Ashram Project Fluorspar Development Update
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
Level 8, 2 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Mont Royal Resources Ltd
ACN: 625 237 658
E: info@montroyalres.com
www.montroyalres.com
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
5th
May 2026
Ashram Project Fluorspar Development
Update
Significant tenor of contained Fluorspar within the anticipated open pit
underpins ongoing Fluorspar metallurgical test work program at Ashram
MONTRÉAL,Quebec– May 5th
,2026 – MontRoyal ResourcesLtd (ASX:MRZ, TSXV: MRZL)
(“Mont Royal” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide an update on the significant
fluorspar potential contained within the principal area of the MRE targeted for the
impending PEA for its Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Project in Quebec, Canada. The
Company sees a significant opportunity for fluorspar as a byproduct through continued
development of the Ashram Deposit.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Globally significant Fluorspar endowment within the current Mineral Resource
Estimate1
.
• One of the largest known reported resources on the ASX & TSX.V with 73.2 Mt
contained CaF2 at 6.6% in Indicated Mineral Resources, and an additional 131.1 Mt
CaF2 at 4.0% of Inferred Mineral Resources.
• Historical metallurgical test work (Hazen, 2020) delivered a 98% CaF2 (acid-spar)
concentrate.
• Fluorspar recently named as a critical mineral in Canada, the United-States, and
Europe.
• Near-term focus on additional fluorspar test work to support the addition of a
fluorspar circuit in the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study.
• Rapidly evolving market dynamics for fluorspar, with China shifting to being a net
importer of the critical mineral, driven by surging industrial and downstream
demand.
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Mont Royal’s Managing Director, Nicholas Holthouse, said:
“Metallurgical test work completed in 2020 has already demonstrated the potential for
the contained fluorspar from the Ashram Deposit to be successfully upgraded to a
saleable fluorspar concentrate product.
“With 73.2 Mt contained CaF2 at 6.6% in the Indicated category of the MRE, and additional
potential from 131.1 Mt at 4.0% CaF2 in the Inferred category at Ashram, along with reliable
grade consistency within the resource domains we see a compelling opportunity to
develop a valuable secondary revenue stream for the Project, alongside and
complimenting rare earth production.
“In recent months, capital markets have woken-up to fluorspar, with market dynamics
strengthening considerably, supported by its growing importance across high-
technology, medical, and industrial applications. The Ashram Project has the potential to
become a major fluorspar supplier to North America and European industries, with
Quebec’s aluminium industries alone consuming around 150-200kt of CaF2 per annum.
“Despite being the world's largest producer, China has recently become a net importer
of fluorspar, particularly for high-purity HF acid used in semiconductors. Thishas created
a structural squeeze on ex-China inventories, which bodes well for future fluorite prices
and for ex-China developers like Mont Royal.”
Figure 1 Previously produced 98% Fluorspar concentrate from Ashram Deposit.
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Historical Fluorspar Grades and Mineral Resource Estimates
The Ashram Project hosts a consolidated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1
(MRE) of:
• 73.2Mt @ 1.89% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO)2
and 6.6% Fluorspar (CaF₂)3
Indicated, and
• 131.1Mt @ 1.91% TREO & 4.0% CaF₂ Inferred.
FluorspargradesarerelativelyconsistentthroughouttheAshramDeposit with continuous
fluorspar mineralization, hosted within the same REE-endowed monazite-mineralized A-
and B-Zone geological domains.
Figure 2 Select cross-section of fluorspar drill intercepts within the Ashram Deposit block model. Insets show cross-section within the
MRE geological domains.
1
Ashram mineral resource estimate is reported at a cut-off of CAD 287 Net Metal Return (NMR) per tonne with an effective date of April
4, 2024. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability.
2
TREO = sum of all lanthanide oxides + yttrium oxide
3CaF2 calculated from fluorine assay using factor of 2.055 (F to CaF2). Assumes all fluorine is contained within the mineral fluorite.
Previously completed test work
In 2020, Commerce Resources focused on upgrading the Ashram Deposit’s fluorspar
component to acid-spar grade (refer to the announcement dated February 28, 2020 –
Commerce Resources Corp. (TSX-V: CCE, FSE: D7H)).
4
The test work, which was carried out by Hazen Research, CO, USA, resulted in the
successful upgrade of the fluorspar content of the Ashram Deposit to a purity of 97.8%
CaF₂, which exceeds the 97% base criteria that is typical of acid-spar grade.
