Enova Mining has unveiled significant rare earth element mineralisation at its Santo António Do Jacinto Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with initial auger drilling returning high-value grades averaging 25% NdPr in near-surface saprolite.
- High-value REE mineralisation confirmed from surface saprolite
- Auger drilling intersects up to 2,485ppm TREO at 26% NdPr
- Mineralisation hosted over porphyritic granite complex
- Metallurgical tests show variable but promising leach recoveries
- Further auger drilling planned to expand mineralised footprint
Rare Earth Discovery Highlights Santo António Do Jacinto Potential
Enova Mining (ASX:ENV) has reported a compelling early-stage rare earth element (REE) discovery at its Santo António Do Jacinto Project in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state. Initial auger drilling has intersected high-grade mineralisation right from surface within saprolitic weathering profiles, confirming the presence of a granite-derived saprolite-hosted REE system. The standout intercepts include 6 metres at 2,176ppm total rare earth oxide (TREO) with an average of 26% neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, and peak assays reaching 2,485ppm TREO at 26% NdPr.
Auger Drilling Defines Near-Surface Saprolite Mineralisation
The company completed four auger holes totalling 27 metres, targeting high-grade geochemical anomalies identified from prior surface sampling. These shallow holes consistently returned TREO values exceeding 1,000ppm within the saprolite layer overlying the Santo António Porphyritic Granite Complex. Notably, multiple intervals from surface include 4m at 1,240ppm TREO and 25% NdPr, and 6m at 1,136ppm TREO and 24% NdPr, including a 2m section at 2,140ppm TREO and 26% NdPr. These results reinforce Enova’s geological model of a saprolite-hosted REE system derived from granite weathering.
Metallurgical Testing Indicates Variable Leach Recoveries
Preliminary ionic adsorption clay (IAC) leach test work conducted by SGS Geosol Laboratory yielded TREO recoveries ranging from 1.4% to 15.1%, with heavy rare earth oxide (HREO) recoveries reaching up to 45.3% in some intervals. While these recoveries are variable, they provide a foundation for further metallurgical evaluation as Enova advances its understanding of processing pathways for this saprolitic mineralisation.
Strategic Expansion in a Tier-One Mining Jurisdiction
The Santo António Do Jacinto tenements, fully granted and covering over 23,400 hectares, are situated in a stable and mining-friendly region of Brazil known for its rich critical minerals endowment. This discovery broadens Enova’s critical minerals portfolio in Brazil, complementing its ongoing work at the Naked Hill Project and other regional assets. The company emphasises its strong local geological expertise and efficient exploration framework to systematically progress this new frontier opportunity.
Next Steps Focus on Resource Delineation and Expansion
With only four scout holes completed, Enova plans to ramp up auger drilling to test untested areas and define the lateral and vertical extent of mineralisation. These efforts will be guided by geological mapping and geochemical sampling, aiming to transition from target identification to resource delineation. Concurrently, metallurgical test work will continue to refine extraction techniques, underpinning potential economic viability assessments.
Bottom Line?
Early-stage results at Santo António Do Jacinto offer a promising rare earth footprint, but further drilling and metallurgical work are critical to validate resource potential and processing pathways.
Questions in the middle?
- How will further auger drilling refine the grade continuity and thickness of the saprolite-hosted REE mineralisation?
- What improvements in metallurgical recoveries can be achieved with ongoing test work and beneficiation techniques?
- How does Santo António Do Jacinto’s mineralisation compare to Enova’s other Brazilian REE projects in terms of scale and grade?