Power Minerals leach testing Santa Anna rare earths

• Power Minerals begins leach testing samples from high-grade REE weathered zones for ionic clays
• The program is targeting the near-surface layer of clay-rich REEs to a depth of 50m
• Results expected later this month

Special report: Power Minerals is putting high-grade rare earth drill samples from Santa Anna project in Brazil through leach testing to determine recovery rates.

The 23 individual samples are from a recent RC drilling campaign, which returned up to 4.34% total rare earth oxide (TREO), containing 26% mixed rare earth oxide (MREO), representing the best result returned by Power (ASX:PNN) from the project.

Samples for the leach program provided an average 0.75% total rare earth oxide (TREO) and are considered representative of the high-grade weathered clay layer at the project.

The leach testing is targeting the near-surface layer of clay-rich REE-bearing clays, down to a potential depth of 50m of weathered material.

To date, only a small portion of the Santa Anna alkaline complex has been thoroughly drilled, leaving significant areas without sampling.

Power’s goal is to map and sample the niobium and REE mineralisation laterally and at depth.

Leach testing to fast-track processing strategy

PNN managing director Mena Habib said the leach testing program was an important step in the company’s exploration pathway at Santa Anna.

“The independent leach testing of high-grade REE samples from our recent drilling at Santa Anna will provide us with a clearer picture of what may be recovered in terms of the key light rare earth elements, neodymium and praseodymium, as well as niobium from the Santa Anna complex,” he said.

“This testing is set to confirm REE weathered zone for ionic clays which will allow for processing pathways to be advanced.

“In turn, the results will help inform our targeting for our planned ongoing drilling at the Project, which aims to deliver a maiden resource estimate subject to results.”

Samples have been sent for leach testing at independent laboratory SGS Geosol in Brazil with results expected later this month.

Watch: Power moves on niobium-REE expansion

Results due back later this month

The company picked up the project – a high-grade niobium carbonatite hosted asset, which is also prospective for rare earth elements (REEs) and phosphate – back in April.

These include rare earths such as neodymium and praseodymium, which are essential for permanent magnets in EVs, turbines and other defence technologies.

Notably, niobium is highly resistant to heat and corrosion and has been gaining prominence as the market becomes increasingly aware that demand is growing for the metal due to its use in the steel, aerospace and emerging clean energy sectors.

This article was developed in collaboration with Power Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.