St George Mining has launched advanced geophysical surveys at its Araxá Niobium and Rare Earths Project in Brazil, aiming to pinpoint new high-grade mineralisation zones and support ongoing drilling efforts.
- High-resolution drone magnetometry and passive seismic surveys underway
- Focus on identifying enriched zones and structural controls on mineralisation
- Maiden JORC resource open in all directions with less than 10% drilled
- Ongoing 10,000m+ drilling campaign with first assay results expected soon
- Integrated geophysical and drilling approach to enhance resource targeting
Advanced Geophysics to Drive Resource Expansion
St George Mining Limited (ASX – SGQ) has commenced a new phase of sophisticated geophysical surveys at its 100%-owned Araxá Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The company is deploying high-resolution drone-mounted magnetometry alongside a passive seismic Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) survey to refine the geological understanding of this globally significant mineral resource.
These surveys are designed to map subtle variations in magnetic properties and subsurface structures that control mineralisation, enabling the identification of additional high-grade zones beyond those already confirmed by historical drilling. With less than 10% of the project area effectively drilled, the potential for resource expansion remains substantial.
Building on a Globally Significant Resource Base
The Araxá Project hosts a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate comprising 41.2 million tonnes at 0.68% Nb2O5 and 40.6 million tonnes at 4.13% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO). Notably, high-grade mineralisation starts from surface, with historic drill intercepts reporting niobium grades up to 8.3% Nb2O5 and rare earth oxides reaching 33% TREO.
St George’s Executive Chairman, John Prineas, emphasised the transformative potential of the new geophysical data, stating that the tight line spacing and innovative survey techniques represent a step-change in dataset resolution. This integrated approach, combining geophysics with ongoing drilling, is expected to sharpen drill targeting and enhance resource definition.
Complementary Surveys Enhance Geological Insight
The drone magnetometry survey, flown with 25-metre line spacing over 270 flight kilometres, will deliver detailed magnetic maps that highlight lithological boundaries and structural corridors. Concurrently, the HVSR passive seismic survey, conducted on a 50m by 50m grid, will provide critical information on the depth to fresh basement rock and weathering profiles; key factors influencing mineral grade distribution.
By integrating these datasets with geological logging and assay results from a major drilling campaign exceeding 10,000 metres, St George aims to construct a robust, multi-dimensional model of the subsurface. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for identifying previously unrecognised mineralisation controls and prioritising future exploration targets.
Strategic Positioning and Next Steps
Located adjacent to CBMM’s world-leading niobium operations, the Araxá Project benefits from established infrastructure and government support for expedited approvals. St George has assembled an experienced local team and forged key relationships to advance exploration and development.
The ongoing drilling program, which includes mechanised auger, reverse circulation, and diamond core methods, is expected to yield initial assay results imminently. These results, combined with the new geophysical insights, will be pivotal in defining the next phase of resource expansion and project valuation.
Bottom Line?
As St George integrates cutting-edge geophysics with extensive drilling, the Araxá Project’s true scale and grade promise to come sharply into focus.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming assay results influence the current resource estimate and project valuation?
- What new high-grade zones might the geophysical surveys reveal beyond the historically drilled areas?
- How will St George leverage government support and local partnerships to accelerate project development?