Enova Mining has completed its first systematic geochemical sampling at the Santo Antônio do Jacinto project in Brazil, marking a significant step in exploring rare earth elements in a promising greenfield area. Assay results are expected by the end of September, setting the stage for targeted follow-up exploration.
- Completed 52 rock chip samples across 23,409 hectares at Santo Antônio do Jacinto
- First-ever systematic exploration in a highly prospective rare earth element belt
- Sampling designed to identify geochemical anomalies for follow-up targeting
- Assay results pending, expected by end of September 2025
- Project complements Enova’s expanding critical minerals portfolio in Brazil
Exploration Milestone in Brazil’s Rare Earth Frontier
Enova Mining Limited (ASX, ENV) has completed its maiden geochemical sampling program at the Santo Antônio do Jacinto project, a vast 23,409-hectare tenement in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This marks the first systematic exploration ever undertaken in this largely untested greenfield area, situated within the globally recognised Araçuaí Orogen – a fertile geological province known for rare earth and critical mineral potential.
The company collected 52 rock chip samples strategically across the project area during August 2025, aiming to establish a geochemical baseline and identify any major rare element enrichment anomalies. While assay results are still awaited, initial field observations of porphyritic granites and structural features align well with Enova’s geological model for rare earth element (REE) mineralisation, suggesting promising conditions for discovery.
Geological Context and Sampling Strategy
The Santo Antônio do Jacinto Granite, a late- to post-tectonic batholith covering approximately 350 square kilometres, forms rugged outcrops favourable for exploration. Classified as a Type-I porphyritic granite, it shares characteristics with other high-potential granitic bodies in the region, such as Pedra Azul and Pedra Grande. Enova’s sampling was guided by variations in magnetic intensity, geology, and hyperspectral targets derived from advanced remote sensing analysis, enhancing the precision of target identification.
Samples were collected from fresh and weathered rock outcrops, with meticulous documentation and quality control measures including the use of certified reference materials and laboratory standards. The samples are currently undergoing analysis at SGS Geosol laboratory in Minas Gerais, employing industry-standard lithium metaborate fusion and ICP-MS techniques to detect rare earth and associated critical elements.
Strategic Expansion and Next Steps
This exploration program significantly expands Enova’s footprint in Brazil’s critical minerals sector, complementing ongoing projects such as East Salinas, CODA, and Poços de Caldas. The company’s CEO, Eric Vesel, highlighted the strategic importance of advancing tenements from land banking to active discovery phases, leveraging Enova’s proven exploration expertise and local geological knowledge.
Following the receipt of assay results expected by the end of September, Enova plans to undertake a detailed, tighter grid sampling program to refine high-priority targets. This will pave the way for drill planning aimed at fast-tracking the definition of drill-ready zones and unlocking the full potential of this strategically located asset.
Navigating Regulatory and Operational Frameworks
The tenements are currently held by RTB Geologia & Mineração Ltda, with transfer to Enova Brasil Ltda underway pending official publication. Brazil’s stable and investor-friendly mining jurisdiction provides a supportive environment for Enova’s exploration activities, backed by a skilled local team and robust infrastructure. The company continues to maintain rigorous compliance with ASX continuous disclosure requirements and industry best practices.
While the current results are preliminary and no drilling has yet been conducted, the systematic approach and geological setting position Santo Antônio do Jacinto as a compelling greenfield opportunity within Enova’s growing portfolio of critical minerals projects targeting the global clean energy transition.
Bottom Line?
As Enova awaits assay results, the market watches closely to see if Santo Antônio do Jacinto will emerge as a new rare earth frontier in Brazil’s critical minerals landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the assay results reveal about rare earth element concentrations and distribution?
- How quickly can Enova progress from sampling to drilling and resource definition at Santo Antônio do Jacinto?
- What impact will the tenement transfer process have on exploration timelines and operational control?