Temas and SAGA Advance RCL to Stage 2 Targeting Titanium, Vanadium and Iron Products in Preparation for Pilot Studies
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 29, 2026 / Temas Resources Corp. ("Temas" or the "Company") (ASX:TIO)(CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF)(FSE:26P0) is pleased to announce the advancement of its collaborative metallurgical program with SAGA Metals Corp. ("SAGA") (TSXV:SAGA) to Stage 2 - Detailed Bench-Scale Optimization of Temas' proprietary Regenerative Chloride Leach ("RCL") technology.
Stage 1 successfully demonstrated the applicability of RCL to three SAGA feed materials, including Run-of-Mine ("ROM") Massive Oxide, VTM concentrate and ilmenite concentrate. Testing achieved titanium recoveries of up to 90.8%, iron recoveries of up to 91.5% and vanadium recoveries of up to 97.4%. These results combined with independent assessment of the program provided the basis for the parties to proceed to the next stage of development (Temas News Release July 30 2026).
Stage 2 is designed to move beyond initial metallurgical validation and establish optimized operating conditions, downstream separation parameters and preliminary process design criteria for the RCL flowsheet.
Tim Fernback, President and CEO of Temas Resources, commented: "Stage 1 showed RCL works on SAGA's titanium-vanadium-iron mineralization. Stage 2 is where we move from extraction to an optimized process and the first titanium, vanadium and iron products. The objective is straightforward: generate the engineering and metallurgical data needed for pilot-scale testing and future economic evaluation. Each successful third-party program also reinforces RCL as a platform we can apply across multiple critical mineral projects."
Mike Stier, CEO of SAGA Metals, commented: "Advancing into Stage 2 with Temas is the natural next step for Radar. Stage 1 showed that RCL can deliver strong titanium, vanadium and iron recoveries from our mineralization without detailed process optimization. Stage 2 is where we convert those recoveries into an optimized flowsheet and the first high-purity products. Generating titanium, vanadium and iron product samples, while locking in the engineering parameters for future pilot testing, will give us the technical foundation we need as we evaluate a more integrated, value-added development path in Labrador. With Radar located less than 20 kilometres from a deep-water port, the opportunity to pursue downstream products on site is a compelling part of the story."
STAGE 2 DETAILED BENCH-SCALE OPTIMIZATION
Stage 2, which is being conducted by Temas on material supplied by SAGA is expected to take approximately eight weeks. The program commences by testing two ROM Massive Oxide samples side by side, comparing titanium, vanadium and iron extraction, reagent consumption, leach kinetics, solution quality, residue characteristics, grinding requirements and overall process performance. The best-performing feed material will then be carried into detailed optimization.
Optimization will then focus on the key RCL operating variables, being hydrochloric acid and magnesium chloride concentrations, temperature, oxidation-reduction potential, retention time, solids concentration and particle size, to establish reproducible conditions that maximize extraction while improving reagent efficiency and solution quality.
DOWNSTREAM FLOWSHEET AND FIRST PRODUCTS
Stage 2 also develops the downstream solvent extraction circuit for iron, titanium and vanadium, testing extraction, scrubbing and stripping conditions and developing McCabe-Thiele isotherms to establish preliminary SX operating parameters.
The optimized leaching program will generate sufficient pregnant leach solution to run the SX circuit and recover first samples of high-purity titanium dioxide, vanadium and iron, providing the bridge between metallurgical testing and commercial product evaluation.
STAGE-GATED PATH TO PILOT TESTING
Stage 2 is stage gated. Phase 1, over approximately eight weeks, is expected to deliver:
- Comparative characterization and leaching results;
- Optimized RCL leaching and downstream SX conditions;
- McCabe-Thiele isotherms;
- Selection of the preferred feed material; and
- A recommendation regarding readiness for mini-pilot testing.
These deliverables will provide the basis for the decision on establishing a SAGA pilot program.
Subject to successful completion of Phase 1 optimization and approval by SAGA, Phase 2 would advance to a mini-pilot program generating continuous operating data, process design criteria and product samples, together with the technical basis for preliminary CAPEX and OPEX evaluation. Phase 2 is expected to run over a 10-week period and generate approximately C$650,000-C$750,000 in revenue for Temas, with the final scope and budget to be established on completion of the optimization work in Phase 1.