This high-grade test result demonstrated the applicability of standard physical
separation techniques to upgrade the Ashram Deposit’s fluorspar component from a
head grade of ~7.5% CaF₂ to grades exceeding 97% CaF₂, which would be required to
achieve an acid-spar grade product.
The processing approach utilizes a relatively coarse grind followed by a fluorspar pre-
float as an initial upgrade step to isolate a sizeable portion of the fluorspar prior to
material enteringthe primaryrare earth element (“REE”)recoveryflowsheet.Thefluorspar
flotation concentrate was then processed by magnetic separation, resulting in the
desiredCaF₂grade,whilethereject fractionsaresentback to the primaryflowsheetcircuit
where the REE component is then recovered along with the bulk of the REEs.
Figure 3 Floatation cell and recovered CaF₂ froth
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Figure 4 Final Flotation Concentrate and residual tails
In addition to being one of the largest, rare-earth deposits globally, the Ashram Deposit is
also oneof the world’s largestfluorspar deposits.Theproduction ofREEsandfluorsparare
currently dominated by China, putting Ashram in a unique position to potentially address
the supply concerns for these two critical commodities.
Fluorspar Markets and Pricing
Fluorspar prices remain robust moving into 2026, supported by strong end-market
demand from the chemical, metallurgical and energy-transition sectors, together with
tightening global supply.
Fluorspar pricing is considered on a Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) basis into Atlantic
Basin consuming markets, consistent with delivery into Eastern North America and
Western Europe, which are relevant to Québec-based export routes via Sept-Îles and the
Port of Saguenay.
Current benchmark fluorspar pricing remains typically in the range of US$500 to US$650
per tonne, dependent on product grade, specification, delivery point and contract terms.
6
This pricing reflects prevailing bulk shipping rates, marine insurance and port handling
costs associated with trans-Atlantic and coastal North American freight.
Acid-spar fluorspar (>97% CaF₂), which accounts for approximately two-thirds of global
fluorspar consumption, is the highest-value product category. CIF pricing is currently
reported in the range of US$540 to US$680 per tonne, reflecting the ongoing sustained
demand for hydrofluoric acid (HF) and downstream fluorochemicals used in
pharmaceuticals, aluminum production, semi-conductors and lithium-ion battery
materials. Acid-spar is a consumable and non-recyclable raw material, requiring
continuous primary mine supply to satisfy global demand growth.
Met-spar fluorspar (>60% CaF₂) accounts for roughly one-third of global fluorspar
demandand ismainlyusedasa fluxin steelmakingandcementproduction.Currentmet-
spar prices are typically US$420–US$520 per tonne, supported by steel and aluminium
output and limited substitution in metallurgical and cement applications.
Quebec’s aluminium industry alone consumes about 150–200 kt of CaF2 equivalent each
year.
Japan is also a major consumer, importing about 450–500 kt of CaF2 per year. Demand
is driven by end uses such as semiconductors, batteries, refrigerants, fluoropolymers, and
other advanced materials.
China was historically the dominant fluorspar exporter but has recently shifted to being a
net importer, driven by domestic mine closures, tighter environmental regulation, and
risingdownstreamdemand.Thischangehastightenedglobal supply–demandbalances
and supported prices, increasing consumer interest in securing long-term supply from
geopolitically stable Atlantic Basin jurisdictions, including Canada.
About Mont Royal
Mont Royal Resources Limited (ASX: MRZ, TSXV: MRZL) is a critical minerals development
and exploration company with projects located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is
dedicated to advancing its 100%-owned Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit in
Nunavik, Québec, Canada – one of the largest monazite-dominant carbonatite-hosted
Rare Earth Elements deposits in North America. In addition, the Company owns 75% of
Northern Lights Minerals 536km2
tenement package located in the Upper Eastmain
Greenstonebelt.Theprojectsare locatedin the emergingJames Bay area, a Tier-1mining
jurisdiction of Quebec, and are prospective for lithium, precious (Gold, Silver) and base
metals mineralisation (Copper, Nickel).
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For further information regarding Mont Royal Resources Limited, please visit the ASX
platform (ASX: MRZ) or Mont Royal’s website www.montroyalres.com
Figure 5 Location of the Ashram REE & Fluorspar Project, the Northern Lights Project and the Port of Saguenay
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Competent/Qualified Persons Statements
The information in this announcement that relates to metallurgical testwork, process
development and the potential recovery of fluorspar is based on information compiled and fairly
represents information reviewed by Mr Gavin Beer, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of the
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM(CP)).
