MRG Metals Uncovers Promising Rare Earth Deposits at Adriano Project
MRG Metals reports encouraging early exploration results at its Adriano Rare Earth Project in Mozambique, with all 17 auger drill holes revealing heavy mineral concentrates and pegmatite outcrops suggesting a primary rare earth source. Assay results are pending to confirm the extent and grade of these deposits.
- All 17 auger drill holes at Adriano yield heavy mineral concentrates in alluvial deposits
- Discovery of pegmatite outcrops along a 500-metre river stretch suggests primary rare earth source rocks
- Historic stream sediment assays showed peak total rare earth oxides (TREO) of 32,393 ppm
- Next exploration phase includes systematic drilling, mapping, trenching, and sampling
- Project complements MRG’s heavy mineral sands joint venture with Sinowin Lithium
Early Signs of Rare Earth Potential
MRG Metals Limited (ASX – MRQ) has revealed promising early-stage exploration results from its Adriano Rare Earth Project in Mozambique. The company’s recent auger drilling campaign, comprising 17 holes drilled to shallow depths of 1 to 5 metres, has consistently encountered heavy mineral concentrates within alluvial deposits. This discovery follows last year’s stream sediment sampling that returned anomalously high total rare earth oxide (TREO) values, including a standout peak of 32,393 ppm.
Pegmatite Outcrops Point to Primary Source
Adding to the excitement, field teams have identified pegmatite veins outcropping at five locations along a 500-metre stretch of the riverbed. These pegmatites are interpreted as potential primary source rocks shedding rare earth elements into the surrounding alluvium. If assays confirm mineralisation within these pegmatites, it would strengthen the case for a district-scale rare earth system capable of hosting both alluvial and hard-rock deposits.
Strategic Exploration and Next Steps
The current exploration phase is focused on delineating the extent of the alluvial deposits through systematic auger drilling, alongside detailed mapping and sampling of the pegmatite veins. Planned trenching below the auger holes aims to assess the grade and continuity of rare earth elements in the gravels. Depending on these results, tighter-spaced drilling and further trenching will follow to refine the resource potential.
Exploration at the adjacent Fotinho Licence is set to commence shortly, expanding the footprint of this rare earth system. Together, Adriano and Fotinho form a large, continuous drainage catchment with demonstrated rare earth potential, positioning MRG Metals well for resource definition.
Complementing Existing Ventures
This project complements MRG’s existing Heavy Mineral Sands Joint Venture with Sinowin Lithium, which is progressing towards initial production of 110,000 tonnes per annum of heavy mineral concentrate. The Adriano exploration aims to build on this foundation by targeting high-value rare earth elements, particularly those with magnetic properties such as neodymium and praseodymium, which accounted for approximately 22% of the TREO content in historic samples.
Company leadership expressed confidence in the project’s potential. Non-Executive Director Chris Gregory highlighted the encouraging early signs from drilling and mapping, while Chairman Andrew Van Der Zwan emphasised the board’s commitment to advancing from early-stage sampling to resource definition that could create long-term shareholder value.
Bottom Line?
As assay results approach, MRG Metals stands at a pivotal point to confirm a rare earth resource that could reshape its strategic outlook.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm significant rare earth mineralisation in the pegmatite outcrops?
- How extensive and economically viable are the alluvial rare earth deposits at Adriano?
- What impact will the combined Adriano and Fotinho licences have on MRG’s overall resource base?
