East Salinas Drilling Progress Raises Stakes for Enova’s Rare Earth Ambitions
Enova Mining has completed over 65% of its diamond drilling program at the East Salinas rare earth project in Brazil, with initial assay results expected by early February. The drilling targets high-grade rare earth mineralisation across multiple prospects, aiming to confirm continuity and support resource development.
- 652 metres drilled across eight holes with ninth underway
- Assays from 345 core samples expected early February
- Targets include Bald Hill, Naked Hill, and Hairy Hill with up to 2.17% TREO surface grades
- Drilling aims to confirm mineralisation continuity along 4km strike
- East Salinas project located in Brazil’s Lithium Valley with strong infrastructure
Drilling Progress at East Salinas
Enova Mining Limited (ASX, ENV) has reported significant progress in its diamond drilling program at the East Salinas rare earth element (REE) project in Brazil. Since commencing in early December 2025, the company has completed over 65% of its first phase, drilling 652.21 metres across eight holes, with the ninth hole currently underway. The program targets high-grade REE mineralisation at the Bald Hill, Naked Hill, and Hairy Hill prospects, which lie along a 4-kilometre strike within the Medina Granitic Complex.
High-Grade Targets and Assay Expectations
Initial surface sampling at East Salinas revealed promising grades, with rock chip assays up to 2.17% total rare earth oxides (TREO), including neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide concentrations reaching 7,209 parts per million. The current drilling aims to validate the continuity of these mineralised zones at depth. Assay results from 345 core samples taken from the first four holes are anticipated by early February 2026, a key milestone that will guide the next phase of exploration and metallurgical testing.
Strategic Location and Geological Potential
East Salinas is situated within Brazil’s Lithium Valley mineralised district, benefiting from established infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. Geological evidence suggests that the Bald Hill, Naked Hill, and Hairy Hill prospects may be part of a larger intrusive system, potentially extending mineralisation beyond currently identified surface outcrops. This emerging model enhances the project’s prospectivity and could position Enova as a significant player in the global rare earths market.
Broader Exploration and Development Strategy
Enova is advancing a comprehensive exploration strategy that integrates geophysical surveys, hyperspectral imaging, and detailed geological mapping. The company plans to follow up with infill and step-out drilling to delineate resource continuity and grade distribution, supported by metallurgical test work to develop a commercially viable REE concentrate. Alongside East Salinas, Enova maintains a diversified portfolio of critical minerals projects across Brazil and Australia, including the CODA and Charley Creek projects.
Outlook and Next Steps
Pending assay results will be pivotal in confirming the scale and grade of mineralisation at East Salinas. Should these results meet expectations, Enova intends to proceed with detailed resource delineation drilling and further metallurgical studies, advancing towards a maiden resource estimate. The company’s focus on cost-effective, scalable exploration in a stable mining jurisdiction like Brazil underscores its commitment to delivering shareholder value amid growing global demand for rare earth elements critical to clean energy technologies.
Bottom Line?
East Salinas assays will soon reveal whether Enova’s promising drilling translates into a transformative rare earth resource.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the high-grade continuity needed for resource definition?
- How will metallurgical test work impact the commercial viability of the East Salinas concentrate?
- What timeline can investors expect for a maiden resource estimate and potential development milestones?
