Open-Ended Mineralisation at CODA East Signals Both Opportunity and Exploration Risk
Enova Mining’s latest auger drilling results from its CODA East project in Brazil reveal significant near-surface mineralisation of titanium, rare earth elements, and niobium, underscoring the project’s growing strategic importance.
- High-grade titanium oxide intercepts up to 24m @ 15.03% TiO₂ from surface
- Rare earth element grades with TREO up to 4,801ppm and elevated NdPr ratios
- Anomalous niobium oxide mineralisation with intercepts up to 23m @ 961.9ppm Nb₂O₅
- Mineralised zones remain open at depth and along strike, indicating resource expansion potential
- Ongoing metallurgical test work and drilling to refine processing and resource definition
Expanding the CODA East Mineral Footprint
Enova Mining Limited (ASX, ENV) has reported encouraging results from its recent auger drilling program at the CODA East project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The company’s latest assays confirm widespread, near-surface mineralisation of titanium oxide (TiO₂), rare earth elements (REE), and niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅), reinforcing the scale and continuity of this multi-commodity critical minerals system.
The drilling campaign, comprising nine auger holes totalling 161 metres, targeted the saprolitised kamafugite horizon of the Patos Formation. This clay-rich, ferruginous ultramafic unit has demonstrated exceptional grades, with titanium intercepts reaching up to 24 metres at 15.03% TiO₂ from surface. Complementing this, rare earth element concentrations showed total rare earth oxide (TREO) values as high as 4,801ppm, accompanied by elevated neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) ratios exceeding 22%, a key indicator of rare earth quality.
Strategic Multi-Element Potential
Alongside titanium and rare earths, niobium oxide mineralisation was also identified, with significant intercepts such as 23 metres at 961.9ppm Nb₂O₅. Notably, all holes were terminated in mineralisation due to the depth limitations of auger drilling, leaving the mineralised zones open at depth and along strike. This suggests considerable upside potential for resource expansion as Enova progresses to deeper drilling techniques.
CEO Eric Vesel highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that the results provide a clearer understanding of the saprolite-hosted system and assist in prioritising targets for follow-up drilling. The company is concurrently advancing metallurgical test work to define optimal processing pathways for the complex mineral assemblage, with collaborations underway with Mineral Technologies and Core Resources laboratories.
Advancing Towards Resource Definition
Enova’s methodical approach includes integrating assay results with detailed lithological logging to refine geological models and delineate priority zones for systematic infill and step-out drilling across CODA East and neighbouring tenements such as CODA Central and CODA XN. The ongoing transfer of CODA tenements from RBM Consultoria Minera Ltda to Enova is expected to complete shortly, further consolidating the company’s control over this strategically significant asset.
Brazil’s stable mining jurisdiction, combined with the project’s multi-element critical mineral profile, positions CODA East as a promising contributor to the global supply of titanium, rare earths, and niobium, metals essential for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Looking Ahead
With metallurgical testing underway and drilling programs expanding, Enova is poised to unlock further value from CODA East. The company’s disciplined exploration strategy and the project’s geological continuity suggest that CODA East could emerge as a cornerstone asset in the critical minerals sector.
Bottom Line?
As Enova deepens its exploration and metallurgical efforts, CODA East’s multi-commodity potential could reshape critical mineral supply chains.
Questions in the middle?
- How will deeper drilling impact the resource estimate and confidence levels at CODA East?
- What processing challenges might arise from the complex mineralogy of titanium, REEs, and niobium?
- How soon will regulatory approvals for tenement transfers be finalised, and what impact could delays have?
