Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd has confirmed high-grade rare earth element mineralisation at its Ema project in Brazil, with new drilling results extending the resource footprint and reinforcing the project's economic potential.
- Infill drilling confirms premium-grade magnetic rare earth oxides regularly exceeding 200ppm
- Significant intercepts averaging over 800ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO) across multiple holes
- Extension of mineralisation by 4 kilometres beyond initial starter zone
- Results validate and strengthen the in-situ recovery (ISR) geological model
- Upcoming milestones include Mineral Resource Estimate update and Bankable Feasibility Study in early 2026
Premium Grades Confirmed at Ema
Brazilian Critical Minerals Ltd (ASX – BCM) has released assay results from the first batch of its 2025 infill auger drilling program at the Ema rare earth element (REE) project in Brazil’s Apuí region. The results reveal consistently high-grade magnetic rare earth oxides, with total rare earth oxide (TREO) grades regularly exceeding 200ppm and several significant intercepts averaging above 800ppm TREO. These findings not only validate the known mineralisation but also extend it by approximately 4 kilometres beyond the initial starter zone.
Advancing In-Situ Recovery Potential
The drilling focused on zones optimised for in-situ recovery (ISR), a low-cost extraction method already field-tested and proven in similar ionic clay deposits globally. The assay results reinforce the ISR-optimised geological model, showing a continuous mineralised horizon typically around 10 metres thick in the lower saprolite zone just above fresh rock. Notably, the presence of valuable heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium, comprising over 31% of the magnetic rare earth oxide composition at depth, highlights the economic attractiveness of the deposit.
Expanding Resource Confidence and Scale
With 24 holes (23% of the 101-hole program) reported so far, the infill drilling at 300-metre centres has significantly increased confidence in the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The current MRE stands at 943 million tonnes averaging 74% magnetic rare earth oxides, including 248 million tonnes classified as Indicated material. The expanded drilling footprint and consistent grade continuity suggest a robust resource base suitable for near-term development.
Pathway to Feasibility and Commercialisation
Looking ahead, BCM plans to complete all assay processing by February 2026, followed by an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in the first quarter of 2026. Concurrent metallurgical testing, including magnesium sulphate leaching assays, will underpin the conversion of resources to Ore Reserves. The company aims to finalize a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) in early 2026, incorporating updated resource data, metallurgical results, and groundwater modelling. Meanwhile, BCM continues active permitting discussions and is progressing offtake negotiations, critical steps toward commercial production.
Strategic Positioning in the Global REE Market
The Ema project’s ionic clay REE deposit shares characteristics with the world’s largest known ionic clay regions in China and Myanmar, positioning BCM to become a globally competitive supplier of critical rare earths. The combination of premium grades, continuous mineralisation, and ISR amenability offers a compelling development profile amid growing demand for rare earths in clean energy and technology sectors.
Bottom Line?
As BCM advances toward feasibility and resource conversion, the Ema project is shaping up as a key player in the global rare earth supply chain.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate impact the project's valuation and classification?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for securing final permits and offtake agreements?
- Could deeper drilling beyond the current 20m auger limit reveal even higher-grade zones?