ADVANCING TOWARD PEA AND PFS-LEVEL WORK FOR SAGA
Stage 2 has been designed with future engineering and economic evaluation in mind. The work will generate the metallurgical data required to support SAGA's progression toward PEA/PFS-level evaluation and is intended to establish the technical foundation for future 500-1,000 kg pilot-scale testing.
Advancing through defined technical gates, rather than moving directly from laboratory testing to larger-scale processing, progressively de-risks the flowsheet and marks the transition from metallurgical validation to the engineering, product and scale-up data required for potential commercial development.
A STAGE GATED APPROACH TO RCL COMMERCIALIZATION
Temas has built its RCL development strategy around a series of technical and commercial stage gates. With Stage 1 complete, the SAGA program has moved into detailed optimization, establishing reproducible leaching and separation conditions, selecting the preferred feed material and generating the information needed for a well-supported decision on pilot-scale development.
Each stage cleared adds further technical validation of RCL and strengthens the case for Temas to deploy the technology through third-party partnerships, licensing arrangements and other commercial structures.
STAGE 1 RCL VALIDATION RESULTS IN BRIEF
Stage 1 evaluated three representative SAGA feed materials, being Run-of-Mine Massive Oxide, Vanadium-Titanium Magnetite concentrate and ilmenite concentrate.
Titanium recoveries increased as feed quality improved, while vanadium and iron recoveries remained consistently high. Ilmenite concentrate delivered the highest titanium extraction at 90.8%, with vanadium at 97.4% and iron at 91.5% under the conditions tested.
The independent technical review concluded that all Stage 1 RCL validation objectives were achieved and recommended the advancement into a Detailed Bench Optimization Program (Stage 2), noting that optimizing leaching conditions and downstream processing is expected to further improve performance and provide the engineering information needed to support pilot-scale development.
RCL Platform - Commercial Development Roadmap
| Development Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Process Development | â Completed |
| Internal Validation (Temas Projects) | â Completed |
| Third-Party Validation (SAGA Metals - Stage 1) | â Completed |
| Detailed Bench Optimization (SAGA Metals -Stage 2) | Underway |
| Mini-Pilot Demonstration | Planned |
| Pilot Plant Demonstration | Planned |
| Commercial Deployment / Licensing | Long-Term Commercial Objective |
About Temas Resources Corp.
Temas Resources Corp. (ASX: TIO | CSE: TMAS | OTCQB: TMASF | FSE: 26P0) is advancing the commercialization of its proprietary Regenerative Chloride Leach ("RCL") Platform Technology while developing a portfolio of critical mineral assets in North America.
The Company's RCL Platform is designed to recover titanium, vanadium, iron and other critical minerals using a regenerative mixed chloride leaching process intended to improve recoveries, reduce reagent consumption and provide an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional extraction technologies.
In addition to advancing its wholly owned La Blache Titanium-Vanadium Project in Québec and other strategic mineral assets, Temas is pursuing commercialization opportunities for the RCL Platform through technology licensing, strategic partnerships and collaborative development programs with mining companies seeking innovative processing solutions for complex critical mineral deposits.
For further information, please visit www.temasresources.com.
About SAGA Metals Corp.
SAGA Metals Corp. (TSXV: SAGA) is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the North American transition to supply security. The Company is advancing exploration and technical evaluation of its 100% owned Radar titanium-vanadium-iron Project while assessing innovative processing technologies capable of maximizing resource value and supporting future project development.
For additional information regarding SAGA Metals Corp., please visit www.sagametals.com.
- ENDS -
Approved for Release by the Board of Directors
For further information, contact:
| Tim Fernback President & CEO timf@temasresources.com | Matt Worner VECTOR Advisors |
Follow us:
https://temasresources.com
https://x.com/TMASResources
https://www.linkedin.com/company/temas-resources-corp/
Disclaimer
No representations or warranty, express or implied, is made by the Company that the material contained in this announcement will be achieved or proved correct. Except for the statutory liability which cannot be excluded, each of the Company, its directors, officers, employees, advisors, and agents expressly disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, fairness, sufficiency or completeness of the material contained in this announcement and excludes all liability whatsoever (including in negligence) for an loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this announcement or any effort or omission therefrom. The Company will not update of keep current the information contained in this announcement or to correct any inaccuracy or omission which may become apparent, or to furnish any person with any further information. Any opinions expressed in the announcement are subject to change without notice.
