Rare Element Reports Additional Drilling Results High in Critical Rare Earth Elements
Drill results continue to demonstrate that the Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project is a growing world-class source of critical rare earth elements
LAKEWOOD, COLORADO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/11/13 --
-- Results confirm:
-- High abundances of Critical Rare Earth Elements (CREEs) which
include Nd, Pr, Eu, Tb, Dy and Y in all deposits
-- Heavy Rare Earth (HREE)-enrichment at Whitetail and Carbon
-- Continuity and grade of the Bull Hill deposit
Rare Element Resources Ltd. (NYSE Amex: REE)(NYSE MKT: REE)(TSX: RES) (the "Company") is pleased to announce rare earth element (REE) assay results from the final core holes completed during the 2012 drilling program at the Company's 100% owned Bear Lodge property, located in northeastern Wyoming, USA. The drilling results confirm that the Bear Lodge deposits contain high grades of total rare earth oxide (TREO), including high abundances of combined Critical Rare Earth Oxides (CREOs).
Dr. James Clark, Vice President of Exploration for Rare Element Resources, states, "Assay results are now in from all of the development and exploration core holes drilled during our 2012 program. We are extremely pleased with the results as most recent drill results confirm and further expand the quality and continuity of the Bull Hill REE deposit and the Whitetail Ridge resource area. We expect to significantly increase the Measured and Indicated resources in those deposits in preparation for the upcoming definitive Feasibility Study (dFS). Further, the results confirm the zones of HREE-enrichment (Eu, Tb, Dy, and Y) at Whitetail Ridge and Carbon and illustrate the significance of this world class source of CREOs."
Critical Rare Earth Oxides (CREO)
Critical rare earth elements (CREEs) are those with the highest value, and for which the strongest future growth is projected. We refer here to the oxides of Nd, Pr, Eu, Tb, Dy, and Y as Critical Rare Earth Oxides (CREO). In 2011, the Company identified significant HREEs (Eu, Tb, Dy, and Y) in leached FMR (F (FeOx)- M (MnOx)-R (REE minerals)) and oxide-carbonate dikes at the Whitetail Ridge resource area, and at the East Taylor and Carbon target areas (see news releases dated 4 August and 27 October 2011, and 10 December 2012). The current set of assay results from the Whitetail Ridge resource area and Carbon target confirm those important observations. Examination of aggregate significant intercepts from past drill results and the current set of drill assay results indicate that there is a district-wide zonation in which the strongest TREO enrichment occurs within a central zone focused on the Bull Hill and Bull Hill Northwest deposits, while the strongest HREE (Eu, Tb, Dy and Y) enrichment is found in mineralization peripheral to the central zone and focused at the Whitetail Ridge deposit, and at the Carbon and Taylor REE target areas (Table 1 and Figure 2). The peripheral enrichment zone is ascribed to a late-stage, low-temperature hydrothermal event.
Objectives of the 2012 Drill Program
The objectives of the 2012 drilling program were to expand and upgrade the district's resource categories at the Bull Hill and Whitetail Ridge oxide deposits, and to further delineate the HREE (Eu, Tb, Dy, and Y) enrichment at the Whitetail Ridge resource area and Carbon target area. The drill results emphasize a Bear Lodge district-wide REE zonation, with a central zone of strong TREO enrichment that gives way to a peripheral zone with significant TREO and strong Eu, Tb, Dy, and Y enrichment.
The assay results from 35 core holes are announced in this release and include assays from 15 core holes at the Bull Hill REE deposit, 18 holes from the Whitetail Ridge resource area, and 2 holes from the Carbon REE target area.
