Santa Anna Samples Average 0.75% TREO as Leach Testing Gets Underway
Power Minerals has initiated leach testing on high-grade rare earth element samples from its Santa Anna Project in Brazil, aiming to unlock processing pathways and confirm resource potential. Results expected this month will guide further drilling and resource estimation.
- Leach testing commenced on 23 high-grade REE clay samples averaging 0.75% TREO
- Testing conducted by independent SGS Geosol Laboratories in Brazil
- Samples include key rare earths neodymium and praseodymium, plus niobium
- Recent drilling returned exceptional grades up to 4.34% TREO with 26% MREO
- Results will inform ongoing drilling and maiden Mineral Resource Estimate
Leach Testing Begins on Santa Anna High-Grade Samples
Power Minerals Limited (ASX, PNN) has taken a significant step forward in its exploration program at the Santa Anna Project in Goiás State, Brazil, by commencing leach testing on high-grade rare earth element (REE) samples. The testing focuses on the weathered clay zone, which has shown promising concentrations of ionic clays rich in critical REEs such as neodymium and praseodymium, essential for permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
The leach testing program involves 23 samples collected from six intervals across five drillholes from Power Minerals’ maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign. These samples average 0.75% total rare earth oxides (TREO), a grade considered representative of the high-grade weathered clay layer at Santa Anna. The testing is being conducted by SGS Geosol Laboratories, an independent facility in Brazil, using an industry-standard ammonium sulfate leach method designed to assess the recoverability of ionic REEs.
Context and Significance of Testing
Power Minerals’ recent drilling has returned some of the highest grades recorded at the project, including intersections with TREO grades exceeding 4%, and mineralisation extending from near surface into fresh rock. The presence of niobium alongside REEs adds further strategic value to the Santa Anna Carbonatite Alkaline Complex, which the company holds under two permits covering over 17 square kilometres.
Leach testing results will provide critical insights into the proportion of REEs adsorbed onto clay minerals versus those locked in acid-resistant minerals, directly impacting processing strategies and economic viability. Managing Director Mena Habib emphasised that these results will help refine targeting for ongoing drilling and support the delivery of a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, a key milestone for advancing the project towards development.
Looking Ahead, Drilling and Resource Development
With leach testing underway and results anticipated within the current month, Power Minerals is positioned to accelerate its exploration efforts. The company plans to expand drilling both laterally and at depth to systematically map the extent of niobium and REE mineralisation. Previous drilling campaigns, including those by the project vendor EDEM, have already demonstrated the scale and grade potential of Santa Anna, reinforcing its status as a significant exploration and development opportunity in the critical minerals sector.
As the global demand for rare earth elements intensifies, particularly for clean energy and defence applications, projects like Santa Anna could play an increasingly important role in diversifying supply chains. Power Minerals’ methodical approach to testing and resource definition will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike.
Bottom Line?
Leach test results this month will be a pivotal moment for Santa Anna’s development trajectory and Power Minerals’ strategic positioning.
Questions in the middle?
- What recovery rates will the leach testing reveal for key REEs and niobium?
- How will the leach results influence the scale and focus of upcoming drilling campaigns?
- What timeline is Power Minerals targeting for delivering a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate?
