Perpetual Resources has confirmed significant high-grade lithium and critical minerals at its Igrejinha and Renaldinho projects in Brazil, reinforcing its foothold in the burgeoning Lithium Valley.
- Maiden diamond drilling confirms high-grade lithium and critical minerals at Igrejinha
- New lithium discovery at Renaldinho with rock chip assays up to 7.08% Li2O
- Extensive soil sampling and geological mapping underway to refine drill targets
- Raptor Rare Earth Project shows strong magnet rare earth recoveries up to 94%
- Company holds $1 million cash, focusing exploration on highest-potential assets
Exploration Breakthrough at Igrejinha
Perpetual Resources has delivered a promising start to 2026 with outstanding first-pass diamond drilling results at its Igrejinha Project, located in Brazil’s renowned Lithium Valley. The maiden drilling at the Morro Grande target confirmed the presence of a high-grade lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite system, validating the company’s geological model and exploration strategy in this prolific region.
The drilling intersected multiple critical minerals including lithium, caesium, tantalum, tin, and tungsten, with some assays hitting upper detection limits, such as 2 metres at 2.5% tin and tantalum exceeding 4,900 ppm. Importantly, mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth, suggesting significant upside potential as further drilling is planned.
Renaldinho Emerges as a New Lithium Hotspot
Complementing the Igrejinha success, Perpetual confirmed a new LCT pegmatite discovery at its Renaldinho Project. Initial rock chip samples returned lithium grades up to 7.08% Li2O, with widespread lithium anomalism evident across the area. Elevated caesium, tantalum, and tin accompany these lithium values, reinforcing the fertility of the pegmatite system and its similarity to other major deposits in Minas Gerais.
With 39 samples collected, six exceeded 0.77% Li2O, and 17 surpassed 0.22% Li2O, indicating a broad lithium footprint. The company is integrating these results with ongoing soil sampling and geological mapping to prioritise targets for upcoming drilling campaigns.
Strategic Focus and Portfolio Highlights
Perpetual is advancing its exploration portfolio with a disciplined capital approach, focusing on its highest-potential assets. The Raptor Rare Earth Project, situated in Brazil’s Caldeira Alkaline Complex, remains a valuable strategic asset with previous metallurgical test work demonstrating up to 94% recovery of key magnet rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium.
Meanwhile, the Beharra Silica Sand Project in Western Australia is progressing through advanced processing test work aimed at enhancing product quality and market positioning. The company’s cash position stands at approximately $1 million, with exploration expenditure of around $117,000 during the quarter, reflecting a measured but focused investment in its core projects.
Regulatory and Corporate Developments
Perpetual recently withdrew from acquiring a mineral tenement in Brazil due to regulatory constraints that materially reduced the approved area, which no longer aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. This decision underscores Perpetual’s commitment to prioritising exploration on its most promising tenements.
The company’s Annual General Meeting held in November 2025 saw all resolutions passed with strong shareholder support, providing a solid governance foundation as Perpetual advances its exploration agenda.
Looking Ahead
With multiple high-priority drill targets emerging from integrated datasets of soil sampling, rock chips, and geological mapping, Perpetual is poised for an active drilling season in the coming months. The confirmation of high-grade lithium and critical minerals at Igrejinha and Renaldinho not only validates the company’s strategic entry into Brazil’s Lithium Valley but also positions it well within a globally significant critical minerals hub.
Bottom Line?
Perpetual Resources’ early drilling success in Brazil sets the stage for a potentially transformative exploration campaign in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results at Igrejinha and Renaldinho impact resource estimates and project valuation?
- What are the implications of the regulatory withdrawal on Perpetual’s broader Brazilian portfolio strategy?
- How might metallurgical test work outcomes at Beharra influence the project’s commercial viability?