Power Minerals Validates High-Grade Carbonatite REE Intrusion at Santa Anna, Brazil

A Significant Discovery in Brazil’s Rare Earth Landscape

Power Minerals Limited (ASX – PNN) has announced a major validation of its Santa Anna Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project in Goiás State, Brazil. The company confirmed the presence of a high-grade carbonatite hard rock intrusion, a style of deposit known for its elevated REE concentrations and economic mining potential. This confirmation follows extensive integration of geophysical, geochemical, and geological data, reinforcing the project's promising outlook.

Santa Anna’s mineralisation begins at surface and is potentially free-digging, which could translate into lower extraction costs compared to other REE deposit types. Notably, drill samples have returned grades as high as 6.2% total rare earth oxides (TREO), a competitive figure in the global rare earth sector. The deposit remains open along multiple areas, suggesting further upside potential as drilling continues.

Strategic Drilling and Advanced Survey Techniques

The company is actively expanding its drilling program to better understand the distribution of high-grade pockets within the carbonatite intrusion. Complementing this, Power Minerals plans to deploy drone-based magnetic and radiometric surveys. These advanced geophysical methods will enable more precise mapping of the carbonatite phases, helping to prioritise drilling targets and accelerate the definition of an Exploration Target and a maiden JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate.

Such a methodical approach is critical given the complex geology and the size of the intrusion. The Santa Anna complex’s radiometric signature, enriched in potassium but not significantly in thorium or uranium, aligns with expectations for carbonatite-hosted REE deposits, further validating the exploration model.

Positioned for Growth with Local Expertise and Infrastructure

Santa Anna’s location offers strategic advantages. Situated just 800 metres from a sealed highway (GO-156), the project benefits from excellent road access and existing infrastructure, factors that can materially reduce development timelines and costs. Moreover, Power Minerals’ partnership with EDEM, a major local mining company and the project vendor, provides invaluable in-country expertise and a pathway to fast-track regulatory approvals in Goiás State.

This collaboration is particularly significant given EDEM’s status as the fifth largest bauxite producer in the region, underscoring the project’s integration within a proven mining jurisdiction. The supportive state government further enhances the project’s prospects for timely advancement.

Context Within the Global REE Market

While Santa Anna is still in the exploration stage, its potential places it among notable western-world carbonatite-hosted REE deposits such as Lynas Rare Earths’ Mt Weld in Australia and MP Materials’ Mountain Pass in the USA. Although these established projects have been known for decades, Santa Anna’s discovery in 2021 and rapid progress highlight its emerging significance as a potential ex-China source of critical minerals.

Power Minerals’ focus on high-grade hard rock REE deposits aligns with global supply chain diversification efforts, as demand for rare earths continues to grow in clean energy and technology sectors.