# Quantum Identifies Mica as Key Carrier of Critical Elements at NMX East, Quebec

Canonical Atlas analysis: https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25

Original source: https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/LEAP/news/8709849109094087/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec

Publisher: tmx

Original announcement: 2025-09-04T13:40:00.000Z

Analysis by Minestarters Atlas

Atlas analysis published: Unknown date

Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date

- Company: Quantum Critical Metals Corp.

- Ticker: LEAP

- Exchange: TSX

- Region: Québec

- Primary commodity: Gallium

- Secondary commodities: Lithium, Rubidium, Niobium, Tin, Tantalum

- Document categories: Metallurgy

- Extracted: 2026-09-18 07:11:48 UTC

Narrative sentiment: 0.60 · Bullish

## Minestarters Atlas summary

Quantum Critical Metals Corp. has identified a strong correlation between mica content and the enrichment of critical elements \(Ga, Rb, Cs, Li, Nb, Sn, Ta\) in pegmatite core from the NMX East project in Quebec. Preliminary assays from hand-selected samples suggest that mica acts as a primary host, which could simplify future hydrometallurgical extraction processes.

Reasoning: The announcement provides preliminary metallurgical/mineralogical data showing mica as a host for critical elements, which is a key de-risking step for their recovery strategy, though the sampling method is non-representative of the resource.

- Positive factor: Strong correlation identified between mica content and critical metal enrichment

- Positive factor: Preliminary results suggest easier metallurgical extraction via mica isolation

- Positive factor: Strategic timing relative to gallium export bans

- Negative factor: Results are from hand-selected grab samples, not representative of the entire interval or ore body

Facts used in scoring: 18

## Classification and evidence

**Mill Route**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: Processing via mill or concentrator \(CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation\).

Why it applies: The company mentions using flotation followed by hydrometallurgy acid leaching techniques.

Evidence · text

> can be recovered from mica using processing methods like floatation , followed by hydrometallurgy acid leaching techniques

**Bench Scale Only**

Polarity: negative

Definition: Only preliminary bench tests completed — no locked-cycle or pilot work.

Why it applies: The results are from hand-selected grab samples for mineralogical/metallurgical studies, not large-scale testwork.

Evidence · text

> The samples were hand selected from ¼ cut drill core. The geologist identified the minerals macroscopically and pulled a sample of a few hundred grams.

**Single Domain Only**

Polarity: negative

Definition: Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established.

Why it applies: only one composite was tested

## Extracted facts

Stored fact records: 18. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.

## Metallurgical Results (18)

### Fact 1

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-0)

NMX East · gallium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: gallium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 1 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 93.7
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Provides baseline assay for gallium in mica-rich sample.

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 93.7

Context: Sample 1

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 2

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-1)

NMX East · lithium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: lithium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 1 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 391
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Provides baseline assay for lithium in mica-rich sample.

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 391

Context: Sample 1

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 3

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-2)

NMX East · niobium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: niobium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 1 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 180
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Provides baseline assay for niobium in mica-rich sample.

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 180

Context: Sample 1

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 4

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-3)

NMX East · rubidium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: rubidium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 1 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 1390
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Provides baseline assay for rubidium in mica-rich sample.

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 1390

Context: Sample 1

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 5

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-4)

NMX East · tin

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: tin
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 1 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 158
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Provides baseline assay for tin in mica-rich sample.

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 158

Context: Sample 1

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 6

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-5)

NMX East · tantalum

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: tantalum
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 1 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 22.6
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Provides baseline assay for tantalum in mica-rich sample.

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 22.6

Context: Sample 1

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 7

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-6)

NMX East · gallium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: gallium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 2 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 186
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High gallium grade in high-mica sample supports host theory.

- Positive factor: High enrichment in mica-rich sample

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 186

Context: Sample 2

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 8

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-7)

NMX East · lithium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: lithium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 2 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 959
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High lithium grade in high-mica sample supports host theory.

- Positive factor: High enrichment in mica-rich sample

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 959

Context: Sample 2

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 9

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-8)

NMX East · niobium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: niobium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 2 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 320
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High niobium grade in high-mica sample supports host theory.

- Positive factor: High enrichment in mica-rich sample

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 320

Context: Sample 2

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 10

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-9)

NMX East · rubidium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: rubidium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 2 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 3220
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High rubidium grade in high-mica sample supports host theory.

- Positive factor: High enrichment in mica-rich sample

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 3220

Context: Sample 2

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 11

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-10)

NMX East · tin

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: tin
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 2 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 347
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High tin grade in high-mica sample supports host theory.

- Positive factor: High enrichment in mica-rich sample

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 347

Context: Sample 2

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 12

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-11)

NMX East · tantalum

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: tantalum
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 2 \(mica-rich pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 71.5
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High tantalum grade in high-mica sample supports host theory.

- Positive factor: High enrichment in mica-rich sample

- Negative factor: Hand-selected sample

Evidence · table

> 71.5

Context: Sample 2

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 13

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-12)

NMX East · gallium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: gallium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 3 \(low-mica pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 21.3
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Low gallium grade in low-mica sample supports the correlation theory.

- Negative factor: Low grade in low-mica sample

Evidence · table

> 21.3

Context: Sample 3

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 14

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-13)

NMX East · lithium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: lithium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 3 \(low-mica pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 23
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Low lithium grade in low-mica sample supports the correlation theory.

- Negative factor: Low grade in low-mica sample

Evidence · table

> 23

Context: Sample 3

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 15

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-14)

NMX East · niobium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: niobium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 3 \(low-mica pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 10
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Low niobium grade in low-mica sample supports the correlation theory.

- Negative factor: Low grade in low-mica sample

Evidence · table

> 10

Context: Sample 3

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 16

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-15)

NMX East · rubidium

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: rubidium
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 3 \(low-mica pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 1180
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Low rubidium grade in low-mica sample supports the correlation theory.

- Negative factor: Low grade in low-mica sample

Evidence · table

> 1180

Context: Sample 3

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 17

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-16)

NMX East · tin

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: tin
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 3 \(low-mica pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 4
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Low tin grade in low-mica sample supports the correlation theory.

- Negative factor: Low grade in low-mica sample

Evidence · table

> 4

Context: Sample 3

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

### Fact 18

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/quantum-identifies-mica-as-key-carrier-of-critical-elements-at-nmx-east-quebec--75e757c7-a6d6-4714-b0b2-01a4d74cdc25#fact-metallurgical-facts-17)

NMX East · tantalum

#### Identity

- Project: NMX East
- Commodity: tantalum
- Region: canada\_qc
- Reported Region: Québec
- Ticker: LEAP

#### Test Work

- Sample: Sample 3 \(low-mica pegmatite\)

#### Recovery

- Recovery Basis: unspecified
- Head Grade: 1.4
- Head Grade Unit: ppm

#### Lab

- Laboratory: AGAT Laboratories

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2025-09-04T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Low tantalum grade in low-mica sample supports the correlation theory.

- Negative factor: Low grade in low-mica sample

Evidence · table

> 1.4

Context: Sample 3

#### Tags used in scoring

**Byproduct Commodity**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.

Why it applies: the release describes a byproduct credit

## How Atlas produces this analysis

Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.