MRG Metals has kicked off exploration at its Adriano rare earth licence in Mozambique, aiming to unlock district-scale potential alongside the adjacent Fotinho licence. Early sampling results show promising grades, setting the stage for a significant discovery.
- Exploration commenced at Adriano rare earth licence with plans to extend to Fotinho
- October 2024 sampling showed 100% anomalous rare earth results, peak grade over 32,000 ppm
- Eight-week program includes drilling, soil and outcrop sampling, and mineralogical studies
- Adriano and Fotinho licences form a large, continuous rare earth corridor
- Joint venture with Sinowin Lithium progressing towards production despite pending government approval
Exploration Begins on High-Potential Rare Earth Licences
MRG Metals Limited (ASX, MRQ) has officially commenced exploration activities at its Adriano rare earth licence in Mozambique, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic growth. The exploration program is set to expand shortly to the neighbouring Fotinho licence, together forming a large, continuous corridor with demonstrated rare earth potential.
Initial sampling conducted in October 2024 at Adriano returned 100% anomalous rare earth results across 42 samples, with 74% exceeding 1,000 parts per million of total rare earth oxides. Notably, the peak grade reached an impressive 32,393 ppm, underscoring the high-grade nature of the mineralisation. The samples also revealed a strong magnetic rare earth component, which is often associated with valuable heavy rare earth elements.
Comprehensive Program to Define District-Scale Potential
The current eight-week exploration campaign will build on these encouraging results through a combination of auger drilling, soil and outcrop sampling, and detailed mineralogical studies. Fieldwork at Fotinho is scheduled to begin in mid-October, immediately following the Adriano start, aiming to unlock the broader discovery potential across the Adriano–Fotinho corridor.
These two licences share a continuous drainage catchment, a geological setting favourable for alluvial rare earth element deposits. The program’s design reflects MRG’s ambition to identify a district-scale rare earth discovery that could underpin long-term value creation.
Strategic Complement to Heavy Mineral Sands Joint Venture
This exploration initiative complements MRG’s fully funded Heavy Mineral Sands Joint Venture with Sinowin Lithium, which involves a 2-billion-tonne resource base. While final government approval for the JV is still pending, Sinowin has already contributed a significant portion of its initial US$3 million tranche, moving the project steadily towards production.
MRG Metals’ Chairman, Andrew Van Der Zwan, emphasised the importance of this phase, "Commencing exploration at Adriano, and soon at Fotinho, is an important milestone for MRG. These licences sit side by side and together have the hallmarks of a district-scale rare earth discovery. With every early sample already proving anomalous and magnetic rare earths strongly represented, we are now in a position to build real momentum with potential to unlock significant long-term value for shareholders."
Assay results from the current program are expected in February or March 2026, which will provide further clarity on resource quality and help guide next steps.
Bottom Line?
MRG’s exploration push in Mozambique could redefine its rare earth prospects, but key assay results and government approvals remain pivotal.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the high-grade potential indicated by initial sampling?
- How might pending Mozambican government approvals impact the joint venture’s production timeline?
- What are the broader implications for MRG Metals’ position in the global rare earth market?