mined in Myanmar today, perhaps to exhaustion, with the output going exclusively to China. So too, with the ionic adsorption clay deposit known as Serra Verde in Brazil. This is a very good clay deposit, and it is scheduled to produce 2000 tpa of NdPr and 200 tpa of DyTb annually. But like Myanmar, all of this material will go to China.

Enter now, Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF), and its PCH discovery in Brazil. This looks to be a true ionic adsorption clay with, perhaps, the highest known total adsorbed rare earths concentration, so far discovered, of all or the majority ionic adsorption clay on this planet. The juniors have now descended upon Brazil, and announcements of deposits of “heavy rare earths sourced from ionic adsorption clays” are the flavor of the month. I still think we may be looking, in the case of Appia’s PCH deposit at the best ionic adsorption clay deposit in the Americas in the sense that it can be easily extracted with legacy in situ processing. It is a key discovery that, if properly developed, will benefit greatly the EV industries of North America and Europe. There are few sure things in life, I admit, but this is likely to be one of them. 

For those who want to argue that the Appia deposit is a mix of adsorbed rare earths and microcrystalline (chemically, covalently, bound rare earths) I will counter that it is the total cost of extracting the critical rare earths and the efficiency of that extraction that matters. Some of the “ionic clay” deposits require an acid leach after the aqueous leach to extract sufficient magnet rare earths; some of the “deposits” are simply too low a grade or the mix of magnet and non-magnet rare earths is skewed in favor of non-magnet rare earths. From the data that Appia has published, I believe that PCH is a major, economic, deposit with a very high recoverable grade of heavy magnet rare earths, and as such it is a key deposit for the re-development of a non-Chinese rare earth permanent magnet industry.

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have been the backbone of the modern tech revolution, powering everything from our smartphones to electric cars and renewable energy technologies. Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF), a leading player in the exploration and mining of REEs, has recently made a groundbreaking discovery that could have significant global implications.

A Remarkable Achievement in Rare Earth Exploration

Appia has announced an extraordinary high-grade Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) intersection at its PCH Ionic Clay Project in Brazil. Spanning 24 meters from top to bottom, this discovery is unique in its depth of mineralization and the grade of rare earth oxides it contains. According to recent reports, the hole returned 27,188 ppm or 2.72% TREO over 24 metres, including 6,293 ppm or 0.63% Magnet Rare Earth Oxides (MREO) and 1,369 ppm or 0.14% Heavy Rare Earths Oxides (HREO). Tom Drivas, CEO of Appia, stated, “The data released today reveals an unprecedented concentration of TREO over the entire hole.”

In an interview with Stephen Burega, President of Appia, he emphasized the strategic importance of this discovery. “The results show we’re tapping into a new potential for ionic clays,” he remarked. Given the impressive outcomes from other ionic clay structures in South America, especially Brazil, the data from the PCH project stands out as a monumental development for Appia and the global REE industry.

Unraveling the Potential of a High-Grade Mineralized Zone

There is growing optimism about the potential of discovering a larger high-grade mineralized zone. Stephen Burega elaborated on the importance of expanding the exploration in the southwest quadrant of Target 4. With consistent results and multiple holes left to explore, there are high expectations for further discoveries.

Addressing the depth limitations encountered at the water table in hole 63, Burega said, “The mineralization remained consistent throughout. Our next steps involve completing the remaining holes in this area.”

Aligning Global Projects for Strategic Advantage

When asked about the alignment between Appia’s various global projects, Burega emphasized the company’s unique position, with both high-grade hard rock and ionic clay assets. The PCH project in Brazil is complemented by projects in Saskatchewan and Elliot Lake, Ontario. “Each site has its dedicated team – the Brazilian team for the PCH project and the Canadian team for the uranium and rare earth endeavors in Saskatchewan. Both teams are incredibly competent, positioning us favorably in the market,” Burega added.

A Pleasant Surprise and Anticipated Analysis

Reflecting on the recent results, Burega admitted that while the team always believed in the asset’s potential, the magnitude of its success came as a pleasant surprise. The focus is now on metallurgy and mineralogy, with expectations of consistent results across the site.

