Power Minerals Delivers Exceptional High-Grade Results at Santa Anna Project
Power Minerals Limited (ASX: PNN) has announced outstanding results from its ongoing auger drilling programme at the Santa Anna carbonatite project in Brazil. The latest assays confirm exceptional grades of both niobium and rare earth elements (REE). These high-grade drilling results Power Minerals Ltd has delivered strengthen the company's position as it prepares for a major 10,000-metre RC drilling campaign set to commence next month.
Latest Drilling Hits Deliver Outstanding Grades
The most recent results from drillholes MN-TM-018 and MN-TM-019 have exceeded expectations. Furthermore, they deliver some of the highest grades encountered to date.
Standout Niobium Results:
- 20 metres at 2,006 ppm Nbâ‚‚Oâ‚… from surface to end of hole
- 4 metres at 2,651 ppm Nbâ‚‚Oâ‚… from 2 metres depth
- 1 metre at 8,616 ppm Nbâ‚‚Oâ‚… from 15 metres depth
Exceptional REE Results:
- 20 metres at 4,757 ppm TREO from surface to end of hole, including 5 metres at 9,579 ppm TREO from 1 metre
- 1 metre at 14,034 ppm (1.40%) TREO from 1 metre depth
- 13 metres at 6,774 ppm TREO from surface to end of hole, including 1 metre at 12,063 ppm (1.20%) TREO
These results continue to validate Power Minerals' exploration model. In addition, drillhole MN-TM-018 was located just 88 metres north of the previously announced high-grade intersection of 5 metres at 13,824 ppm (1.38%) TREO.
Management Commentary:
"Latest results from our ongoing auger drilling at Santa Anna continue to validate our exploration model and provide confidence about the potential of this project. We're compiling drill data to deliver our goal of defining a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for the project, which we hope will be substantial."
– Mena Habib, Managing Director
Understanding Carbonatite Deposits: A Critical Mineral Powerhouse
Carbonatite deposits represent some of the world's most significant sources of critical minerals. For instance, they are particularly important for rare earth elements and niobium. These unique igneous rocks, composed primarily of carbonate minerals, form through specialised geological processes and are exceptionally rare globally.
What Makes Carbonatites Special
Carbonatites form when carbon-rich magma from deep within the Earth's mantle rises to the surface. This process naturally concentrates valuable elements like niobium and REE. Unlike many other rock types, carbonatites often contain multiple valuable commodities in the same deposit, consequently making them highly sought-after exploration targets.
Why Carbonatites Matter for Investors
- High-grade potential: Natural concentration processes create exceptionally rich mineralisation
- Multiple commodities: Single deposits often host niobium, REE, and other critical minerals
- Strategic value: Essential for renewable energy, defence, and technology applications
- Supply security: Alternative sources to China-dominated REE markets
Santa Anna's position within Brazil's GoiĂ¡s Alkaline Province places it among a cluster of world-class carbonatite deposits. Furthermore, it benefits from favourable geology and established mining infrastructure.
Major Drilling Campaign Set to Transform Project Scale
Power Minerals is preparing to launch its most ambitious drilling programme yet. The 10,000 metres of RC drilling is designed to systematically expand the known mineralised footprint. However, the programme will target untested areas east and southeast of the initial drilling zones.
Phase 1 Programme Details
- 2,000 metres of RC drilling commencing next month
- ~40 drillholes targeting deeper portions of the carbonatite complex
- Systematic extension of known high-grade zones
- Focus on previously untested areas with significant upside potential
| Drilling Programme Comparison | Completed | Planned Phase 1 | Total Programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metres Drilled | 2,527m (RC + Auger) | 2,000m | 10,000m+ |
| Number of Holes | 48 | ~40 | 200+ |
| Primary Targets | Initial discovery | Eastern extension | Full complex |
| Objective | Proof of concept | Resource definition | Maiden MRE |
The reverse circulation drilling method will enable Power Minerals to test deeper mineralisation than the auger programme. The auger programme is limited to approximately 15-20 metres depth. In contrast, RC drilling can penetrate the weathered surface material to test the underlying carbonatite complex at depth.
Consistent High-Grade Results Building Resource Confidence
The auger drilling programme has now completed 19 holes totalling 255.25 metres. Results demonstrate remarkable consistency across the tested area. Moreover, the weighted average of all 256 sample results stands at 1,537 ppm Nbâ‚‚Oâ‚… and 0.49% TREO. This indicates the robust nature of the mineralisation and validates the high-grade drilling results Power Minerals Ltd continues to achieve.
