Enova Mining's latest drilling at East Salinas, Brazil, confirms significant rare earth element mineralisation in surface clays, with promising leach recoveries pointing to a cost-effective extraction pathway.
- Discovery of ionic adsorption clay (IAC) style rare earth mineralisation in thick saprolite
- Multiple high-grade drill intercepts with TREO up to 5,058 ppm and NdPr ratios around 23%
- Consistent saprolite weathering profile extending over 4 kilometres
- Initial metallurgical leach tests show up to 61% recovery of key rare earths
- Further assays and deep drilling planned to delineate resource and assess processing
A Breakthrough in Rare Earth Exploration
Enova Mining Limited (ASX – ENV) has announced compelling results from its maiden diamond drilling program at the East Salinas Project in Brazil, marking a significant step forward in its rare earth element (REE) exploration efforts. The company has confirmed the presence of ionic adsorption clay (IAC) style REE mineralisation within a thick saprolite layer at surface, a style of deposit known for its amenability to low-cost leaching extraction methods.
The initial assays from the first four of fourteen drill holes reveal multiple intercepts of total rare earth oxides (TREO) with grades ranging from approximately 1,482 ppm to a peak of 5,058 ppm TREO, accompanied by strong neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) ratios averaging around 23%. These elements are critical for permanent magnets and clean energy technologies, underscoring the strategic importance of this discovery.
Geological Continuity and Scale
Drilling has intersected a consistent saprolite weathering profile extending over a strike length of approximately four kilometres, underlain by the Medina Intrusive Granite Complex. This geological setting is comparable to other well-known IAC deposits, such as the Serra Verde Rare Earth Mine, where Enova’s geologist Fernando Moya previously managed geology operations. The saprolite thickness varies between 8 to 25 metres across drill holes, suggesting a substantial and continuous mineralised zone.
These findings are supported by detailed lithological logging and geophysical data, which indicate that the mineralisation is part of a larger intrusive-hosted REE system. The company’s approach integrates surface sampling, hyperspectral analysis, and targeted drilling to delineate the extent and grade continuity of the deposit.
Promising Metallurgical Performance
Metallurgical test work conducted by SGS Geosol Laboratory has demonstrated encouraging leach recoveries using standard IAC leach protocols. Initial results from 13 consecutive saprolite samples show average recoveries of 44.4% for NdPr and up to 61% in peak intervals, with similarly strong recoveries for other heavy rare earth elements. These outcomes suggest that the saprolite clays are amenable to low-intensity processing, potentially enabling a lower-cost development pathway compared to traditional hard rock mining.
Importantly, the leach tests indicate negligible recovery of thorium and uranium, which bodes well for environmental and regulatory considerations. Enova plans to expand metallurgical testing to optimise recovery rates further.
Strategic and Operational Context
The East Salinas Project is situated in Minas Gerais, Brazil, a stable and mining-friendly jurisdiction with a robust regulatory framework and strong infrastructure. The project tenements are currently held by Mineração Paranaí Ltda and are in the process of transfer to Enova Brasil Ltda, ensuring full operational control.
Enova’s CEO, Eric Vesel, highlighted the significance of the results, noting the broad-scale saprolite coverage and the potential for systematic advancement through targeted auger drilling and further diamond drilling. The company is also preparing for a deep diamond drilling program at its Charlie Creek Project to follow up on previously identified high-grade mineralisation at depth.
Looking Ahead
With assay results pending from the remaining ten drill holes and ongoing metallurgical studies, Enova is poised to refine its geological model and resource estimates. The company’s disciplined exploration strategy, combined with its expanding portfolio of critical minerals projects across Brazil and Australia, positions it well to meet growing global demand for rare earth elements essential to clean energy technologies.
Bottom Line?
East Salinas marks a promising chapter for Enova, but the path to resource definition and commercial viability remains a critical next step.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the remaining assay results influence the overall grade and resource potential at East Salinas?
- What improvements in metallurgical recovery can be achieved with further test work?
- How soon can Enova advance from exploration to resource delineation and potential development?