As for the comprehensive analysis of the rare earths, Appia has commissioned a detailed study at SGS Labs in Brazil. With some elements exceeding the detection limit, a re-assay of the samples is underway. Burega informed that the turnaround is typically four to five weeks, and they have over 230 more holes from various drilling methods to report.

Conclusion

The recent discoveries at Appia’s PCH project are not just significant for the company but have broader implications for the rare earth industry and global technology sectors dependent on these elements. With a robust exploration strategy and dedicated teams working across different geographies, Appia is poised to lead in the exploration and extraction of these critical minerals. As we await further updates, the current findings underscore the immense potential of the PCH project in reshaping the REE landscape.

In an exclusive onsite interview from the Alces Lake Project in Northern Saskatchewan, Stephen Burega, the President of  Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF), engages with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorIntel to share insights on the progress of the company’s drilling program. Burega praises the team’s efficiency and the advances made during his inaugural visit to the site, providing Weslosky and her audience with an up-close view of the operations.

He underscores the effective utilization of the budget, revealing that they have successfully completed one-third of the project and are strategically directing their efforts towards uncovering new targets. The interview includes a special appearance by Appia Project Geologist, Kahlen Branning, who offers viewers a glimpse into a core shed and elaborates on the critical minerals present in the samples, namely terbium, neodymium, and dysprosium.

Further into the discussion, Burega outlines the instrumental role of helicopters in the movement of drilling equipment, underscoring the operation’s logistical ingenuity. The conversation concludes on an optimistic note as Burega shares the promising future of the Alces Lake project and its potential in rare earth extraction.

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About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 113,837.15 hectares (281,297.72 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth element and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Lastly, the Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Project which is 17,551.07 ha. in size and located within the Goiás State of Brazil. (See June 9^th, 2023 Press Release – Click Here)

To learn more about Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp., click here

Disclaimer: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. is an advertorial member of InvestorIntel Corp.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorIntel Corp., (IIC), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all the material information concerning the “Company” being interviewed. IIC offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on Sedar.com and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

If you have any questions surrounding the content of this interview, please contact us at +1 416 792 8228 and/or email us direct at [email protected].

Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF) (“Appia”) now has 4 rare earths/uranium projects globally. Today we take a look at Appia’s newly acquired PCH Project (agreement to acquire 70%) in Brazil and give an update on Appia’s Alces Lake rare earths Project in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada.

PCH Project (Brazil)

Appia announced in June 2023 that they had signed a Definitive Agreement to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Project (subject to certain conditions). The PCH Project is 17,551 hectares in size and located within the Goiás State of Brazil. It is located ~30 km from Iporá, a medium size city of ~31,500 population, where infrastructure is well developed.

Sampling data shows enrichment in rare earth minerals from between 8 meters and 20 meters depth in ionic clay ore. Ionic adsorption clays are the main source of the critical rare earth permanent magnet metals, dysprosium and terbium. These projects are also rare outside of China.

Appia states:

“The positive results of the recent geochemical exploration work carried out to date indicates the potential for REEs and Niobium within lateritic ionic adsorption clays.“

Appia also states:

“Total REE grades in numerous auger holes drilled range up to 16,648 ppm (1.66%), with an average of 1,291 ppm total REE and importantly, the valuable rare earths used in magnet applications (Pr, Nd, Tb and Dy) + Y account for approximately 14% of total rare earths, with a maximum of 28.4%.“

The higher the valuable rare earths percentage the better. Appia state above 14% and in their latest presentation they state it as “an average value of 16.67%.“

This is a reasonable figure, especially when considering the shallow depth and the lower mining costs in Brazil. The deposit could potentially be mined with low-cost open pit mining techniques and processed using simple technologies.

Other key points of the PCH Project according to Appia are:

• “One of a few major ionic clay projects in the western world
• Easy to mine
• Simple processing
• Low radioactivity
• Low CapEx
• Low OpEx
• Environmentally friendly processing
• Near infrastructure
• Mining friendly jurisdiction
• Heavy and light critical rare earth.”