Mr Beer has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit
under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as
defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code).
Mr Beer is the principal of Met-Chem Consulting Pty Ltd and acts as an independent consultant
to Mont Royal Resources Ltd. Mr Beer has reviewed the technical information relating to historical
metallurgical testwork and considers that it fairly represents the available data and reflects the
current level of metallurgical understanding of the Ashram Project.
Mr Beer consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information
in the form and context in which it appears.
The technical and scientific information in this announcement has been reviewed by Marie-Pier
Boivin, M.Sc, P.Geo, a consultant of the Company, and a registered permit holder with the Order
des Géologues du Québec, and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Ms.
Boivin has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralization, type of deposit
under consideration, and to the activities undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as
described by the JORC Code, 2012. Ms. Boivin consents to the inclusion in this news release of the
matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.
For and on behalf of the Board
ENDS
Joel Ives | Company Secretary
For further information please contact:
Nicholas Holthouse
Managing Director
info@montroyalres.com
Peter Ruse
Corporate Development
info@montroyalres.com
Nicholas Read
Investor and Media Relations
nicholas@readcorporate.com.au
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is
defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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No new information
The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ashram Rare Earth Elements and Fluorspar Deposit,
Nunavik, Quebec, Canada (Ashram Project) was first reported in in the Company’s
replacementprospectusdated30 September 2025andreleasedto ASX on 1October 2025
(Prospectus). The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data
that materially affects the information relating to the estimate included in the Prospectus
and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimate
in the Prospectus continue to apply and have not materially changed.
Important Notices & Disclaimers
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains certain “forward looking statements” within the meaning of
Australian securities laws and “forward looking information” within the meaning of
Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to as “forward looking statements”). All
statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address circumstances, events,
activitiesor developmentsthat could,or mayor will occur areforwardlookingstatements.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and
other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these
events, activitiesor developmentsfromcomingto fruition include:actual resultsofcurrent
and future exploration activities; that Mont Royal may not be able to fully finance any
additional exploration on the Ashram Project; that even if Mont Royal is able raise capital,
costs for exploration activitiesmay increase such that Mont Royal may not have sufficient
funds to pay for such exploration or processing activities; the timing and content of the
proposed drill program and any future work programs may not be completed as
proposedor atall;geological interpretationsbasedon drillingthatmaychangewith more
detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumptions
based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous
deposits that, with further test work, may not be comparable; testing of our process may
not prove successful or samples derived from the Ashram Project may not yield positive
results, and even if such tests are successful or initial sample results are positive, the
economic and other outcomes may not be as expected; the anticipated market demand
for rare earth elements and other minerals may not be as expected; the availability of
labour and equipment to undertake future exploration work and testing activities;
geopolitical risks which may result in market and economic instability; and despite the
current expected viability of the Ashram Project, conditions changing such that even if
metals or minerals are discovered on the Ashram Project, the project may not be
commercially viable, or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the public
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filings made by Mont Royal. Although Mont Royal has attempted to identify important
factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in
forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events
or results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements
are based on Mont Royal’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections
about its business and the industry in which it operates and management's beliefs and
assumptions, including the non-occurrence of the risks and uncertainties that are
described above and in the public filings made by Mont Royal or other events occurring
outside of our normal course of business, and are not guarantees of future performance
or development and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that are in some cases beyond Mont Royal’s control.
Forward looking statements in this announcement include, but are not limited to,
statements regarding; the goals, strategies, opportunities, technologies used, project
timelines and funding requirements; impact of combined management expertise and
prospective shareholding;; the plans, operations and prospects of Mont Royal and its
properties; the continued advancement of the Ashram Project to development; that
Ashram’s fluorspar component which makes it one of the largest potential sources of
fluorspar in the world and could be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar
markets; that Mont Royal is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth element
producers globally, with a focus on being a long-term global supplier of mixed rare earth
carbonate and/or NdPr oxide; and that Mont Royal may explore the potential of other
high-value commodities on the Ashram Property and the expected timetable for dual
listing of Mont Royal’s shares; and statements about market and industry trends, which
are based on interpretation of market conditions. Forward looking statements can
generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as “anticipate”, “expect”,
“likely”, “propose”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “could”, “may”, “believe”, “forecast”, “estimate”,
“target”, “outlook”, “guidance” (including negative or grammatical variations) and other
similar expressions. No representation, warranty, guarantee or assurance, express or
implied, is given or made in relation to any forward looking statement. In particular no
representation, warranty or assumption, express or implied, is given in relation to any
underlyingassumption or thatanyforward-lookingstatementwill be achieved. Therecan
be no assurance that the forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual
and future events may vary materially from the forward-looking statements and the
assumptions on which the forward-looking statements were based, because events and
actual circumstances frequently do not occur as forecast and future results are subject
to known and unknown risks such as changes in market conditions and regulations.
Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements, and should rely on their own independent enquiries,
investigations and advice regarding information contained in this announcement. Any
reliance by a reader on the information contained in this announcement is wholly at the
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reader’s own risk.
To the maximum extent permitted by law or any relevant listing rules of the ASX/TSX-V,
Mont Royal and their respective related bodies corporate and affiliates and their
respective directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents and intermediaries disclaim
any obligation or undertakingto disseminate any updates or revisions to the information
in this announcement to reflect any change in expectations in relation to any forward
looking statements or any such change in events, conditions or circumstances on which
any such statements were based. Nothing in this announcement will, under any
circumstances (includingby reason of this announcement remaining available and not
being superseded or replaced by any other announcement or publication with respect to
Mont Royal or the subject matter of this announcement), create an implication that there
has been no change in the affairs of Mont Royal since the date of this announcement.
Not Investment Advice
This announcement is not financial product, investment advice or a recommendation to
acquiresecuritiesofMontRoyal or Commerceand hasbeen preparedwithouttakinginto
account the objectives, financial situation or needs of individuals. Each recipient of this
announcement should make its own enquiries and investigations regarding all
information in this announcement, including, but not limited to, the assumption,
uncertainty and contingencies which may affect future operations of Mont Royal and the
impact that different future outcomes may have on Mont Royal. Before making an
investment decision, prospective investors should consider the appropriateness of the
information having regard to their own objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek
legal, taxation and financial advice appropriate to their jurisdiction and circumstances.
Unless otherwise stated, all dollar values in this Announcement are reported in Australian
dollars.
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Section1: SamplingTechniques
and Data
Criteria Commentary
Sampling techniques The metallurgical testwork referenced in this announcement is
based on historical composite samples derived from prior
drilling and bulk material collected from the Ashram Deposit.
Drilling techniques Not applicable – no new drilling results are reported in this
announcement.
Drill sample recovery Not applicable – no new drilling results are reported.
Logging Notapplicable–no newgeological loggingresults are reported.
Sub-sampling techniques and sample
preparation
Compositesamples wereprepared for metallurgical testwork by
Hazen Research. Specific sub-sampling protocols are not fully
detailed in the public domain reports.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Metallurgical testwork and analytical work were conducted by
Hazen Research (USA), with selected analyses verified by
independent laboratories as reported in prior technical
documentation.
Verification of sampling and assaying Results are based on historical testwork previously reported by
Commerce Resources. No new verification work has been
undertaken as part of this announcement.
Location of data points Not applicable – metallurgical testwork was conducted on
compositesamples and does not relate to discrete spatial data
points.
Data spacing and distribution Not applicable – no new exploration data is reported.
Orientation of data in relation to geological
structure
Not applicable.
Sample security Not specifically documented in the referenced historical
reports.
Audits or reviews Themetallurgical testwork has been reviewed as partof internal
technical assessments and prior disclosures.
Section2: Reporting of
ExplorationResults
Criteria Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status Refer to previously released announcements and the
Company’s Prospectus for details ofthe Ashram Project tenure.
Exploration done by other parties The Ashram Deposit has been the subject of historical
exploration and metallurgical testwork programs conducted by
Commerce Resources Corp.
Geology The Ashram Deposit is a carbonatite-hosted rare earth element
deposit with associated fluorite mineralisation. Refer to prior
disclosures for full geological description.
Drill hole Information Not applicable – no new drill results are reported.
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Data aggregation methods Not applicable – no new exploration results are reported.
Relationship between mineralisation
widths and intercept lengths
Not applicable.
Diagrams Refer to figures included in this announcement and prior
disclosures.
Balanced reporting This announcement summarises historical metallurgical
testwork results. It is not intended to represent a
comprehensive summary of all exploration or metallurgical
data.
Other substantive exploration data Refer to prior ASX and TSX disclosures byCommerce Resources
Corp.
Further work The Company plans to undertake additional metallurgical
testwork to optimise fluorite recovery and assess integration
into the overall project flowsheet.
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