MRG Metals has extended its rare earth alluvial footprint at the Adriano project in Mozambique, revealing promising heavy mineral concentrations that hint at a district-scale mineralised system.
- Additional auger drilling confirms heavy mineral presence in south-east Adriano
- High total heavy mineral grades up to 9.56% THM recorded
- Evidence supports a connected rare earth corridor between Adriano and Fotinho licences
- Next sample batch to be analysed in South Africa early 2026
- Potential for both alluvial and hard-rock rare earth sources identified
Expanding the Rare Earth Footprint
MRG Metals Limited (ASX – MRQ) has announced a significant expansion of its rare earth exploration footprint at the Adriano Rare Earth Project in Mozambique. Following encouraging results from an initial 37 auger drillholes, the company has completed an additional nine holes targeting a newly identified alluvial zone in the south-east of the licence area. These latest drillholes have returned strong visual indications of heavy mineral concentrate, reinforcing the presence of a substantial alluvial system.
The initial phase of drilling had already delivered impressive total heavy mineral (THM) grades, with some samples reaching as high as 9.56% THM. The new drilling results continue this trend, suggesting that the mineralised system is more extensive than previously understood. This augurs well for the potential scale and continuity of the rare earth deposits in the region.
Linking Adriano and Fotinho – A District-Scale Rare Earth Corridor
One of the most compelling aspects of MRG’s recent work is the growing evidence that the Adriano and neighbouring Fotinho licences may be part of a single, connected mineralised system. Geological mapping and sampling indicate a shared drainage network that could form a district-scale rare earth corridor. This concept envisions rare earth elements being shed from upstream pegmatite source rocks and transported downstream into alluvial deposits, creating multiple opportunities for extraction.
Alongside the alluvial drilling, MRG has also been mapping pegmatite bodies along a three-kilometre trend within the Adriano licence. These pegmatites are considered prospective as primary sources of rare earth minerals, particularly monazite, which is known for its rare earth oxide content. The interplay between hard-rock sources and alluvial deposits could enhance the project’s overall resource potential.
Next Steps and Market Implications
The next batch of samples, including those from the newly drilled south-east target, is scheduled for dispatch to accredited laboratories in South Africa in early January 2026. These assays will be critical in confirming the grades and refining the understanding of the mineralised system’s scale and continuity. Pending results will guide further systematic drilling, trenching, and mapping activities across both Adriano and Fotinho licences.
MRG Metals’ Chairman, Andrew Van Der Zwan, highlighted the company’s momentum, noting the strategic value of advancing multiple resource fronts simultaneously. With a fully funded heavy mineral sands project and a promising rare earth portfolio, MRG is positioning itself as a diversified minerals producer with significant growth potential in Mozambique.
Bottom Line?
As assay results approach, MRG Metals stands at a pivotal moment to validate a rare earth corridor that could reshape its project’s scale and value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assays confirm the high-grade continuity suggested by visual heavy mineral concentrates?
- How might the connection between Adriano and Fotinho licences influence MRG’s exploration strategy and resource estimates?
- What are the implications of the pegmatite discoveries for the potential hard-rock rare earth resource?