Power Minerals Unveils High-Grade REE Potential at Santa Anna Project, Brazil

Power Minerals Advances Rare Earth and Niobium Exploration in Brazil

Power Minerals Limited (ASX: PNN) has taken a significant step forward in its South American critical minerals strategy with the identification of substantial rare earth element (REE) potential at the Santa Anna niobium carbonatite project in Goiás State, Brazil. The company has executed a binding letter of intent granting it an exclusive option to acquire the project, currently undertaking due diligence ahead of planned drilling programs.

The Santa Anna Project, located in the central region of Brazil, is a high-grade, drill-ready niobium carbonatite asset. Power Minerals’ review of historical drilling data has revealed notable REE mineralisation from surface to the end of hole in multiple drillholes, with total rare earth oxides (TREO) concentrations reaching as high as 3.55%. These grades are particularly compelling given the project’s extensive weathered clay-rich zones, which may host ionic adsorption clays (IACs) – a rare and economically attractive form of REE mineralisation.

Drilling Highlights and Exploration Potential

Key drill intercepts include 14.95 metres at 12,434 ppm TREO from surface, including 1 metre at an extraordinary 35,473 ppm TREO, and 51 metres at 10,262 ppm TREO from surface, with multiple high-grade sub-intervals. These results underscore the dual potential for both niobium and rare earth extraction, which could significantly enhance the project's economic profile.

Power Minerals plans to commence at least 2,000 metres of reverse circulation drilling to confirm an Exploration Target under the 2012 JORC Code. Subject to positive outcomes and the exercise of the acquisition option, further drilling will be undertaken to delineate a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate. The company also intends to conduct leach testing on surplus drill material to assess optimal pH conditions for REE recovery, a critical factor in evaluating the viability of clay-hosted REE deposits.

Strategic Significance and Regional Context

The Santa Anna Alkaline Complex spans approximately 2.5 kilometres and is situated within the Goiás Alkaline Province, an area known for Late Cretaceous alkaline magmatism. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to highways, power, and cleared farmland, facilitating potential development.

Power Minerals’ Managing Director, Mena Habib, highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition: "The REE potential of the Santa Anna Project represents an exciting addition to the Project’s value proposition. The extensive drilling database and minimal prior exploration in large areas provide significant discovery upside for both niobium and rare earth elements. This acquisition would complement our existing portfolio and strengthen our position as a clean energy metals explorer focused on South America."

Technical and Environmental Considerations

The project’s low uranium and thorium levels, averaging 4.8 ppm and 28.8 ppm respectively, may simplify future mineral processing and reduce environmental concerns. Historical exploration by Empresa Desenvolvimento Mineração (EDEM) has generated a comprehensive dataset of 192 drillholes totaling over 5,300 metres, surface geochemical samples, and trenching data, all of which Power Minerals is rigorously evaluating.

Metallurgical and mineralogical studies, including petrology and XRD analyses, have been conducted in collaboration with local universities, supporting the understanding of mineralisation styles and guiding future exploration and processing strategies.

Next Steps and Market Implications

With exploration permits already secured, Power Minerals is poised to initiate drilling imminently. The company’s due diligence process includes verifying historical assay data and conducting targeted drilling to refine the geological model and resource potential. Successful delineation of a JORC Mineral Resource could position Santa Anna as a significant contributor to global supply chains for critical clean energy metals.

As global demand for rare earths and niobium intensifies, particularly for clean energy technologies, Power Minerals’ advancement at Santa Anna aligns with broader market trends emphasizing supply security and diversification.