Equinox Resources Unveils High-Grade Titanium Mineralisation at Mata da Corda

Remarkable Maiden Drilling Results Reveal Extensive Surface Mineralisation

Equinox Resources Limited (ASX: EQN) has unveiled exceptional results from its maiden drilling campaign at the Mata da Corda Titanium Project in Brazil, with assays revealing consistent high-grade titanium mineralisation starting directly at surface and extending to significant depths.

The latest drilling results from the Pindaibas Prospect have delivered outstanding titanium dioxide (TiO₂) grades, with 39 new drill holes averaging 11.6% TiO₂ across 725.15 metres of drilling. Notably, multiple holes encountered mineralisation beginning at surface and maintaining high grades throughout their lengths.

Standout intercepts include:

• 35m at 12.7% TiO₂ with 2,270ppm TREO and 743ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface
• 31m at 15.1% TiO₂ with 3,452ppm TREO and 802ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface
• 30m at 12.3% TiO₂ with 2,961ppm TREO and 739ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface
• 29m at 13.5% TiO₂ with 2,779ppm TREO and 839ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface

Perhaps most impressive was an intercept showing 11m at 16.17% TiO₂ with 3,783ppm TREO and 943ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface, highlighting the exceptional grade potential of the project.

These results are part of Equinox's comprehensive 6,359-metre maiden drilling program across the entire Mata da Corda Project, with additional assays still pending. The high-grade intercepts are hosted within a valuable heavy mineral assemblage dominated by ilmenite, leucoxene, and titanomagnetite.

Understanding Titanium Dioxide and Critical Minerals

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a crucial industrial mineral primarily used in the production of white pigments for paints, plastics, and paper. However, its applications extend far beyond these traditional uses into aerospace, medical implants, and emerging technologies due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

The Mata da Corda project is particularly noteworthy because it contains not only high-grade titanium but also significant concentrations of rare earth elements (measured as Total Rare Earth Oxides or TREO) and niobium (Nb₂O₅). These critical minerals are essential components in clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and defence applications.

What makes these results especially significant is the consistent presence of what the industry calls "magnet rare earth oxides" (MREO), which typically comprise 20-25% of the total rare earth content in the deposit. These specific rare earths—including neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium—are the most commercially valuable due to their use in high-strength permanent magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages

The Mata da Corda Project benefits from an exceptional location in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with excellent infrastructure access. The project area is served by major highways and high-tension power lines, significantly reducing potential development costs.

Brazil's established mining framework and Minas Gerais' long history of resource development provide a stable operating environment for Equinox. The project's proximity to major cities and transportation networks enhances its economic viability compared to more remote titanium and rare earth deposits globally.

Next Steps: Resource Definition and Processing Optimisation

Equinox Resources is now conducting further testwork to optimise titanium dioxide recovery methods, which will support the company's targeted maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. This work will be crucial in determining the economic parameters of the project.

The company's management team appears confident in the project's potential, with Managing Director Zac Komur noting:

"The geological consistency we're seeing is remarkable, identical high-grade profiles across the prospect areas. This maiden drilling campaign has identified a mineralised district with thick surface mineralisation that ends in premium TiO₂ grades."

Investment Perspective: A Unique Titanium and Critical Minerals Opportunity

Equinox Resources presents a compelling investment case as it develops what appears to be an extensive, high-grade titanium resource with valuable rare earth and niobium credits. Several factors make this project particularly noteworthy for investors:

1. Surface Mineralisation: The consistently high grades beginning at surface suggest potential for low-cost mining with minimal stripping ratio.

2. Multi-Commodity Potential: While titanium dioxide is the primary target, the significant rare earth and niobium credits could substantially enhance project economics.

3. Scale Potential: With 972.46 km² of tenements and consistent mineralisation across widely spaced drill holes, the resource potential appears substantial.

4. Processing Advantages: The specific heavy mineral assemblage (ilmenite, leucoxene, and titanomagnetite) is well-understood from a processing perspective.

5. Critical Mineral Exposure: The project provides exposure to titanium, rare earths, and niobium—all considered critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition.

As global demand for titanium continues to grow and secure supplies of critical minerals become increasingly strategic, Equinox's Mata da Corda project represents a significant development in the sector. With additional assay results pending and a maiden resource estimate on the horizon, the coming months could prove pivotal for the company's valuation.

Investors should watch for upcoming metallurgical test results, which will provide crucial insight into recovery rates and processing requirements, as well as the completion of the maiden resource estimate, which will establish the project's economic parameters more clearly.

Ready to Tap Into This High-Grade Titanium Opportunity?

Discover how Equinox Resources is advancing one of the most promising titanium and critical minerals projects with consistent high-grade mineralisation starting right at surface. With impressive titanium dioxide grades alongside valuable rare earth elements and niobium, the Mata da Corda Project represents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals sector. To learn more about Equinox Resources and their progress towards a maiden resource estimate, visit their website for the latest information and investor presentations.