Enova Mining Limited has returned initial leach test results from six saprolite samples at the Poços de Caldas rare earth project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, recording neodymium-praseodymium recoveries ranging from 66% to 79%.

The testing by SGS Geosol Laboratory using a standard ionic adsorption clay protocol yielded an average NdPr recovery of 71%. Total rare earth oxide recoveries spanned 45% to 61%, averaging about 55%, while heavy rare earth element recoveries reached up to 65%.

The metallurgical work follows auger drilling across Areas 1 and 4, testing vertical holes to six metres. Sampling previously returned results exceeding 3,000 parts per million TREO from surface, including 5 metres at 3,871 parts per million TREO and 27% NdPr at Area 4, which included 2 metres at 4,950 parts per million TREO from a depth of 3 metres.

Enova entered an option agreement to investigate rare earth and lithium opportunities at the project in January 2024.

“Initial leach test results from Poços Rare Earth Projects validate the recovery potential of this emerging ionic adsorption clay (IAC) rare earth system. Outstanding NdPr leach recoveries, averaging 71% with a peak of 79%, becomes attractive especially coupled with high-grade mineralisation in these areas.”

— Eric Vesel, CEO / Executive Director

The depth extent of the mineralised saprolite remains untested, requiring further drilling to establish vertical continuity. Enova's immediate exploration priority is resource delineation drilling at the Naked Hill Project, with further drilling and recovery test work at Poços planned following completion of that program.

“Further drilling is required to assess the extent and depth of the saprolite-hosted mineralisation and provide additional samples for metallurgical test work. Enova's current exploration priority is resource delineation drilling at the Naked Hill Project, with further drilling and recovery test work at Poços planned following completion of the current Naked Hill program.”

— Eric Vesel, CEO / Executive Director

Further auger drilling and metallurgical test work are planned to assess the extent, depth continuity, and recovery characteristics of the project's saprolite-hosted rare earth mineralisation following completion of work at Naked Hill.

Read the full announcement: METALLURGICAL TESTWORK DELIVERS UP TO 79% NDPR RECOVERY