Tsodilo Resources Reports BITRI, UCT and Battelle Results at Gcwihaba Metals Project

Tsodilo Resources Ltd. reported on October 19, 2026 that its research alliances with BITRI, the University of Cape Town and Battelle Memorial Institute have produced preliminary results at its 100% owned Gcwihaba Metals Project in northwest Botswana, including a drill-core sample grading 1,794 ppm total rare earth elements plus yttrium. The FinancialContent Business Page published the update.

What BITRI Found in the C27 Skarn Samples

BITRI's Centre for Material Science completed a preliminary geochemical and mineralogical characterization of four selected drill-core samples from the C27 skarn, following the collaborative research initiative announced May 4, 2026. The samples were TREE-C27-2-103 at 147.10 m, TREE-C27-2-107 at 159.50 m and TREE-C27-2-110 at 165.65 m from drillhole 1822C27_2, and TREE-C27-6-119 at 159.80 m from drillhole 1822C27_6. Analyses were performed at BITRI's Gaborone laboratories using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy.

Sample TREE-C27-6-119 returned the highest result of the four, at 1,794 ppm total rare earth elements plus yttrium, or 0.18% on an elemental basis, including 403 ppm critical rare earths. Results across the four samples ranged from 85 to 1,794 ppm, and all four showed strong light-rare-earth-enriched patterns. The magnetite-rich sample TREE-C27-2-103 returned the peak copper value of 948 ppm and cobalt value of 184 ppm, while calc-silicate sample TREE-C27-2-107 recorded chromium of 368 ppm as Cr2O3. Silver was detected in all four samples, from 4.8 to 11.5 ppm.

UCT Identifies Cerium-Rich Allanite as REE Host

A University of Cape Town research team completed a preliminary mineralogical study of C27 drill core using micro-X-ray fluorescence element mapping and QEMSCAN automated mineral mapping. QEMSCAN was run on eleven sections, seven from drillhole 1822C27_6 and four from 1822C27_2, and four of these were also mapped by micro-XRF. Both techniques indicated that cerium-rich allanite is the principal rare earth host.

In the main zone of 1822C27_6, Ce-allanite made up 26-27% by weight of the minerals identified, occurring as coarse crystals several millimeters long, while in two weakly mineralized sections it was below 0.2%. Apatite made up no more than 2.8% of any section analyzed. Tsodilo said the findings will help guide core logging and sampling in its upcoming planned drill program.

Battelle Completes First-Stage AI Model

Battelle completed a first-stage artificial-intelligence model trained on Tsodilo's Gcwihaba exploration database, integrating drillhole geochemistry with regional gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic survey data. The model is intended to support identification of REE-anomalous drillholes, and in Battelle's internal testing it performed at a level comparable to a standard benchmark approach. Tsodilo intends to incorporate the model's output into ranking exploration target areas for follow-up exploration and future targeted drilling campaigns.

Tsodilo's Funding and Gcwihaba Scale

According to akta.pro company records, Tsodilo has four funding rounds on record, including a March 2026 post-IPO equity round of $657,193 and a February 2026 round of $544,174. The same records list an exploration target of 81-97 million tonnes at grades of 0.05%-1.49% TREO at the Gcwihaba Metals Project. Tsodilo's Chairman and CEO, James M. Bruchs, said: "We are very encouraged by how these three collaborations now work together across the Gcwihaba exploration value chain, from the minerals in the rocks to the drill targets."

Critical Mineral Partnerships Elsewhere

Odisha Mining Corporation and AMD signed an MoU to explore critical minerals in Odisha, focusing on research, capacity-building and advanced exploration technologies, The Times of India reported on October 14, 2026. NioBay Metals is seeking financial partners to advance its Crevier niobium-tantalum project in Quebec, aiming for first production in the early 2030s, MINING.COM reported on October 7, 2026.