Integral Metals Reports Preliminary Geomicrobial Results from Burntwood Project, Highlights Biological Pathfinder Potential for REE Exploration

Rhea-AI Summary

Integral Metals has announced promising preliminary results from its 2024 geomicrobial survey at the Burntwood Project in northern Manitoba. The study, analyzing 808 soil samples through RNA sequencing, revealed significant microbial patterns that could indicate rare earth element (REE) deposits.

Key findings show a depletion of Burkholderiales and enrichment of Rhizobiales bacteria in areas above known carbonatite systems. The research is conducted in partnership with Dr. Andrew Cameron and the Institute for Microbial Systems and Society at the University of Regina, with support from NSERC, Mitacs, and the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund.

The company is currently analyzing additional rock, soil, and plant samples at the Saskatchewan Research Council. This innovative approach combines geomicrobial and geochemical data to guide future drilling targets while minimizing environmental impact.

Positive

• Preliminary geomicrobial survey results show promising microbial patterns for REE exploration
• Research backed by multiple institutional grants (NSERC, Mitacs, MMDF)
• Partnership with University of Regina's Institute for Microbial Systems and Society
• Development of low-cost, low-impact exploration technique for REE detection
• 808 unique soil samples collected and analyzed, showing statistically significant results

Negative

• Results are only preliminary and require further validation
• No concrete mineral discoveries or resource estimates reported
• Additional costs pending for ongoing rock, soil, and plant geochemical analysis at SRC
• No financial metrics or economic assessment provided

Preliminary Geomicrobial Results Uncovers Promising Microbial Signatures Linked to Rare Earth Potential

CALGARY, Alberta, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integral Metals Corp. (CSE: INTG | OTC: ITGLF | FSE: ZK9) (the “Company” or “Integral”) is pleased to announce preliminary results from its 2024 geomicrobial survey at the Burntwood Project in northern Manitoba, where early findings demonstrate promising microbial patterns that may serve as biological pathfinders for rare earth element (REE) mineralization associated with carbonatite intrusions.

The survey covered the northern extent of the Burntwood Syenite-Carbonatite Complex, a regional intrusive system considered prospective for REE and other critical metals. A total of 808 unique soil samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing, with sampling focused on confirmed carbonatite intrusion zones, background areas, and a systematic grid across the broader project area. Initial analysis revealed a statistically significant depletion of Burkholderiales and an enrichment of Rhizobiales in microbial communities overlying known carbonatite systems. These shifts, identified through LEfSe (Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size), may reflect subtle environmental changes linked to REE-bearing mineralization. These results are preliminary and form part of a broader, ongoing research initiative conducted in partnership with Dr. Andrew Cameron and the Institute for Microbial Systems and Society (IMSS) at the University of Regina. The project is supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Mitacs, and the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF).

“These early results are encouraging and reinforce our belief that geomicrobial techniques can provide powerful, low-impact insights in the search for buried mineral systems,” said Paul Sparkes, CEO of Integral Metals.

In parallel, rock, soil, and plant geochemical samples collected during the same 2024 program are currently undergoing analysis at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). The integration of geomicrobial and geochemical datasets will inform exploration targeting and help prioritize areas for future drilling.

Integral Metals is committed to advancing critical mineral discovery using innovative, science-driven techniques that reduce environmental impact and improve targeting precision.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Jared Suchan, Ph.D., P.Geo., VP of Exploration at the Company, and a “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On Behalf of the Board Directors

Paul Sparkes
Chief Executive Officer
825-414-3163
info@integralmetals.com

ABOUT INTEGRAL METALS CORP.

Integral is an exploration stage company, engaged in the business of mineral exploration for critical minerals, including gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements, with the goal of contributing to the development of a domestic supply chain for these minerals. Integral holds properties in mining-friendly jurisdictions in Canada and the United States of America, including the Northwest Territories, Manitoba and Montana, where it has received regulatory support for its exploration efforts.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Company’s future plans, including the Company’s plans to focus its efforts and resources on the Kap Property and its other mineral properties.

Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the future plans and strategies of the Company, including that the Company will continue to focus its efforts and resources on the Kap Property.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company’s management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Company’s business prospects and priorities may change, whether as a result of unexpected events, general market and economic conditions or as a result of the Company’s future exploration efforts, and that any such change may result in a re-deployment of the Company’s resources and efforts in a manner divergent from the Company’s current business plan or strategy. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

FAQ

What did Integral Metals (ITGLF) discover in their 2024 Burntwood geomicrobial survey?

Integral Metals found significant microbial patterns, specifically a depletion of Burkholderiales and enrichment of Rhizobiales bacteria, which may indicate rare earth element (REE) mineralization in their Manitoba project. They analyzed 808 soil samples using RNA sequencing.

How is Integral Metals (ITGLF) using bacteria to find rare earth elements?

Integral Metals is using geomicrobial techniques by studying specific bacterial communities (Burkholderiales and Rhizobiales) as biological pathfinders. These bacteria show distinct patterns above areas with potential rare earth element deposits in the Burntwood Project.

What partners are supporting Integral Metals' (ITGLF) Burntwood Project research?

The research is conducted with Dr. Andrew Cameron and the Institute for Microbial Systems and Society at the University of Regina, with funding from NSERC, Mitacs, and the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF).

What is the next step for Integral Metals' (ITGLF) Burntwood Project in 2024?

The company is currently analyzing rock, soil, and plant geochemical samples at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). They plan to integrate this data with geomicrobial findings to identify future drilling targets.

Where is Integral Metals' (ITGLF) Burntwood Project located?

The Burntwood Project is located in northern Manitoba, Canada, specifically in the Burntwood Syenite-Carbonatite Complex, which is a regional intrusive system targeted for rare earth elements and critical metals.