Early REE Results at Tunas Signal Exploration Risks and Opportunities

Initial Sampling Success at Tunas

Core Energy Minerals Limited (ASX, CR3) has announced promising early results from its Tunas Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in southern Brazil. The company’s first pass reconnaissance soil sampling campaign returned Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) assay values exceeding 2,000 parts per million (ppm), with a standout peak of 2,921ppm. These results come from deeply weathered residual soils developed over a gneissic basement, a geological setting known to be favourable for REE deposits in Brazil.

Geophysical Data Supports Mineralisation Potential

Complementing the geochemical findings, airborne radiometric surveys reveal a widespread thorium to uranium-potassium anomaly across much of the tenement area. This signature is typically associated with REE mineralisation, reinforcing the prospectivity of the Tunas Project. The project tenure, spanning 18.32 square kilometres near the town of Tunas do Paraná, lies within a region hosting the largest alkaline intrusive complex in southern Brazil.

Next Steps, Systematic Auger Sampling

Building on these encouraging early results, Core Energy plans to immediately commence a systematic auger soil sampling program. This campaign will follow a semi-regular grid pattern to better delineate the extent and continuity of the REE mineralisation. The goal is to define robust drilling targets for subsequent exploration phases. Executive Director Tony Greenaway highlighted the significance of the initial findings, noting the extensive favourable basement lithology and the well-developed residual regolith cover that supports further exploration.

Exploration Context and Strategic Positioning

The Tunas Project represents Core Energy’s strategic expansion into Brazil’s critical minerals sector, complementing its existing uranium and critical mineral assets. While no prior rare earth exploration has been recorded in this area, the company’s integration of geological mapping, radiometric data, and geochemical assays positions it well to unlock value. The absence of previous drilling means the project is at an early stage, but the high-grade surface results provide a compelling foundation for advancement.

Cautious Optimism Amid Early-Stage Exploration

Significantly, these results are preliminary and limited to surface sampling. Quality assurance and control protocols were not fully implemented during this initial phase, and no drilling has yet been undertaken. Nonetheless, the combination of geophysical and geochemical data offers a promising outlook. Investors will be watching closely as Core Energy progresses to systematic auger sampling and prepares for potential drilling campaigns to confirm the resource potential.