Multi-element assay results at Teck Hughes
Fulcrum Metals PLC has announced positive multi-element assay results from its 159-auger drill hole programme at the Teck Hughes tailings project, reporting average grades of 0.63g/t gold, 0.70g/t silver, 12.86g/t tellurium, and 17.12g/t gallium. The results also identified significant critical and technology minerals including 106.40g/t rubidium, 841.73g/t strontium, and 134.28g/t zirconium, with potential for further economic value. Consistent grade distributions and a maximum thickness of 12.4 metres are expected to support stable processing operations, while the Pilot Plant Scoping Study is progressing well, with initial site visits completed in Timmins.
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Fulcrum Metals plc (AIM: FMET), a company pioneering the use of innovative cyanide-free technologies to recover precious and critical metals from mine waste and support site remediation, is pleased to announce the results from its 159-auger drill hole programme at the Teck Hughes tailings project in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
Highlights:
- Average grades from surface across 159 auger holes of 0.63g/t gold, 0.70g/t silver, 12.86g/t tellurium and 17.12g/t gallium
- Additional critical and technology minerals identified including 106.40g/t rubidium, 841.73g/t strontium and 134.28g/t zirconium which may provide further economic potential subject to additional recovery test work and saleability
- Consistent grade distributions from surface, both laterally and vertically, with maximum thickness of 12.4 metres which should support stable processing operations
- Pilot Plant Scoping Study progressing well after initial site visits in Timmins
Ryan Mee, Chief Executive Officer of Fulcrum, commented:
"The Teck Hughes assays confirm both grade and continuity, and the presence of additional technology metals within an already mined, surface tailings resource.
"These results, alongside the excellent Phase 3 recovery test work announced in February, will help guide further recovery testing and resource work and support progression towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.
"The Pilot Plant Scoping Study is progressing well, following visits to assess potential site locations in Timmins alongside Extrakt and Bechtel. The pilot plant is a key milestone as we move the Teck Hughes and Sylvanite tailings projects towards production.
"I look forward to updating shareholders on continued progress across our tailings projects and broader corporate strategy."
Teck Hughes auger drilling assay results
Fulcrum completed a 159-auger drill hole programme to provide detailed mineralogical data which, together with the recovery test work, will support progression towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE").
Photon gold assays, comparative Gold Fire assays, and ICP-MS Ultratrace 4 multi-element assays have been returned for all holes completed. The mineralisation is from surface with average grades weighted by length returning 0.63g/t gold, 0.70g/t silver, 12.86g/t tellurium, and 17.12g/t gallium. Other notable average grades by sample includes 106.40g/t rubidium, 841.73g/t strontium, and 134.28g/t zirconium.
Our expanding critical minerals opportunity
In addition to gold and silver results the presence of a growing suite of critical and technology metals is expected to strengthen the commercial value of the project.
- Rubidium: used in advanced electronics, energy storage and emerging technologies; supply is highly concentrated globally. The price of Rubidium Carbonate (Rb2CO3≥99%) as of 20th March 2026 was USD$1,103/kg1.
- Strontium: used in aerospace alloys, electronics, and industrial applications. The price of Strontium Carbonate (SrCO3) as of 20th March 2026 was USD$2,445/tonne2.
- Zirconium: important in nuclear energy, green technologies and advanced materials. The price of Zirconium Carbonate (Zr(Hf)O2≥40%) as of 20th March 2026 was USD$2,487/tonne3.
1 - https://www-old.metal.com/other-minor-metals/202012250004
2 - https://www-old.metal.com/Lithium/202205010004
3 - https://www-old.metal.com/Other-Minor-Metals/202212260001
Recovery test work
Phase 3 optimisation test work (see the announcement released by Fulcrum on 8 February 2026) resulted in rapid single leach stage co-product recoveries:
| Metal | Average grade g/t | Recovery rates |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 0.63 | 78% |
| Silver | 0.70 | 95% |
| Tellurium | 12.86 | 96% |
| Gallium | 17.12 | 20% |
| Rubidium | 106.40 | Not tested |
| Strontium | 841.73 | Not tested |
| Zirconium | 134.28 | Not tested |
Further testing will be required to assess the recoveries and economic potential of the rubidium, strontium and zirconium.
Pilot Plant Scoping Study progress
The Company continues to advance its Pilot Plant Scoping Study, a key step toward commercialisation:
- Led by Test Design & Implementation Solutions LLC (TDI)
- Supported by Extrakt Process Solutions LLC ("Extrakt") and Bechtel Energy Technologies & Solutions, Inc ("Bechtel").
- Initial site visits completed in Timmins, Ontario
The pilot plant is expected to:
- Demonstrate scalability from lab to pilot scale
- Further validate recovery performance
- Reduce technical and commercial risk
- Support future development decisions
- Support growth opportunities
Figure 1 - Teck Hughes map of average gold grades only
Technical Glossary
| g/t | Grams per metric tonne |
| Ppm | Parts per million |
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