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Table 1. Aggregate significant assay intercepts from the current drill hole
set. (Significant assay intercepts defined as greater than 2% TREO over an
intercept thickness of 10 feet (3.28m) or greater than 5% TREO over greater
than 5 feet (1.64m)
Area Total Drilled Aggregate # of TREO SUM CREO Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Significant Holes (%)
Intercept
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
Bull Hill 4366.2 14321 819.7 2688.5 15 3.75 0.9 0.021 0.009 0.03
Whitetail 4614.2 15134.5 531.4 1743.5 18 2.78 0.76 0.025 0.024 0.07
Carbon 319.5 1048 16.3 53.5 2 4.92 1.03 0 0.020 0.08
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Other highlights of the current drill program include the following intercepts:
Bull Hill Deposit
RES12-12 - 14.3m (47ft) @ 4.10% TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxide)
25.3m (83ft) @ 3.47% TREO
RES12-16 - 28.8m (94.5ft) @ 5.36% TREO
RES12-19 - 48.8m (160ft) @ 3.48% TREO
RES12-20 - 36.6m (120ft) @ 5.71% TREO
RES12-22 - 12.5m (41ft) @ 5.71% TREO
RES12-23 - 29.0m (95ft) @ 2.94% TREO
RES12-25 - 20.6m (67.5ft) @ 2.64% TREO
16.9m (55.5ft) @ 9.93% TREO
15.7m (51.5ft) @ 4.05% TREO
RES12-26 - 49.7m (163ft) @ 3.07% TREO
17.1m (56ft) @ 4.21% TREO
18.3m (60ft) @ 5.85% TREO
RES12-27 - 12.2m (40ft) @ 4.41% TREO
53.7m (176ft) @ 3.60% TREO
RES12-29 - 14.9m (49ft) @ 4.89% TREO
23.9m (78.5ft) @ 4.89% TREO
RES12-30 - 16.2m (53ft) @ 2.58% TREO
37.2m (122ft) @ 2.96% TREO
33.5m (110ft) @ 2.38% TREO
Whitetail Ridge Deposit
RES12-59 - 9.8m (32ft) @ 3.86% TREO
RES12-60 - 19.2m (63ft) @ 6.46% TREO
9.1m (30ft) @ 3.09% TREO
RES12-61 - 15.2m (50ft) @ 3.19% TREO
RES12-64 - 93.6m (307ft) @ 2.26% TREO
16.9m (55.5ft) @ 2.39% TREO
RES12-67 - 13.4m (44ft) @ 2.70% TREO
7.6m (25ft) @ 4.06% TREO
RES12-71 - 9.1m (30ft) @ 2.92% TREO
15.2m (50ft) @ 2.18% TREO
RES12-74 - 11.1m (36.5ft) @ 3.10% TREO
RES12-76 - 18.0m (59ft) @ 2.82% TREO
RES12-79 - 10.4m (34ft) @ 3.47% TREO
Carbon Target Area
RES12-87 - 11.9m (39ft) @ 5.51% TREO
The host for rare earth mineralization in the Bear Lodge Mountains is an alkaline igneous complex that forms the core of the mountain range. Rare earth mineralization intersected in the 35 holes is primarily contained within the near-surface oxidized and leached FMR and oxidized and incompletely leached (oxide carbonate/OxCa) equivalents of carbonatite dikes that are widespread in the district and concentrated in dike swarms and stockwork zones associated with a series of diatreme breccias at Bull Hill, Whitetail Ridge, and Carbon Hill (Figure 1). The host rocks at Bull Hill and Whitetail Ridge consist largely of heterolithic intrusive breccia, while the host rocks west of Bull Hill are predominantly trachyte, phonolite, and subordinate breccia. FMR refers to the major constituents of the highly oxidized, former carbonatite dikes that occur in the depth range from the surface to 300-800 feet beneath the surface. Significant assay results for TREO, CREO, Eu2O3, Dy2O3, and Y2O3 for the current set of drill holes are listed in Tables 2 through 5. Drill hole collar locations are given in Figure 1.
Bull Hill Resource Area
Twelve of the current set of 15 core holes in the Bull Hill Resource Area were drilled along a prescribed NE-SW grid, at an azimuth of 045 degrees as infill holes in the main Bull Hill SW deposit. The remaining three holes were drilled at azimuths of 090 degrees, 015 degrees, and 225 degrees to test subordinate groups of mineralized structures with orientations that differ from the main Bull Hill trend. The resource evaluation grid was established for the Bull Hill deposit in conjunction with Ore Reserves Engineering, the Company's resource estimation consultant. The bearing, inclination, and significant assay intercepts from the Bull Hill area drill holes are summarized in Table 2 below.
The tables use the following abbreviations for the ore types: Oxide (Ox); Oxide Carbonate (OxCa); Transition (Trans); Unoxidized (UnOx).
