Feirinha Drilling Campaign Could Make or Break Magnum’s REE Ambitions
Magnum Mining & Exploration has launched a two-rig drilling campaign at its high-grade Feirinha Rare Earth Element Prospect in Brazil, aiming to unlock a potentially low-cost REE discovery. Initial metallurgical tests suggest promising recoverability of these critical minerals.
- Two Reverse Circulation drill rigs active at Feirinha Prospect
- 133 holes planned totaling 2,000 meters over seven weeks
- Surface assays up to 1.69% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO)
- Initial metallurgical tests show REE recoverable under ambient conditions
- Parallel exploration ongoing at Azimuth REE Project
Drilling Campaign Kicks Off at Feirinha
Magnum Mining & Exploration Limited (ASX – MGU) has commenced a significant exploration push with two Reverse Circulation (RC) drill rigs now operating at the Feirinha Prospect, part of its wholly owned Palmares Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in Brazil. This marks a notable acceleration in Magnum’s exploration efforts, with the program designed to test a large area exhibiting high-grade REE surface anomalies.
The drilling campaign plans to complete 133 holes for a total of approximately 2,000 meters over a seven-week period. The program targets near-surface ionic clay mineralisation and pegmatite dykes, which have previously returned assays as high as 1.69% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO). These grades are considered compelling within the REE sector, especially given the potential for low-cost extraction.
Promising Metallurgical Characteristics
Early metallurgical test work has been encouraging, demonstrating that REEs from Feirinha are readily recoverable under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. This suggests favorable processing characteristics that could translate into lower operational costs if the deposit proves economically viable. Further metallurgical studies are planned to refine these findings as drilling results become available.
Magnum’s Chairman, Michael Davy, highlighted the strategic importance of these developments, noting that the company now has two active drilling campaigns in Brazil, including ongoing auger drilling at the Azimuth REE Project. The combination of high-grade surface results and positive metallurgical indicators positions Magnum well to potentially define a new greenfield REE discovery.
Geological Context and Exploration Strategy
The Palmares Project lies within the Jequié Belt of Bahia State, an emerging REE province characterised by metamorphosed intrusives and pegmatite dykes. The Feirinha Prospect features a swarm of pegmatite dykes with consistent REE grades, alongside a thick overburden of ionic clays that may host significant mineralisation. The drilling grid is designed to assess the thickness, continuity, and grade of these clays to better understand the deposit’s potential.
Lead investigator Antonio Vitor, a major Magnum shareholder with extensive local experience, is spearheading field operations. His expertise and network are critical to the efficient execution of the campaign and to navigating the complexities of exploration in Brazil.
Looking Ahead
Final assay results from the drilling program are expected by the end of January 2026, with quality assurance protocols in place including duplicate and referee assays. These results will be pivotal in confirming the extent and grade of mineralisation and guiding subsequent development decisions. Meanwhile, exploration at the Azimuth Project continues, underscoring Magnum’s broader commitment to expanding its REE footprint in Brazil.
Bottom Line?
As Magnum advances its drilling at Feirinha, the market awaits assay results that could redefine its position in the rare earth sector.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm the continuity and grade of the high-grade REE mineralisation at Feirinha?
- How will further metallurgical testing impact the economic viability of the Palmares Project?
- What are the implications of these exploration results for Magnum’s broader strategy in Brazil’s emerging REE province?
