Lion Rock has completed a property-wide surface exploration program at the Volney Critical Minerals and Gold Project in South Dakota's Black Hills, identifying visible tin and tantalum mineralization up to approximately 300 metres beyond previously reported zones.

Mapping and sampling across the property extended well beyond the area tested by the company's inaugural 15-hole, 3,600-metre Phase 1 diamond drilling program completed in January 2026. Field teams observed coarse tantalite crystals reaching up to approximately 10 centimetres in quartz-mica pegmatite at the Volney Lower Pit, alongside visible cassiterite mineralization at the Rough and Ready occurrence.

Lion Rock collected over 100 grab samples during the program, with approximately 60 focused on gold targets and 48 targeting tin and tantalum. All samples have been submitted to SGS for assay. Updated geological mapping has differentiated the pegmatites hosting lithium, tin, and tantalum across the project. This framework allows the exploration team to direct upcoming drilling at the most prospective pegmatites for each specific commodity rather than treating them as a single population.

“Our first drill program confirmed lithium, tin and tantalum over significant widths at Volney. This summer's surface program has extended the known mineralized area and greatly enhanced our understanding of the system. We are now planning an aggressive Phase 2 drill program while advancing metallurgical and processing studies, and progressing key permitting initiatives, including the State Mine License.”

— Nav Dhaliwal, Executive Chairman

Assay results from the surface sampling program will be reported once received, compiled, and verified, and will be used alongside the updated 3D geological model to finalize targeting for the Phase 2 drill program. The company previously secured Conditional Use Permit approval from Lawrence County for pegmatite mining at the site in June 2026 and is currently advancing applications for a state mining license.

Nearby within the surrounding district, Dakota Gold Corp. completed its 2026 drill campaign totaling 17,273 metres across 112 holes at the Richmond Hill project in July 2026.

Read the full announcement: Lion Rock Extends Tin and Tantalum Mineralization at Volney as Phase 2 Drill Planning Begins