Table 2. Significant drill assay results from the Bull Hill REE Resource Area
RES12-12 (045 degrees, -45 degrees; 627') (Site BHD12-06; Section 6NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
3-17.4 10-57 14.3 47 Ox 4.1010 0.9643 0.0199 0.0058 0.0209
41.8-67 137-220 25.3 83 Ox 3.4740 0.8088 0.0193 0.0054 0.0175
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RES12-16 (045 degrees, -60 degrees; 799') (Site BHD12-25; Section 6SE)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type (%)
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
106.7-135.7 350-445 28.8 94.5 Ox 5.36 1.18 0.026 0.008 0.024
(i)Includes 14 46 Ox 9.35
181-187 593-614 6.4 21 Ox 3.37 0.72 0.015 0.006 0.016
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RES12-18 (045 degrees, -50 degrees; 864') (Site BHD12-30; Section 8NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
32-35.4 105-116 3.4 11 Ox 2.52 0.56 0.018 0.009 0.028
46.6-50 153-163.5 3.2 10.5 Ox 2.38 0.55 0.013 0.006 0.018
75.6-79 248-259 3.4 11 Ox 2.84 0.61 0.016 0.006 0.017
84.7-97.2 278-319 12.5 41 Ox 2.61 0.55 0.012 0.005 0.015
109.4-112 359-367 2.4 8 Ox 6.48 1.63 0.039 0.010 0.026
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RES12-19 (045 degrees, -55 degrees; 901') (Site BHD12-24; Section 6SE)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type (%)
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
30-33 98-108 3 10 Ox 2.017 0.44 0.008 0.004 0.014
46.6-52.7 153-173 6.1 20 Ox 2.30 0.47 0.008 0.004 0.015
102.4-108 336-354 5.5 18 Ox 2.97 0.69 0.015 0.006 0.018
122-125.3 401-411 3 10 Ox 5.97 1.23 0.023 0.022 0.074
143.3-146.3 470-480 3 10 Ox 3.15 0.67 0.013 0.004 0.012
186.3-235 611-771 48.8 160 Ox/OxCa 3.48 0.68 0.013 0.005 0.015
(i)Includes 3.5 11.5 16.14
3.4 11 6.86
1.5 5 8.24
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RES12-20 (045 degrees, -50 degrees; 1005') (Site BHD12-21; Section 4SE)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type (%)
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
10-12.8 33-42 2.7 9 Ox 5.05 1.33 0.032 0.014 0.067
36.3-46.6 119-153 7.3 24 Ox 2.30 0.56 0.015 0.008 0.025
54.9-58.5 180-192 3.7 12 Ox 2.78 0.77 0.025 0.020 0.066
220-256 720-840 36.6 120 Ox/OxCa 5.71 1.31 0.031 0.012 0.034
(i)Includes 16.6 54.5 8.80
1.8 6 5.099
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RES12-22 (045 degrees, -55 degrees; 901') (Site BHD12-01; Section 4SE)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type (%)
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
65.9-70.6 216-231.5 4.7 15.5 Ox 3.84 1.11 0.038 0.012 0.032
78.2-85 256.5-278.5 6.7 22 Ox 2.04 0.63 0.020 0.009 0.024
143.3-150 470-491 6.4 21 Ox 4.91 1.10 0.027 0.012 0.034
184.1-196.6 604-645 12.5 41 Ox/OxCa 5.71 1.70 0.052 0.018 0.049
(i)Includes 3.7 12 9.20
197.3-206 647-676 8.8 29 Ox/OxCa 3.14 0.72 0.018 0.007 0.019
216.5-226 710-741 9.5 31 Ox/OxCa 2.30 0.53 0.012 0.005 0.014
240-245 787-803 4.9 16 Ox/OxCa 3.00 0.67 0.013 0.006 0.019
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RES12-23 (045 degrees, -55 degrees; 845') (Site BHD12-11; Section 6NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
0-4.6 0-15 4.6 15 Ox 2.50 0.39 0.010 0.004 0.013
11.9-16.8 39-55 4.9 16 Ox 2.65 0.74 0.017 0.007 0.025
22.9-29 75-95 6.1 20 Ox 3.53 0.88 0.021 0.007 0.022
53-58.5 174-192 5.5 18 Ox 2.58 0.65 0.015 0.006 0.020
67.7-96.6 222-317 29 95 Ox 2.94 0.72 0.018 0.008 0.028
108.8-113.7 357-373 4.9 16 Ox 3.44 0.74 0.014 0.005 0.017
136.3-139.3 447-457 3 10 OxCa 2.33 0.54 0.013 0.004 0.014
158.8-165 521-541 6.1 20 OxCa 4.10 0.94 0.020 0.007 0.022
171.8-174.8 563.5-573.5 3 10 OxCa 4.08 0.93 0.017 0.006 0.019
