Exceptional Titanium Grades Boost Equinox Resources’ Mata da Corda Project

High-Grade Titanium Discovery Expands Mata da Corda's Potential

Equinox Resources (ASX: EQN) has announced significant drill results from its Mata da Corda Titanium Project in Brazil, with high-grade intercepts exceeding 20% TiO₂ and a consistent mineralised corridor now extending 15km in strike length.

Exceptional High-Grade Titanium Results Confirm Project Scale

Recent assays from 30 new drill holes covering approximately 5 km² at the Olegario South Target have returned impressive titanium grades, confirming the substantial scale and near-surface nature of the mineralisation.

Standout results include:

• 29m @ 11.5% TiO₂ with 2,422ppm TREO and 662ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface
• 21m @ 13.4% TiO₂ with 3,275ppm TREO and 790ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface
• 15m @ 13.3% TiO₂ with 3,346ppm TREO and 807ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface
• 11m @ 12.2% TiO₂ with 2,500ppm TREO and 636ppm Nb₂O₅ from surface

The drilling programme has also identified exceptionally high grades reaching 20.2% TiO₂ in some intercepts, with mineralisation beginning at surface and remaining open along strike and at depth.

"Mata da Corda is a tier-one titanium asset, with grades exceeding our initial expectations. The broad mineralised intervals encountered across the Olegario South area highlight the scale and quality of the system. With further assays pending, we look forward to releasing an initial Exploration Target in the coming weeks as we continue to advance the project's development."

— Zac Komur, Managing Director, Equinox Resources

Understanding Titanium Mineralisation in Lateritic Systems

Mata da Corda's high-grade titanium mineralisation is found within a lateritic weathering profile, a geological process that concentrates valuable minerals in tropical climates.

The titanium minerals at Mata da Corda primarily occur as ilmenite, leucoxene, and titanomagnetite within the supergene clay horizon. This type of deposit is particularly attractive for several reasons:

1. The near-surface nature allows for simple, low-cost open-pit mining
2. The clay-hosted mineralisation typically requires less crushing and grinding compared to hard rock deposits
3. The weathering process has already done much of the work of liberating minerals

Supergene enrichment has allowed titanium and rare earth elements to concentrate in the upper layers of the deposit, creating the exceptional grades now being reported.

Geological Context

The Mata da Corda Group occupies an extensive plain of approximately 2,200 square kilometres on the eastern flank of the Arco do Alto Paranaíba. The area is characterised by rocks with kamafugitic affinity that appear in the form of subvolcanic plugs, volcanic flows and pyroclastic deposits.

From a technical perspective, the titanium mineralisation at Mata da Corda is the result of:

• Multiple pulses of volcanism, evidenced by recurrent pyroclastic levels
• Weathering of ultrabasic rocks containing abundant clinopyroxene, titanomagnetite and perovskite
• Development of iron-rich, predominantly clayey weathered soil

This geological setting has created ideal conditions for the concentration of titanium minerals within the lateritic profile, particularly in the supergene clay horizon where the highest grades are encountered.

Project Development Pathway Accelerating

With each new drilling result, Equinox Resources is advancing toward several key milestones:

The project scope continues to grow with the identification of two new target areas – Olegario West and Olegario East – extending the mineralised strike length to 15km and demonstrating significant expansion potential.

Investment Thesis: An Emerging Tier-1 Titanium Project

Mata da Corda is positioning itself as a potentially world-class titanium asset for several compelling reasons:

1. Exceptional Grade Profile: The reported grades of up to 20.2% TiO₂ place Mata da Corda among the highest-grade titanium projects globally. Most titanium operations typically mine grades between 3-5% TiO₂.

2. Near-Surface Mineralisation: All significant intercepts start from surface, indicating minimal strip ratios and potentially lower mining costs.

3. Scale Potential: With a 15km strike length already identified and mineralisation remaining open in multiple directions, Mata da Corda could become a multi-decade resource.

4. Valuable By-Products: The consistent presence of rare earth elements (REE) and niobium enhances the project's economic potential, with TREO values reaching over 4,000ppm in numerous intercepts.

5. Strategic Location: Brazil is a mining-friendly jurisdiction with established infrastructure and a history of successful mining operations.

Why Investors Should Watch Equinox Resources

Equinox Resources represents a compelling opportunity in the critical minerals space, with several catalysts on the horizon that could drive significant value creation:

1. Maiden Resource Estimate: Expected in Q3 2025, this will provide the first quantification of the project's scale.

2. Expanding Footprint: The continued identification of new target areas suggests the overall resource could grow substantially as exploration progresses.

3. Strong Leadership: Management has a clear development pathway and is executing methodically on their exploration strategy.

4. Strategic Mineral: Titanium is essential for aerospace, defence, and industrial applications, with growing demand forecast and limited new supply sources.

The combination of high grades, near-surface mineralisation, and significant scale potential positions the Equinox Resources Mata da Corda titanium project as one of the most promising titanium projects in development globally. With each new drilling result exceeding expectations, Equinox Resources is rapidly demonstrating the potential for a world-class asset that could become a cornerstone of the global titanium supply chain.

Titanium: A Critical Material for Modern Industry

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a critical industrial mineral with diverse applications across multiple sectors. The material is valued for its exceptional properties including:

• High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Titanium metal derived from TiO₂ is as strong as steel but 45% lighter
• Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional resistance to corrosion, even in harsh environments
• Brightness and Opacity: TiO₂ provides unmatched whiteness, brightness, and opacity in pigments

These properties make titanium essential for:

Industrial Applications

• Pigments and Coatings: Approximately 90% of global titanium production is used as titanium dioxide pigment in paints, plastics, paper, and cosmetics
• Aerospace: Critical for aircraft frames, engine components, and landing gear
• Defence: Used in military aircraft, naval vessels, and armoured vehicles
• Medical: Biocompatible material used for implants, surgical instruments, and prosthetics
• Chemical Processing: Equipment for handling corrosive materials

Supply and Demand Dynamics

The global titanium market is experiencing sustained growth, driven by:

• Expanding aerospace industry with increasing commercial and military aircraft production
• Growing industrial applications in emerging economies
• Increasing use in consumer products and architectural applications

With few new high-grade titanium projects in development globally, projects like the Equinox Resources Mata da Corda titanium project could play a significant role in meeting future demand. The exceptional grades reported by Equinox Resources suggest potential for a low-cost operation with significant economic advantages compared to lower-grade operations.

Ready to Capitalise on this Emerging High-Grade Titanium Opportunity?

For investors seeking exposure to critical minerals with exceptional growth potential, Equinox Resources' Mata da Corda project presents a compelling investment case with its world-class titanium grades and valuable by-products. To learn more about this emerging tier-1 titanium asset and stay updated on upcoming drilling results and the maiden resource estimate, visit Equinox Resources' website today.