Recent Results Summary (MN-TM-014 to MN-TM-019)
| Drillhole | Depth (m) | Best Nbâ‚‚Oâ‚… Result | Best TREO Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| MN-TM-014 | 16 | 6m at 2,363 ppm | 16m at 3,848 ppm |
| MN-TM-015 | 14 | 6m at 1,740 ppm | 5m at 7,204 ppm |
| MN-TM-016 | 15 | 7m at 1,525 ppm | 8m at 4,691 ppm |
| MN-TM-017 | 11 | 4m at 1,810 ppm | 11m at 4,157 ppm |
| MN-TM-018 | 20 | 20m at 2,006 ppm | 20m at 4,757 ppm |
| MN-TM-019 | 13 | 6m at 1,798 ppm | 13m at 6,774 ppm |
The systematic 80-metre grid spacing of the auger programme provides excellent geological control. This spacing ensures optimal targeting of the highest-grade zones for planning the upcoming RC drilling campaign. Additionally, this spacing strikes a balance between drill density and cost efficiency whilst maintaining sufficient geological confidence.
Strategic Position in Brazil's Critical Minerals Hub
The Santa Anna project benefits from an exceptional strategic position within Brazil's established mining jurisdiction. Located just 6 kilometres from the town of Mundo Novo in GoiĂ¡s State and 335 kilometres northwest of BrasĂlia, the project enjoys excellent infrastructure access.
Key Strategic Advantages
- Established mining jurisdiction with supportive regulatory framework
- Proximity to infrastructure including state highways and power grid
- Skilled local workforce experienced in mining operations
- Government support for critical minerals development
- Political stability in a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction
Power Minerals holds a binding option over the entire alkaline carbonatite complex through two permits covering 1,705 hectares. This provides complete control over this significant resource opportunity. The permits (ANM 861.559/2021 and 860.896/2024) are reported to be in good standing with government authorities.
Pathway to Maiden Resource Estimate in Q1 2026
The company has established a clear timeline for advancing Santa Anna toward its first Mineral Resource Estimate. Consequently, the expanded drilling programme is specifically designed to provide the geological confidence required for resource calculation.
Key Milestones Ahead
- December 2025: Commencement of 2,000m RC drilling programme
- Q1 2026: Target delivery of maiden Mineral Resource Estimate
- Q2 2026: Completion of full 10,000m drilling programme
- Mid-2026: Updated resource estimate incorporating full dataset
The shallow, weathered mineralisation encountered to date suggests potential for low-cost extraction methods. Furthermore, the consistent high grades indicate the possibility of a substantial resource base. The weathered nature of the surface mineralisation could potentially reduce processing complexity and costs compared to hard rock operations.
Niobium and REE Market Context
Both niobium and rare earth elements are classified as critical minerals by major economies worldwide. This classification reflects their essential role in modern technology and energy transition.
Niobium Applications
- High-strength steel alloys for automotive and aerospace industries
- Superconducting materials for medical equipment and energy storage
- Electronic components and telecommunications infrastructure
REE Applications
- Permanent magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicle motors
- Catalysts in petroleum refining and automotive emissions control
- Advanced electronics including smartphones and defence systems
Global supply chains for both commodities are concentrated. China dominates REE production whilst Brazil controls approximately 90% of niobium output. This concentration creates strategic opportunities for new suppliers in stable jurisdictions like Brazil.
Why Investors Should Track Power Minerals
Power Minerals has positioned itself at the forefront of critical minerals exploration in one of the world's most prospective regions. The Santa Anna project represents a rare opportunity to gain exposure to the high-grade drilling results Power Minerals Ltd continues to deliver. This involves high-grade niobium and REE mineralisation in an established mining jurisdiction.
Investment Highlights
- Exceptional grades confirmed across multiple drill programmes
- Large-scale resource potential within a 1,705-hectare complex
- Near-term catalysts with major drilling programme commencing
- Strategic commodities essential for energy transition
- Proven management team with track record of discovery and development
Key Takeaway:
Power Minerals has assembled one of the most compelling critical minerals projects in the sector. This includes exceptional grades, substantial scale potential, and a clear pathway to resource definition. With major drilling set to commence and a maiden resource estimate targeted for Q1 2026, the company offers investors direct exposure to the next phase of the global energy transition.
The combination of consistent high-grade results, strategic commodity exposure, and aggressive development timeline positions Power Minerals as a standout opportunity. The high-grade drilling results Power Minerals Ltd produces are particularly noteworthy in the critical minerals sector. With the global push toward renewable energy driving unprecedented demand for niobium and REE, Santa Anna represents a potential cornerstone asset in the emerging clean energy supply chain.
The company's systematic approach to exploration, combined with the favourable jurisdiction and exceptional mineralisation grades, provides multiple pathways for value creation. This value creation continues as the project advances toward resource definition and potential development studies.
Want to Discover More About Power Minerals' High-Grade Santa Anna Project?
With exceptional drilling results continuing to validate the Santa Anna carbonatite complex and a major 10,000-metre RC drilling campaign set to commence next month, Power Minerals is positioned at the forefront of critical minerals exploration. As the company targets a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Q1 2026, investors seeking exposure to high-grade niobium and rare earth mineralisation in a tier-one jurisdiction should explore the full investment opportunity. Visit www.powerminerals.com.au to access detailed project information, latest announcements, and comprehensive company reports to evaluate Power Minerals' potential role in your investment portfolio.