210-213 688-698.5 3.2 10.5 OxCa 5.52 1.60 0.047 0.013 0.035
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RES12-24 (090 degrees, -55 degrees; 765.5') (Site BHD12-23; Section 6SE)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
20.1-23.5 66-77 3.4 11 Ox 2.05 0.45 0.010 0.005 0.019
192-196.3 629.5-644 4.4 14.5 Ox 3.41 0.75 0.015 0.007 0.019
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RES12-25 (045 degrees, -45 degrees; 855') (Site BHD12-29; Section 6NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
52-72.6 170.5-238 20.6 67.5 Ox 2.64 0.66 0.014 0.005 0.016
87.3-104.3 286.5-342 16.9 55.5 Ox 9.93 2.46 0.058 0.024 0.0691
121.5-125 398.5-410.5 3.7 12 Ox 2.97 0.71 0.014 0.004 0.013
146.3-162 480-531.5 15.7 51.5 OxCa 4.05 0.93 0.022 0.009 0.026
180.5-183.5 592-602 3 10 OxCa 2.53 0.53 0.011 0.004 0.013
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RES12-26 (045 degrees, -60 degrees; 1195') (Site BHD12-14; Section 4NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
69.2-119 227-390 49.7 163 Ox 3.07 0.68 0.014 0.005 0.016
125.6-143 412-468 17.1 56 Ox 4.21 1.05 0.022 0.008 0.025
153.3-172 503-563 18.3 60 Ox 5.85 1.41 0.029 0.014 0.050
202.7-211.6 665-694 8.8 29 OxCa 3.32 0.75 0.012 0.006 0.019
267.5-275.2 877.5-902.5 7.6 25 OxCa 2.58 0.64 0.012 0.005 0.021
287.2-290.2 942-952 3 10 Ox 2.01 0.57 0.015 0.007 0.022
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RES12-27 (015 degrees, -45 degrees; 1190.5') (Site BHD12-22; Section 4SE)
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Interval Intercept Ore SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type TREO
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
6.1-9.6 20-31.5 3.5 11.5 OxCa 2.50 0.84 0.031 0.032 0.104
15.5-21.6 51-71 6.1 20 OxCa 2.89 1.07 0.048 0.029 0.08
61.3-73.5 201-241 12.2 40 Ox 4.41 1.31 0.044 0.033 0.116
116.8-122.9 383-403 6.1 20 Ox 3.14 0.83 0.023 0.014 0.042
129-132 423-433 3 10 Ox 2.22 0.49 0.010 0.005 0.014
187.5-191.8 615-629 4.3 14 Ox 2.86 0.85 0.024 0.012 0.041
263.7-266.8 865-875 3 10 OxCa 3.45 1.03 0.024 0.008 0.030
282-285 925-935 3 10 OxCa 2.38 0.52 0.011 0.004 0.015
290-343.6 951-1127 53.7 176 OxCa 3.60 0.79 0.016 0.006 0.022
35.3-58.6 115.8-190.5 9.9 32.5 OxCa 3.19 0.95 0.025 0.009 0.027
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RES12-28 (225 degrees, -55 degrees; 1000') (Site BHD12-16; Section 2NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
20.6-28.8 67.5-94.5 8.2 27 Ox 4.15 1.00 0.023 0.010 0.026
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RES12-29 (045 degrees, -50 degrees; 1179.5') (Site BHD12-16; Section 2NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
41.5-46.6 136-153 5.2 17 Ox 2.99 0.89 0.029 0.009 0.024
152.9-156.7 501.5-514 3.8 12.5 Ox 2.21 0.54 0.013 0.005 0.018
162-165.5 531.5-543 3.5 11.5 Ox 2.20 0.54 0.013 0.005 0.015
180-195.1 591-640 14.9 49 Ox 4.89 1.13 0.024 0.009 0.035
204.3-228.2 670-748.5 23.9 78.5 Ox 4.89 1.21 0.025 0.011 0.036
240.4-246.6 788.5-809 6.3 20.5 Ox 6.66 1.54 0.035 0.018 0.065
258-263 846-863 5.2 17 OxCa 6.09 1.36 0.030 0.014 0.049
294-298.8 964-980 4.9 16 OxCa 2.42 0.68 0.020 0.012 0.033
334.2-337.8 1096-1108 3.7 12 OxCa 2.39 0.53 0.010 0.004 0.011
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RES12-30 (045 degrees, -60 degrees; 977') (Site BHD12-12; Section 4NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type (%)
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
33-49.2 108.5-161.5 15.9 52 Ox 2.58 0.66 0.016 0.005 0.017
76.2-113.4 250-372 37.2 122 Ox/OxCa 2.96 0.72 0.016 0.005 0.014
157.6-161.7 517-530.5 4.1 13.5 OxCa 2.18 0.59 0.015 0.005 0.016