ABOUT TEMAS RESOURCES
Revolutionizing Metal Production
Proprietary IP. Global Licensing. Titanium & Critical Minerals.
Temas Resources Corp. (ASX: TIO | CSE: TMAS | OTCQB: TMASF | FRA:26P0) is a technology-driven critical minerals company advancing a dual-business model built around proprietary processing innovation and strategic mineral ownership. The Company's patented Regenerative Chloride Leach (RCL) technology platform delivers significant operational cost reductions - validated at up to 65% lower than traditional processing - while dramatically reducing energy use and environmental impact.
Temas' RCL process is the foundation of its technology licensing and partnership business, enabling global mining and materials companies to adopt sustainable, high-margin metal extraction methods across a range of critical minerals including titanium, vanadium, nickel, and rare earth elements.â¨
Complementing its technology division, Temas also owns 100% of two advanced titanium-vanadium-iron projects in Québec, Canada - La Blache and Lac Brûlé - which are strategically positioned to feed directly into the Company's proprietary processing platform, creating a fully integrated mine-to-market supply chain for Western metals.
Through this combination of innovative IP commercialization and resource ownership, Temas Resources is positioned to deliver scalable, low-carbon solutions that strengthen Western critical-mineral independence and create long-term value for shareholders.
Benefits the ORF - RCL Technology:
The RCL platform technology involves the hydrometallurgical mineral extraction of concentrates, whole ores, slags and tailings to enhance recovery of critical metals, battery metals, Platinum Group Minerals ("PGMs"), precious and base metals and Rare Earth Element ("REE") recovery at materially higher through-yields and lower capital and operating costs than many of the conventional approaches that are in use traditionally. This novel RCL technology is ideally suited to treat increasingly complex ores in an environmentally sensitive manner.
Pilot Testing Complete: The Company has completed a pilot test of approximately 1 ton of material from its La Blache TiO2 mineral property yielding 88 kgs of a 99.8% pure TiO2 commercial grade product.1
Validated Cost Reduction: A significant cost reduction of over 65%2,3 is validated for TiO2 processing using the RCL platform technology (e.g., reagent recycling, potentially lower energy use, optimized recovery etc.). These fundamental process efficiencies are expected to translate into economic advantages when applying the platform to Nickel or other target minerals hosted in complex ores.
Environmental Performance: The closed-loop design and high reagent recycling rates are core to the RCL platform, irrespective of the target mineral. Over 69% lower operating costs compared to conventional processing due to its core features operating at near ambient temperatures.3 This means the reduced environmental footprint and enhanced ESG profile are benefits that extend to ores and minerals previously noted, not just TiO2.
High Recovery Potential: Just as we've demonstrated high-quality, 99.8% TiO2 product from pilot testing1 the RCL platform is engineered for high recovery and purity of all target metals. Our metallurgical expertise focuses on optimizing these recoveries and maximizing margins for each specific mineral.
RCL results in a quicker and more complete liberation of the target metals using atmospheric pressure and lower temperatures than competing methods and improves the selectivity and efficiency of subsequent solvent extraction steps. Management believes that this novel metallurgical process can be applied to many complex resource deposits worldwide, enhancing both extraction and recovery for the operator.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements
Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally and results from anticipated and proposed exploration programs, conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
1 Source: Temas Resources Corp. "Pilot Scale Evaluation of Temas La Blache Ilmenite - Final Report PRO 21-16," 24 June 2022.
2 These metallurgical test results and cost-reduction data were first reported in the Company's Canadian market announcement dated 13 April 2021, titled "Temas Resources Acquires 50 % of Green Mineral Process Developer ORF Technologies Inc."
3 The cost-reduction figure is supported by independent evaluation conducted by the Natural Resources Research Institute (University of Minnesota, 2017) and subsequent pilot-scale validation by ORF Technologies Inc., as detailed in Temas Resources news releases of 2021 and 2022.
SOURCE: Temas Resources Corp.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire