Paraiba Sample Shows 4.7% Neodymium Oxide, Boosting Rare Earth Prospects

Discovery Highlights New Rare Earth Potential

Liberty Metals Ltd has revealed a promising breakthrough at its 100%-owned Paraiba Rutile and Monazite Project in Brazil, with assays from reconnaissance sampling indicating the presence of a high-grade monazite-enriched granite system. A standout grab sample returned impressive concentrations of rare earth oxides, including nearly 13% cerium oxide, 6% lanthanum oxide, and notably 4.7% neodymium oxide, an element critical for permanent magnets and green technologies.

While early-stage and based on a single selective sample, these results suggest the project hosts a rare earth element profile comparable to some of the world’s premier deposits. The combined neodymium and praseodymium content accounts for approximately 20% of total rare earth oxides, underscoring the potential value of the mineralisation.

Geological Model and Regional Context

The discovery fits within a geological framework known as the 'Monazite-Enriched Granite' model, previously validated by successful exploration in Cameroon’s Minta Est Project. This model is based on the shared pre-drift Gondwana geology linking Brazil’s Borborema Province with Africa’s Central African Fold Belt. Liberty Metals’ findings mirror the potassic, differentiated granites that source heavy mineral sands rich in monazite, rutile, and zircon.

Paraiba’s established mineral sands industry, featuring major players like Tronox and emerging processing plans, provides a supportive industrial backdrop. The region’s growing focus on monazite recovery aligns well with Liberty’s ambitions, potentially accelerating pathways to market through existing or planned processing infrastructure.

Strategic and Technical Considerations

One notable aspect of the mineralisation is the presence of thorium, a naturally occurring radioactive element historically viewed as a processing challenge. However, Liberty Metals is exploring advanced processing techniques, including acid baking and solvent extraction, that could recover thorium as a valuable by-product for medical or nuclear applications, rather than treating it as waste.

Despite the encouraging assay results, no metallurgical test work has yet been conducted on Paraiba samples. The company plans to undertake a high-resolution airborne radiometric survey to map thorium anomalies, followed by ground-truthing and shallow auger drilling to delineate the regolith-hosted resource potential. These steps aim to replicate the successful exploration strategy employed in Cameroon.

Looking Ahead

Liberty Metals’ experienced in-country teams are mobilising to advance exploration rapidly, with strong news flow anticipated in the coming weeks. The project’s combination of high-grade rare earth mineralisation, a proven geological model, and proximity to established mineral sands operations positions it as a compelling new entrant in the critical minerals space.

However, investors should note the preliminary nature of the data, derived from a single grab sample, and the need for further technical validation. The presence of thorium also introduces regulatory and processing complexities that will require careful management as the project progresses.