Power Minerals to Begin Drilling at Morro Do Ferro Project in Brazil

Power Minerals to Begin Drilling at Morro Do Ferro Project in Brazil

Mining Technology
Mining TechnologyMay 11, 2026

Why It Matters

The drill campaign could unlock a significant domestic source of rare earths, reducing reliance on China and strengthening the supply chain for clean‑energy technologies. Successful outcomes would position Power Minerals as a key player in the global REE market.

Key Takeaways

  • 3,000 m core drilling aims to expand high‑grade REE footprint
  • Assays show up to 8.9% TREO over 60‑meter intervals
  • 800 m large‑diameter drilling will supply metallurgical test material
  • Project holds a Manifesto de Mina licence, speeding exploration approvals
  • Results due June 2026 will guide maiden resource estimate

Pulse Analysis

The global push for electric vehicles, wind turbines and advanced electronics has intensified demand for rare earth elements, a market historically dominated by China. Brazil, with its extensive alkaline complexes in Minas Gerais, is emerging as a strategic alternative source. Power Minerals’ recent acquisition of the Morro do Ferro (MDF) project places the company at the heart of this shift, giving it control over a deposit that lies within the prolific Poços de Caldas belt. The project’s existing licence, a Manifesto de Mina, allows rapid commencement of exploration activities, a rare advantage in Brazil’s regulatory environment.

The upcoming drilling campaign comprises roughly 3,800 m of diamond drilling, including 3,000 m of core holes to delineate the depth and strike extension of magnetic rare earth oxides (MREO) and total rare earth oxides (TREO). An additional 800 m of larger‑diameter holes will generate sufficient bulk material for detailed metallurgical testing, essential for evaluating processing routes. Early surface assays have already returned striking numbers—up to 8.92 % TREO over a 60‑meter interval and ultra‑high‑grade zones exceeding 3 % MREO—indicating a potentially world‑class deposit. Results are slated for release by June 2026.

If the drill results confirm the surface assays, Power Minerals could fast‑track a maiden mineral resource estimate, positioning the MDF project as a cornerstone of a domestic REE supply chain. Such a development would diversify global sources, lower exposure to geopolitical risk, and attract downstream manufacturers seeking secure inputs for clean‑energy hardware. Moreover, the data will inform the design of a processing plant tailored to the deposit’s mineralogy, potentially lowering production costs. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly focused on the June release, which could catalyze further financing and partnership opportunities.

Power Minerals to begin drilling at Morro do Ferro Project in Brazil

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