Critical One Energy receives Howells Lake exploration permit
Published by Will Owen,
Editor
Global Mining Review,
Critical One Energy Inc., a leading Canadian mining exploration company focused on critical metals and minerals, has announced that the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines has issued an exploration permit, PR-24-000227, for its Howells Lake Antimony-Gold Project located in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario.
Located approximately 120 km west of the Ring of Fire, Ontario’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure development, this project is strategically positioned to contribute to Canada’s critical minerals strategy, reducing reliance on foreign supplies amid growing global demand and constrained supply.
The Howells Lake Project encompasses a promising mineral deposit with historical indications of high-grade antimony and antimony-gold mineralised zones, plus unlimited exploration upside for new discoveries. With the drilling permit now in hand, Critical One plans to commence an initial drilling programme shortly to further delineate the resource potential proximal to the historic discovery and advance the project toward a feasibility study.
“We are thrilled with this approval, which underscores our commitment to responsible exploration and development”, said Duane Parnham, Founder, Executive Chairman and CEO of Critical One. “This is a significant milestone that demonstrates the government’s confidence in our project’s viability and our team’s expertise. We remain deeply respectful of the Eabametoong First Nation (EFN) and are grateful for their collaboration through the consultation process, which ensures that our activities align with community values, environmental stewardship, and mutual partnership.”
The company has prioritised environmental sustainability and community engagement throughout the permitting process. The drilling programme will incorporate best practices for minimal impact, including comprehensive monitoring and consultation with EFN in the spirit of the agreed terms.
The Howells Lake Project represents one of Canada’s largest known undeveloped antimony systems, with a historical resource of 1.7 million t at a grade of 1.4% antimony with associated gold mineralisation (Themistocleous, 1980). Historical drilling has returned grades that include individual assays up to 75% antimony and over 14 g/t gold, as well as intervals such as 5.37% antimony over 8.35 m and associations with high-grade gold. The project spans an extensive land package of approximately 25 000 ha. across a 30 km strike in a proven greenstone belt, positioning it as a key asset in addressing North America’s growing demand for critical minerals amid supply chain constraints and elevated antimony prices.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/24022026/critical-one-energy-receives-howells-lake-exploration-permit/