185-218.6 607-717 33.5 110 OxCa 2.38 0.66 0.016 0.006 0.018
251.8-255.5 826-838 3.7 12 UnOx 3.18 0.88 0.020 0.008 0.030
263.4-267.4 864-877 4 13 UnOx 4.72 1.06 0.021 0.006 0.020
278.7-280.8 914-921 2.1 7 UnOx 5.92 1.20 0.021 0.006 0.019
291.3-295.3 955.5-968.5 4 13 UnOx 4.07 1.05 0.023 0.009 0.030
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RES12-31 (045 degrees, -50 degrees; 1216') (Site BHD12-19; Section 2SE)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
192.4-196 631-643 3.7 12 OxCa 2.27 0.48 0.012 0.011 0.043
205.5-208-5 674-684 3 10 OxCa 2.34 0.57 0.015 0.011 0.041
293.9-297.3 964-975 3.4 11 Ox 2.86 0.91 0.029 0.014 0.044
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Whitetail Ridge Resource Area
Rare earth mineralization in and adjacent to the Whitetail Ridge Resource area is associated with the Whitetail Ridge diatreme. The REE mineralization occurs in north- and NW-trending dikes, veins, and stockwork zones. Twelve of the 18 core holes were drilled along an azimuth of 270 degrees on an E-W resource grid to test northerly trending mineralized structures, and 6 holes were drilled at azimuths of 225 degrees to 233 degrees to test northwesterly mineralized structures. The bearing, inclination, and significant assay intercepts from the Whitetail Ridge area drill holes are summarized in Table 3 below.
Table 3. Significant drill assay results from the Whitetail Ridge REE
deposit.
RES12-59 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 1154') (Site WT12-14; Section 19NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
27.1-36.9 89-121 9.8 32 Ox 3.86 0.95 0.026 0.017 0.055
96.3-99.4 316-326 3 10 OxCa 3.04 0.80 0.025 0.0174 0.054
107.2-111.6 351.5-366 4.4 14.5 OxCa 4.49 1.33 0.041 0.035 0.118
256.9-260.5 842.5-854.5 3.7 12 OxCa 4.64 0.89 0.022 0.013 0.035
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RES12-60 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 687') (Site WT12-23; Section 25NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
0-19.2 0-63 19.2 63 Ox 6.46 1.53 0.043 0.047 0.119
(i)Includes 5.9 19.5 16.79
38.7-41.8 127-137 3 10 Ox 2.16 0.49 0.017 0.018 0.046
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RES12-61 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 1164') (Site WT12-11; Section 18NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
165.9-169 544-554 3 10 OxCa 2.32 0.81 0.038 0.021 0.055
226.8-238.7 744-783 11.9 39 OxCa 2.51 0.79 0.034 0.019 0.053
260.4-263.4 854-864 3 10 OxCa 2.11 0.73 0.032 0.017 0.046
266.5-269.5 874-884 3 10 OxCa 2.07 0.69 0.025 0.015 0.046
306.1-315.2 1004-1034 9.1 30 OxCa 3.09 0.75 0.027 0.012 0.034
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RES12-62 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 746') (Site WT12-21; Section 28NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
0-99.4 0-326 99.4 326 Ox/OxCa 1.69 0.42 0.011 0.015 0.0455
27.4-35.4 90-116 7.9 26 Ox 2.72 0.64
70-84.1 226-276 15.2 50 OxCa 3.19 0.77
93.3-96.3 306-316 3 10 OxCa 3.23 0.77
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RES12-63 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 957') (Site WT12-20; Section 26NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu+Dy+
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
0-3.5 0-11.5 3.5 11.5 Ox 5.98 1.83 0.076 0.057 0.096
20.3-24.4 66.5-80 4.1 13.5 Ox/OxCa 6.27 1.51 0.050 0.057 0.126
87.5-90.5 287-297 3 10 Ox 2.05 0.60 0.018 0.030 0.083
136.3-139.3 447-457 3 10 OxCa 3.54 0.85 0.021 0.029 0.086
153-157.3 502-516 4.3 14 OxCa 2.90 0.98 0.033 0.049 0.131
166.5-171 546-561 4.6 15 OxCa 5.18 1.19 0.034 0.052 0.135
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RES12-64 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 1424') (Site WT12-15; Section 21NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
47-140.5 154-461 93.6 307 OxCa 2.26 0.71 0.024 0.019 0.065
147.6-164.5 484-539.5 16.9 55.5 OxCa 2.39 0.77 0.025 0.023 0.076
252.7-257.9 829-846 5.2 17 OxCa 2.38 0.76 0.034 0.023 0.058
303-307 994-1007 4.0 13 OxCa 2.43 0.81 0.041 0.028 0.079
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RES12-65 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 466') (Site WT12-25; Section 25NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
137.2-140.2 450-460 3 10 OxCa 2.056 0.45 0.010 0.014 0.049
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RES12-66 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 1364') (Site WT12-16; Section 20NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
17.7-20.4 58-67 2.7 9 Ox 10.84 2.33 0.047 0.045 0.160
37.8-42.7 124-140 4.9 16 Ox 4.30 1.37 0.039 0.037 0.144
338.7-342.4 1111-1123 3.7 12 OxCa 3.29 1.09 0.046 0.037 0.092
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RES12-67 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 752') (Site WT12-10; Section 24NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
113.1-126.5 371-415 13.4 44 Ox/OxCa 2.70 0.69 0.019 0.021 0.072
146.3-154 480-505 7.6 25 Ox 4.06 0.82 0.017 0.023 0.075
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RES12-68 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 1404') (Site WT12-26; Section 21NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
242-245.1 794-804 3 10 Ox 3.85 1.00 0.040 0.033 0.086
321.6-324 1055-1063 2.4 8 OxCa 3.50 1.15 0.048 0.034 0.102
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RES12-70 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 407') (Site WT12-22; Section 29NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
21.3-24.4 70-80 3 10 Ox 2.57 0.65 0.022 0.026 0.068
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RES12-71 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 616') (Site WT12-19; Section 27NW)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
12.2-18.3 40-60 6.1 20 Ox 3.50 1.04 0.034 0.045 0.118
36.6-45.7 120-150 9.1 30 Ox 2.92 0.72 0.020 0.028 0.086
64-67 210-220 3 10 Ox 3.87 1.24 0.037 0.045 0.154
125-140.2 410-460 15.2 50 OxCa 2.18 0.49 0.014 0.018 0.052
152.4-157.9 500-518 5.5 18 OxCa 5.32 1.39 0.048 0.068 0.172
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RES12-74 (225 degrees, -58 degrees; 467') (Site WT12-34)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
28-39.2 92-128.5 11.1 36.5 Ox 3.10 0.97 0.034 0.021 0.058
97-104.3 318-342 7.3 24 Ox 3.02 0.87 0.032 0.026 0.081
112.2-114.9 368-377 2.7 9 OxCa 2.76 0.84 0.028 0.020 0.058
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RES12-75 (228 degrees, -60 degrees; 523') (Site WT-1)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
28.7-33.2 94-109 4.6 15 Ox 2.93 0.73 0.026 0.021 0.048
42.4-45.4 139-149 3 10 Ox 3.86 0.99 0.034 0.043 0.117
69.2-77.3 227-253.5 8.1 26.5 Ox 2.29 0.72 0.030 0.027 0.076
81.1-86 266-282 4.9 16 Ox/OxCa 2.07 0.49 0.020 0.022 0.052
100.2-104.3 328.5-342 4.1 13.5 OxCa 4.41 1.11 0.039 0.037 0.083
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RES12-76 (226 degrees, -56 degrees; 607') (Site WT-1)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
6.7-14 22-46 7.3 24 Ox 3.46 0.93 0.039 0.027 0.069
24.4-33.8 80-111 9.4 31 Ox 2.33 0.62 0.026 0.016 0.038
116.2-134.1 381-440 18 59 OxCa 2.82 0.75 0.024 0.023 0.070
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RES12-78 (228 degrees, -61 degrees; 813') (Site WT12-20)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
24.5-31.1 80.5-102 6.5 21.5 OxCa 2.28 0.73 0.032 0.029 0.077
47.6-50.6 156-166 3 10 OxCa 2.16 0.50 0.011 0.015 0.051
175.5-182.3 575.5-598 6.9 22.5 OxCa 2.91 0.81 0.023 0.026 0.084
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RES12-79 (233 degrees, -62 degrees; 779') (Site WT12-37)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
52.1-55.2 171-181 3 10 Ox 3.39 0.87 0.026 0.025 0.072
101.5-106.7 333-350 5.2 17 OxCa 2.40 0.66 0.020 0.025 0.074
150.3-160.7 493-527 10.4 34 OxCa 3.47 0.98 0.041 0.043 0.127
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RES12-84 (225 degrees, -58 degrees; 804.5') (Site ORE-1)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
6.7-17.1 22-56 10.4 34 Ox 2.35 0.76 0.031 0.031 0.082
139.3-153 457-502 13.7 45 OxCa 2.12 0.61 0.022 0.021 0.050
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The 2012 drilling at the Whitetail Ridge resource area also identified significant gold mineralization. The gold mineralization occurs both coincident with, and outboard of, the HREE-enriched FMR dikes and veins. Significant gold intercepts from core holes drilled at Whitetail Ridge in 2012 are listed in Table 4.
Table 4. Gold mineralization in the Whitetail Ridge REE resource area.
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Drill Hole Interval (m) Interval (ft) Intercept (m) Intercept (ft) Au (ppm)
RES12-52 270.9-282.6 888.5-927 11.7 38.5 0.67
321.5-334.1 1054.5-1096 12.7 41.5 0.67
RES12-53 93.9-96.8 308-317.5 2.9 9.5 1.36
RES12-56 0-9.45 0-31 9.5 31 0.75
58.8-60.7 193-199 1.8 6 3.03
RES12-62 73.8-79.3 242-260 5.5 18 0.80
157.5-181.7 516.5-596 24.2 79.5 0.61
RES12-63 0-3.5 0-11.5 3.5 11.5 0.56
16.9-19.2 55.5-63 2.3 7.5 1.07
20.3-26.4 66.5-86.5 6.1 20 1.05
130.2-175.9 427-577 45.7 150 0.82
188.1-197.3 617-647 9.1 30 0.50
252.1-267.4 827-877 15.2 50 1.07
276.5-291.8 907-957 15.2 50 0.56
RES12-64 147.6-153.7 484-504 6.1 20 0.63
RES12-65 112.8-142.1 370-466 29.3 96 0.67
RES12-66 312.2-317.4 1024-1041 5.2 17 0.57
RES12-71 0-6.1 0-20 6.1 20 0.76
88.4-182.9 290-600 94.5 310 1.24
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REE assay results from drill holes RES12-52 and RES12-53 were reported in a news release dated 26 September 2012, and REE assay results from drill hole RES12-56 were reported in a news release dated 10 December 2012. The REE assay results from the rest of the Whitetail Ridge core holes with significant gold intervals are reported here. The gold mineralization is attributed to the same late, low-temperature hydrothermal event responsible for the HREE-enrichment. The results represent the second highest Thickness X Grade zone of gold mineralization ever intersected in the Bear Lodge district over a period spanning at least the last 30 years.
Carbon REE Target Area
The Carbon REE target is located about 1200 feet (370 m) northwest of the Whitetail Ridge deposit along an apparent northwest-trending zone of mineralization. Two reverse-circulation drill holes (SUN-076 and SUN-079) completed during the 2010 Sundance gold exploration program cut significant REE mineralization in FMR and unoxidized carbonatite vein material. Assays from drill holes at the Carbon target in 2010 and 2011 were reported in previous news releases (10 December, 26 September, and 26 March 2012, and 4 August 2011). The REE mineralization can be interpreted as either the northwestern extension of the Whitetail Ridge system or, alternatively, a distinct FMR/carbonatite mineralized system. Significant REE-bearing intercepts from the 2 core holes drilled at the Carbon target area in 2012 are summarized in Table 5.
