Enova Mining Unveils Major High-Grade Titanium Discovery at CODA North
Enova Mining has reported multiple high-grade titanium dioxide intercepts exceeding 15% TiO2 at its CODA North project, highlighting significant multi-commodity potential alongside rare earth elements.
- Multiple drill intercepts exceed 15% TiO2 at CODA North
- Total drilling of 3,101 metres confirms extensive titanium and rare earth mineralisation
- Strong positive correlation between titanium and rare earth elements
- Project positioned for multi-resource extraction including scandium and niobium
- Ongoing resource delineation and metallurgical test work planned
A Breakthrough in Titanium Exploration
Enova Mining Ltd (ASX – ENV) has announced a significant breakthrough at its CODA North project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with multiple drill intercepts revealing high-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) concentrations exceeding 15%. These findings come from a comprehensive drilling campaign totalling over 3,100 metres, underscoring the project's potential as a multi-commodity resource.
The titanium mineralisation is closely associated with rare earth elements (REEs), a critical group of metals essential for modern technologies. The co-occurrence of TiO2 with REEs, along with other metals such as scandium and niobium, positions CODA North as a promising zone for future exploration and development, potentially enabling co-extraction strategies that enhance project economics.
Drilling Highlights and Geological Insights
Ten standout drillholes have delivered impressive intercepts, including 54 metres at 9.03% TiO2 from surface with a high-grade segment of 16 metres at 16.1% TiO2, and 48 metres at 12.1% TiO2 including 14 metres at 19.2% TiO2. These results demonstrate near-surface continuity of titanium enrichment within the Patos Formation, a geological unit characterised by alkaline-ultramafic kamafugite rock and favourable weathering profiles conducive to clay-hosted REE deposits.
Enova’s technical team has also identified a moderate positive correlation between TiO2 grades and total rare earth oxide (TREO) concentrations, reinforcing the multi-commodity potential of the deposit. This relationship suggests that as titanium grades increase, so too does the concentration of valuable rare earth oxides, which could be exploited in tandem.
Strategic Implications and Market Context
Titanium’s industrial importance is well established, with applications spanning aerospace, automotive, medical implants, and pigments. The titanium dioxide market alone was valued at over USD 20 billion in 2023 and is forecast to grow steadily. Enova’s discovery at CODA North taps into this demand, potentially adding significant value to its rare earth mineralisation portfolio.
CEO Eric Vesel emphasised the milestone, noting the discovery’s role in enhancing Enova’s strategic growth initiatives. The company is advancing resource modelling and metallurgical testing to optimise recovery and prepare for future scoping studies. Additionally, exploration at other CODA tenements and lithium prospects in the region could further diversify Enova’s resource base.
Next Steps and Outlook
Enova plans to continue resource delineation drilling to upgrade confidence in the mineral resource and explore lateral and depth extensions. Metallurgical test work will assess the feasibility of co-extracting titanium as a byproduct alongside rare earth elements, scandium, and niobium. The company’s experienced Brazilian team and strong industry networks provide a solid foundation for advancing the CODA project within Brazil’s supportive mining environment.
While the results are promising, further assays and evaluations are required to confirm economic viability. Investors and analysts will be watching closely as Enova progresses its exploration and development plans, potentially positioning the company as a key player in the critical metals sector.
Bottom Line?
Enova’s high-grade titanium discovery at CODA North could redefine its multi-commodity strategy, but further work is essential to unlock full value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Enova prioritise development between titanium and rare earth elements at CODA North?
- What are the timelines and expected costs for metallurgical testing and resource upgrades?
- Could Enova’s co-mineralisation strategy attract strategic partnerships or off-take agreements?