The PCH (ionic clay rare earths) Project in Brazil (Appia has an agreement to acquire 70%)

Source: Appia company presentation – June 2023

An update at Alces Lakes – Discovery of the new high-priority surface showing called the ‘Jesse Zone’

On June 22 Appia announced the completion of a NI43-101 Technical Report for their 100% owned Alces Lake Rare Earth Project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Project is best known for having one of the highest rare earths grades (16.65 wt% TREO) globally of any project as well as being found in monazite ore which is amenable to processing.

Appia also gave a June 16 update on the Project stating:

“Early successes by our prospecting teams have led to the identification of a new high-priority surface showing called the ‘Jesse Zone’ which was discovered on the first day of field prospecting,” stated Stephen Burega, President. “The prospecting team have now identified anomalies along the regional shear zone with biotite-rich pegmatite showings of up to 21,000 cps (counts per second) and the zone appears to be +85m in strike length and +20 m in width at surface.”

The Jesse Zone is giving high scintillometer readings (measured in counts per second) which are a good pointer towards the monazite rich zones that hold the rare earth mineralization. The Appia team believes that the numerous surface showings may be connected under overburden. Detailed mapping and sampling continues at the Jesse Zone to confirm the full extent of this new zone.

Appia’s four projects description summary – Alces Lakes (Saskatchewan, Canada), Elliot Lake (Ontario, Canada), Loranger (Saskatchewan, Canada), and now the PCH Project (Brazil)

Source: Appia company presentation – June 2023

Closing remarks

Appia has now grown to own (including the 70% agreement to acquire the PCH Project) four significant rare earths/uranium projects globally. The very high grade Alces Lakes continues to be the flagship but now the new Brazil Project adds further to their portfolio. It also gives Appia a chance to significantly accelerate towards being a global rare earths producer at some point in the future.

Appia Rare Earths & Uranium trades on a market cap of only C$20 million.

In this InvestorIntel interview, Byron W King talks with Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.’s (CSE: API | OTCQX: APAAF) President Stephen Burega about the completion of due diligence to acquire a rare earths ionic clay project in Brazil. Situated in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, accessible by road, with several mining operations nearby, Stephen says that the project’s mineralogy is similar to that of Serra Verde which has one of the largest ionic clay deposits outside of China.

Highlighting the expertise of their consulting geologist, Don Hains, who wrote the NI 43-101 report for Serra Verde, Stephen discusses how a positive evaluation from Don reinforced their excitement and confidence in the project.

Stephen also provides an update on Appia’s flagship Alces Lake Rare Earths (REE) Property in Northern Saskatchewan where they have a work program scheduled to start in June on the highest-priority areas of a major structural corridor.

Stephen also indicates that the Company has approximately C$7 million in the bank with C$3 million dedicated to the Alces Lake project and C$1 million earmarked for the Brazil project once the due diligence is completed.

To access the full InvestorIntel interview, click here

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About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Loranger, North Wollaston, Eastside, and Otherside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 113,837.15 hectares (281,297.72 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in approximately 12,545 hectares (31,000 acres), with rare earth element and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario.

To learn more about Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp., click here

Disclaimer: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. is an advertorial member of InvestorIntel Corp.

This interview, which was produced by InvestorIntel Corp., (IIC), does not contain, nor does it purport to contain, a summary of all the material information concerning the “Company” being interviewed. IIC offers no representations or warranties that any of the information contained in this interview is accurate or complete.

This presentation may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and assumptions of the management of the Company as of the date made. They are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual events/results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that the Company does not know about now or that it currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business or any investment therein.

Any projections given are principally intended for use as objectives and are not intended, and should not be taken, as assurances that the projected results will be obtained by the Company. The assumptions used may not prove to be accurate and a potential decline in the Company’s financial condition or results of operations may negatively impact the value of its securities. Prospective investors are urged to review the Company’s profile on Sedar.com and to carry out independent investigations in order to determine their interest in investing in the Company.

If you have any questions surrounding the content of this interview, please contact us at +1 416 792 8228 and/or email us direct at [email protected].