Table 5. Significant drill assay results from the Carbon REE exploration target (all RC drill holes).
RES12-72 (270 degrees, -55 degrees; 648') (Site CA12-05)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
62.7-67 205.5-220 4.4 14.5 OxCa 3.33 1.06 0.030 0.042 0.167
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RES12-87 (270 degrees, -45 degrees; 400') (Site CA12-03)
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Interval Intercept Ore TREO SUM CREO (%) Eu2O3 Dy2O3 Y2O3
Type
(Nd+Pr+Eu
(m) (ft) (m) (ft) (%) +Dy+Tb+Y) (%) (%) (%)
70.4-82.3 231-270 11.9 39 Ox 5.51 1.024 0.016 0.012 0.050
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Assays, Quality Control, and Standard Certification
Assays for REE and other selected elements in the 2012 drill program holes reported here were conducted by Activation Laboratories Ltd. of Ancaster, Ontario, Canada (ActLabs) in their Ontario assay facility. ActLabs is accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 methods. The samples were prepared and subjected to lithium metaborate fusion, followed by ICP analysis and a mass spectroscopy finish (Code UT-1-0.5g Aqua Regia ICP/MS analytical package). Gold assays for each sample were conducted using ActLabs Code 1A2 Au method (fire assay/AA finish).
For the 2012 drill hole assays, analytical quality is monitored through the use of randomly inserted quality control samples, including standards, blanks, and duplicates, which are blinded to the analytical laboratory. Results from the analyses at ActLabs are evaluated continuously by Dr. Jeffrey Jaacks, the Company's QA/QC consultant, who is a Qualified Person according to National Instrument 43-101. The results from the current data set of 2012 drill hole assays indicate acceptable accuracy and precision. Blank analyses also indicate no issues with carry-over contamination. For the re-assay of intervals from historic gold exploration drill holes, only internal quality control data from Actlabs and ALS Chemex were used to monitor the quality of the assay data, and those assay data are deemed to be of acceptable accuracy and precision.
Bulk Sample Drilling
The Company conducted a bulk sampling drill program in 2012 to provide additional mineralized material for the upcoming pilot plant test program that will be part of the definitive Feasibility Study, scheduled to commence mid-year 2013. The program consisted of 14 drill holes totaling 6,853.5 feet of large-diameter core. The holes were PQ-sized (85mm inside diameter) or PQ with HQ tails (HQ has 63.5mm inside diameter). The drill hole material is being combined with material from the 2011 bulk sample drilling program (38 PQ and HQ drill holes, totaling 5,821.5 feet) and trench samples to provide more than 21 short tons of mineralized material to the 2013 pilot plant.
Rare Element Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded mineral resource company focused on exploration and development of rare-earth elements (REEs), with a significant distribution of critical rare earths (CREEs). In addition to the REE exploration and evaluation efforts, the Company controls the Sundance gold project, which is located on the same property in Wyoming.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and Canada. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by our use of certain terminology, including "will", "believes", "may", "expects", "should", "seeks", "anticipates", "has potential to", or "intends' or by discussions of strategy or intentions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results or achievements to be materially different from any future results or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, and include but are not limited to, estimates and their underlying assumptions; statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to the effectiveness of the Company's business model; future operations, products and services; the impact of regulatory initiatives on the Company's operations; the size of and opportunities related to the market for the Company's products; general industry and macroeconomic growth rates; expectations related to possible joint and/or strategic ventures and statements regarding future performance.
Cautionary Statement
John T. Ray, MS, Rare Element's qualified person under Canadian NI 43-101, supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information concerning the Company's mineral project contained in this news release. For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral reserves and resources, as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant factors, please see the Technical Reports for our project as filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We may use certain terms in public disclosures, such as "measured," "indicated," "inferred" and "resources," that are recognized by Canadian regulations, but that SEC guidelines generally prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K which may be secured from us, or from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
To view the figures associated with this release, please visit the following links:
Figure 1: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/RESfig1.pdf
Figure 2: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/RESfigure2.pdf
Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Rare Element Resources Ltd.
David Suleski
720-278-2468
www.rareelementresources.com