Enova Mining Uncovers High-Grade Titanium and Rare Earths at CODA Central

Enova Mining has revealed significant near-surface titanium oxide and rare earth element mineralisation from initial auger drilling at its CODA Central Project in Brazil, highlighting the project's multi-commodity potential.

  • High-grade titanium oxide intercepts up to 25m @ 12.0% TiO₂
  • Rare earth elements with TREO up to 4,041ppm and strong NdPr ratios
  • Anomalous niobium oxide mineralisation confirmed
  • Mineralisation hosted in weathered kamafugite within the Patos Formation
  • Metallurgical test work underway in Brazil and Australia
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A Breakthrough in Brazil’s Critical Minerals Landscape

Enova Mining Limited (ASX – ENV) has announced promising results from its initial auger drilling program at the CODA Central Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The company’s exploration efforts have confirmed broad zones of high-grade titanium oxide (TiO₂), rare earth elements (REE), and niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅) mineralisation near surface, hosted within weathered kamafugite rock of the Patos Formation.

The drilling campaign, comprising nine auger holes over a 12-kilometre area, has so far yielded assay results from five holes that reveal significant intercepts such as 25 metres at 12.0% TiO₂ from surface, including an 18-metre section grading 13.89% TiO₂, and rare earth oxides reaching 4,041ppm TREO with a notably high neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) ratio of 22.5%. These findings underscore the multi-element nature of the deposit, which is rare and strategically valuable in the critical minerals sector.

Geological Context and Strategic Importance

The mineralisation is hosted in saprolitised kamafugite, a weathered ultramafic rock unit within the Patos Formation, known for its alkaline-ultramafic characteristics. The saprolite exhibits a reddish-brown, clay-rich texture conducive to auger drilling and beneficiation processes. The vertical continuity and lateral extent of mineralisation remain open, suggesting potential for further resource expansion.

Enova’s CEO, Eric Vesel, highlighted the significance of these results, noting that the combination of high-grade titanium, rare earths, and niobium from surface positions CODA Central as a compelling multi-commodity discovery. This aligns with global demand trends for critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

Advancing Towards Resource Definition

Complementing the drilling results, Enova is progressing metallurgical test work on a 270kg composite sample at facilities in Brazil and Australia. These studies focus on magnetic separation, mineral characterisation, and leaching trials to optimise recovery pathways for titanium and rare earth elements. The company’s integrated approach aims to validate processing routes that can handle the saprolitic, clay-rich mineralisation effectively.

With a total of 15 holes completed to date, including reverse circulation drilling, the company is poised to expand its geological understanding and refine resource models. The ongoing drilling and assay integration will support delineation efforts and guide future exploration targeting.

Brazil’s Mining Jurisdiction and Project Tenure

Brazil’s stable and investor-friendly mining environment, particularly in Minas Gerais, provides a supportive backdrop for Enova’s development plans. The CODA tenements, currently held by RBM Consultoria Minera Ltda, are in the process of being transferred to Enova, with regulatory approvals expected shortly. This tenure security is critical as the company advances its exploration and development activities.

Enova’s broader portfolio includes other critical mineral projects in Brazil and Australia, reinforcing its strategic focus on rare earths and battery metals to meet accelerating global demand.

Bottom Line?

As Enova advances metallurgical testing and resource drilling, CODA Central’s multi-element promise could reshape its critical minerals profile.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will ongoing metallurgical test results influence processing strategies and project economics?
  • What is the timeline for completing resource delineation drilling and defining a maiden resource estimate?
  • How might the pending tenement transfers impact Enova’s operational control and project development pace?