Pimenta Project Drilling Begins After Surface Samples Hit 2.6% Rare Earth Oxides
Verity Resources has commenced an auger drilling program at its Pimenta Project in Brazil, targeting a 20km mineralised zone rich in rare earth elements, gallium, and titanium. Early surface sampling suggests the potential for a significant critical metals discovery.
- Auger drilling begins over 20km high-grade REE-Ga-Ti zone in Minas Gerais
- Surface samples show up to 2.6% total rare earth oxides with 25% magnetic rare earths
- Geophysical data confirms strong radiometric anomalies aligned with mineralisation
- Project geology comparable to American Rare Earths’ Halleck Creek deposit
- Drilling aims to test mineralisation continuity and depth in saprolite zone
Exploration Milestone at Pimenta
Verity Resources Limited (ASX, VRL) has initiated an auger drilling program at its 70%-owned Pimenta Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, marking a significant step forward in exploring a promising rare earth elements (REE), gallium (Ga), and titanium (Ti) mineralised system. This follows reconnaissance work that revealed widespread high-grade mineralisation over a confirmed 20-kilometre radiometric strike.
Exceptional Surface Grades and Geological Context
Previous surface sampling has returned impressive results, including total rare earth oxide (TREO) concentrations up to 25,817 parts per million (2.6%), with an average of 25% high-value magnetic rare earth oxides (MREO) across 147 samples. Gallium and titanium anomalies were also notable, with assays showing up to 89 grams per tonne Ga₂O₃ and 9.26% TiO₂. The mineralisation is hosted predominantly in allanite-bearing granites, a REE-rich mineral resistant to weathering, which has led to enrichment in overlying soils and saprolites.
Geophysical Data Supports Large-Scale Potential
An airborne radiometric survey conducted by CODEMIG in 2011 identified strong thorium and uranium anomalies that spatially correlate with the highest TREO values. This geophysical signature underpins the project's large-scale potential and guides the current drilling campaign, which targets both lateral and vertical continuity of mineralisation within the saprolite zone.
Comparisons to Established Deposits
The geological and geochemical characteristics of Pimenta bear resemblance to the Halleck Creek allanite REE deposit in the United States, operated by American Rare Earths Limited (ASX, ARR), which hosts a substantial resource of 2.63 billion tonnes at 3,292 ppm TREO. This analogy provides a compelling framework for the potential scale and economic significance of Verity’s Brazilian project.
Strategic Importance and Next Steps
Situated in a well-established mining region with excellent infrastructure, including sealed roads and hydroelectric power, the Pimenta Project complements Verity’s broader portfolio of critical minerals assets in Brazil. The ongoing auger drilling program, comprising approximately 20 holes, aims to refine the understanding of mineralisation continuity and depth, which will be critical for future resource estimation and development planning. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting assay results and subsequent updates from the company.
Bottom Line?
Verity’s drilling at Pimenta could unlock a new critical metals resource, but assay results will be pivotal to confirming its scale and economic viability.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the auger drilling confirm consistent mineralisation continuity and depth across the 20km strike?
- How will the grades and mineralogy compare to the Halleck Creek analogue once drilling assays are received?
- What are the next steps for resource estimation and potential development timelines following this drilling phase?
