THUNDER BAY, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 15, 2025 / Clean Air Metals Inc. ("Clean Air Metals" or the "Company") (TSX.V:AIR)(FRA:CKU)(OTCQB:CLRMF) is pleased to announce the last results from its 2025 winter drilling program at its 100%-owned Thunder Bay North Critical Minerals Project ("TBN"). The final set of assay results, in conjunction with recent findings from the program, continue to demonstrate that the near-surface, high-grade mineralization at the Current Deposit is more extensive than previously anticipated.
Assay highlights from holes reported today:
16.8 m of 2.95 g/t Pt, 2.89 g/t Pd, 0.65% Cu and 0.33% Ni from 148.0 m downhole in Hole CL25-009, including
4.86 g/t Pt, 4.77 g/t Pd, 1.05% Cu and 0.50% Ni over 7.8 m from 157.0 m,
29.1 m of 1.24 g/t Pt, 1.15 g/t Pd, 0.33% Cu and 0.26% Ni from 142.9 m downhole in Hole CL25-012, including
2.76 g/t Pt, 2.63 g/t Pd, 0.59% Cu and 0.34% Ni over 4.1m from 147.0 m,
39.6 m of 1.29 g/t Pt, 1.19 g/t Pd, 0.29% Cu and 0.20% Ni from 104.0 m downhole in Hole CL25-007, including
2.11 g/t Pt, 1.96 g/t Pd, 0.45% Cu and 0.25% Ni over 11.0 m from 116.0 m, and
1.73 g/t Pt, 1.55 g/t Pd, 0.42% Cu and 0.26% Ni over 5.0 m from 133.0 m.
Mike Garbutt, CEO of Clean Air Metals, remarked, "We are pleased with the recent drill results that continue to show that Thunder Bay North has some of the thickest and highest-grade PGE-Cu-Ni sulphide mineralization in the country. We believe that there is significant potential to improve the average grade and mineability of the Current Deposit by improved definition and resource estimation of structurally-controlled higher-grade areas (‘ballrooms'). This work will assist us in developing a more robust, high-grade production model that includes both low capital intensity and toll milling optionality."
Table 1. Complete assay results from the 2025 Winter Drilling program
A Closer Look at the 2025 Winter Drilling Program:
The Winter 2025 drilling program was designed to increase the size, number, and grade of the near-surface high-grade mineralization within the Lower Current and Bridge zones. Out of the 13 holes drilled, eight intersected significant widths of high-grade mineralization, averaging over 3 g/t Pt+Pd (Table 1). This supports the view that the high-grade zones at the Current Deposit are larger and more extensive than previously modeled (Figure 1).
In the Bridge Zone, tighter drilling successfully expanded a flat-lying high-grade mineralization target, with grades matching or surpassing those predicted in the current resource estimate. This area demonstrates significant potential for further resource growth.
In the Lower Current Zone, historical and recent drilling shows that the highest-grade mineralization is concentrated in embayment structures developed at the base of the tubular-shaped host intrusion. These structures can extend for up to several tens of metres below the average position of the basal contact and resemble the "ballroom" structures seen in the JM reef in the Stillwater Complex, Montana. They represent a key to improving the average grade for the Current Deposit (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Plan view map showing locations of high-grade intercepts of the 2025 Winter Drilling Program at the Current Deposit.
Clean Air Metals' Vice President of Exploration, Lionnel Djon, commented, "The winter drilling program clearly demonstrates the potential of the Current Deposit to host near-surface, high-grade zones beyond previously defined boundaries, highlighting a strong opportunity for expansion of the highest-grade parts of the deposit. What's particularly exciting is that the recent high-grade expansion drilling has covered only ~20% of the known strike length of the Current Intrusion, leaving substantial potential for expanding the number and size of high-grade areas in the deposit."
Table 2. Hole Coordinates
Hole ID
Easting- NAD83_16 (m)
Northing NAD83_16 (m)
Elevation (m)
Azimuth (deg)
Dip (deg)
Hole length (m)
CL25-001
357548
5402688
493
208.22
-73.9
165.60
CL25-002
357548
5402688
493
210.59
-85.3
150.00
CL25-003
357587
5402644
494
287.99
-83.9
150.00
CL25-004
357670
5402604
495
34.84
-84.6
165.00
CL25-005
357670
5402604
495
194.93
-84.4
165.00
CL25-006
357682
5402598
495
42.31
-84.1
165.00
CL25-007
357712
5402582
499
231.86
-86.1
160.54
CL25-008
357767
5402567
501
84.21
-87.5
178.50
CL25-009
357832
5402506
508
37.24
-87.1
195.00
CL25-010
357916
5402458
504
42.50
-83.8
195.00
CL25-011
357880
5402374
503
189.24
-85.7
192.00
CL25-012
358024
5402427
495
42.23
-82.8
183.00
CL25-0133
357745
5402218
506
100.18
-86.4
150.00
3.
Hole CL25-013 (not included in the table 1), was designated to target a conductor outside of the known intrusion. The hole intersected barren rock associated with a magnetite-bearing hybrid unit.
Figure 2. Cartoon showing a conceptual mineralized ultramafic conduit representing the Current Deposit. Sulfide-rich, high-grade "ballrooms" occupy embayment structures along the basal contact of the ultramafic conduit and extend well into the footwall.
Qualified Person
Dr. Lionnel Djon, Ph.D., P.Geo., a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and Vice President of Exploration for the Company, has reviewed and approved all technical information in this press release.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
Clean Air Metals uses ALS Global ("ALS"), a well-established and recognized mineral assay and geochemical analytical services company. The Thunder Bay laboratory holds ISO-9000 accreditation; the Vancouver facility holds ISO-17025 registration.
All NQ-sized drill cores are cut with a diamond-tipped saw blade, and half are submitted to ALS for sample preparation and analysis. Sample preparation is completed at the ALS sample preparation facility in Thunder Bay, ON, and analysis is completed at the primary ALS assay laboratory in Vancouver, B.C.
Clean Air Metals follows a quality control procedure for its core assay sampling program: inserting blind blanks and certified Palladium-Platinum and Copper-Nickel standards into the sample stream. The insertion procedure follows industry standards with control sample frequency depending on the length of the sampled interval.
Gold, platinum, and palladium are analyzed using fire assay (FA) with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) finish. Samples with grades above the optimal ICP-MS detection limits are analyzed using optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
Also, thirty-three (33) elements of each sample, including copper, nickel, silver, chromium, cobalt, and sulphur, are analyzed by a multi-element analytical method using the atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) technique following four-acid digestion of the sample. When samples have grades above the optimal detection limits for this analytical method, they are re-analyzed using a high-grade assay method with an ICP finish.
About Clean Air Metals
Clean Air Metals is a development and exploration company advancing its flagship, 100% owned Thunder Bay North Critical Minerals ("TBN") project, 40 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The TBN project, accessible by road and next to established infrastructure, hosts two (2) deposits - the Current and Escape deposits, only 2.5 km apart. Together, the deposits host a 13.8 Mt indicated mineral resource containing 2.4M Pt eq. oz (Technical Report on the Thunder Bay North Project, Ontario Canada, NI43-101, SLR Consulting Canada Ltd, June 19, 2023) with significant potential for expansion down-plunge.
One of the rare primary platinum resources outside of South Africa, the TBN project is in a stable and mining-friendly jurisdiction and benefits from longstanding relationships with local First Nations. With its proven technical team, Clean Air Metals is committed to growing the resources at the TBN project and creating long-term value for shareholders.
Social Engagement
Clean Air Metals Inc. acknowledges that the Thunder Bay North Critical Minerals Project is located within the area encompassed by the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850 and includes the territories of the Fort William First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band, Biinjitiwabik Zaaging Anishinabek and Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek. Clean Air Metals also acknowledges the contributions of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Region 2 and the Red Sky Métis Independent Nation to the rich history of our area.
The Company appreciates the opportunity to work in these territories and remains committed to the recognition and respect of those who have lived, travelled, and gathered on the lands since time immemorial. Clean Air Metals is committed to stewarding Indigenous heritage and remains committed to building, fostering and encouraging a respectful relationship with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples based upon principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Mike Garbutt" Mike Garbutt, CEO of Clean Air Metals Inc.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note
The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or, future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.
