Historic Government Data Reveals Significant Scandium and Rare Earth Element Potential in the Chibougamau Area

16.03.2026  |  The Newswire

Toronto, March 16, 2026 - Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. ("Noble" or the "Company") (TSX-V:NOB, FRANKFURT: NB7, OTCQB:NLPXF) is pleased to report that a review of historic government geochemical data from the Chibougamau Area has identified multiple anomalous concentrations of scandium (Sc) and rare earth elements (REE) from rock samples collected during a 1986 government survey. A total of 22 claims for a total of 1,232 Hectares has been acquired through map staking.

The area of the claims is about 90 km southwest of Chibougamau, Quebec and exhibit both basalt (V3B) and tonalite (I1D) lithologies and demonstrate elevated scandium values along with associated critical metals including niobium (Nb), thorium (Th), beryllium (Be), germanium (Ge), vanadium (V), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and total rare earth elements.

Key Highlights from the Quebec Dataset (Report MB 90-01)

• Sample 1986000266 (Basalt) returned 530 ppm scandium, one of the highest values in the dataset, accompanied by 360 ppm vanadium, 160 ppm copper, 30 ppm niobium, and 0.19% manganese

• Sample 1986000257 (Tonalite) returned 247 ppm scandium with associated niobium and thorium enrichment

• Sample 1986000256 (Tonalite) returned 185 ppm scandium, also with elevated thorium and niobium

• Sample 1986000289 (Tonalite) returned 148 ppm scandium and a notable 405.3 ppm total rare earth elements (REE) along with 32 ppm thorium

• Sample 1986000258 (Tonalite) returned 91 ppm scandium with additional trace element enrichment.

Exploration Implications

The presence of multiple anomalous scandium values across several lithologies within the same map sheet indicates a potentially broader mineralized system. Scandium is a critical metal used in high-strength aluminum alloys, solid oxide fuel cells, and advanced aerospace materials, making new sources strategically important.

The association with rare earth element and high-field-strength elements such as niobium and thorium further strengthens the geological significance of the area and may point toward a fertile intrusive or magmatic system capable of hosting critical metal mineralization.

Next Steps

The historic dataset provides a compelling basis for modern exploration techniques, including:

• High-resolution geochemical sampling

• Structural and lithological mapping

• Geophysical surveys

• Targeted drilling programs

Re-evaluation of historical government datasets continues to demonstrate the value of archival geological work in identifying previously overlooked critical mineral opportunities.

Vance White, President and CEO of Noble, said "We are very pleased to acquire this exciting new project in light of the geopolitical interest in finding new sources of Scandium and Rare Earth Elements"

Wayne Holmstead Quebec P.Geo. #10434, a "qualified person" as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Noble.

About Noble Mineral Exploration Inc.

Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company, which has holdings of securities in Canada Nickel Company Inc., Homeland Nickel Inc., East Timmins Nickel Inc. (20%), and its interest in the Holdsworth gold exploration property in the area of Wawa, Ontario.

Noble holds mineral and/or exploration rights in ~70,000ha in Northern Ontario and ~24,000ha elsewhere in Quebec upon which it plans to generate option/joint venture exploration programs.

Noble holds mineral rights and/or exploration rights in ~18,000 hectares in the Timmins-Cochrane areas of Northern Ontario known as Project 81, ~2,215 hectares in Thomas Twp/Timmins, as well as an additional 20% interest in ~38,700 hectares in the Timmins area held by East Timmins Nickel. Project 81 hosts diversified drill-ready gold, nickel-cobalt and base metal exploration targets at various stages of exploration. Noble also holds ~4,600 hectares in the Nagagami Carbonatite Complex and its ~3,200 hectares in the Boulder Project both near Hearst, Ontario. ~3,700 hectares in the Buckingham Graphite Property, ~10,152 hectares in the Havre St Pierre Nickel, Copper, PGM property, and ~1,573 hectares in the Cere-Villebon Nickel, Copper, PGM property, ~569 hectare Uranium/Rare Earth property (Chateau), ~461 hectare Uranium/Molybdenum property (Taser North), ~4,465 hectares REE Mehmet Property, and the ~3300 hectare Gull Lake REE Property all of which are in the Province of Quebec and the ~ 647 hectare Chapiteau REE property in Labrador.

. https://www.noblemineralexploration.com

Noble's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NOB".

Cautionary Statement

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the Company's plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts: H. Vance White, President

Phone: 416-214-2250 Fax: 416-367-1954

Email: info@noblemineralexploration.com

Investor Relations: ir@noblemineralexploration.com

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