Power Minerals Unveils Record High-Grade REE Assays at Santa Anna, Brazil

Background and Context

Power Minerals Limited (ASX – PNN) has delivered a major update on its Santa Anna rare earth elements (REE) and niobium project in Brazil. The company announced results from re-assays of drill samples originally analysed by the previous project owner, EDEM. These re-assays were necessary because initial assays exceeded the detection limits of the earlier testing method, leaving the true grade of the mineralisation underestimated.

Record High-Grade REE Results

The re-assayed samples, conducted by ALS Laboratory in Brazil, have returned the highest grades of total rare earth oxides (TREO) recorded at Santa Anna to date. Highlights include a 14-metre intercept grading 1.79% TREO from surface in drillhole MN-AC-0007, with a standout 1-metre interval at an exceptional 6.20% TREO. Another drillhole, MN-RC-0009, delivered a 51-metre intercept averaging 1.16% TREO, including multiple high-grade intervals exceeding 3% TREO.

These new results not only confirm but significantly enhance the understanding of the project's mineralisation, indicating that previous SGS Geosol assays were conservative minimum estimates. The updated ALS data will replace the earlier incomplete SGS data in Power Minerals’ resource model, providing a more accurate foundation for future resource estimation and project development.

Geological and Exploration Insights

The Santa Anna Project is situated within the Goiás Alkaline Province, a region known for its carbonatite and alkaline intrusive complexes. Power Minerals holds two permits covering 17.05 square kilometres, encompassing the entire Santa Anna Carbonatite Alkaline Complex. The drilling results confirm that REE and niobium mineralisation extends from a near-surface, REE-rich clay layer into fresh rock at depth, enhancing the project's potential scale and economic viability.

Power Minerals’ Managing Director, Mena Habib, emphasised the significance of these findings, noting that the re-assays have deepened the company’s understanding of grade distribution and mineralisation size. With maiden reverse circulation drilling completed and follow-up drilling underway, the company is confident in Santa Anna’s substantial mineral resource potential.

Next Steps and Market Implications

Following the confirmation of high-grade niobium and REE mineralisation, Power Minerals has commenced leach testing and plans to accelerate drilling to test both shallow and deeper targets. The company aims to further delineate the resource and advance the project towards development. These results come at a time when demand for critical minerals like REEs and niobium is intensifying globally, positioning Santa Anna as a potentially strategic asset in the supply chain.

While the project remains in the exploration phase, the upgraded assay data and ongoing drilling campaigns are likely to attract increased market attention. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for subsequent resource updates and metallurgical test results that could underpin future feasibility studies.