Verity Resources set for first REE-Gallium drilling at Pimenta in Brazil

Auger drilling at the Pimenta critical minerals project will test REE and gallium lateral and depth potential over mineralised surface sampling and radiometric anomalies.

Verity is ready to launch its initial auger drilling at the Pimenta project in Brazil. Pic: Getty Images

• Verity will test a 20km high grade rare earths-gallium trend at the Pimenta project

• Exploration indicates geological signatures similar to American Rare Earths’ Halleck Creek project in the US

• Auger drilling will target two priority zones within a >20km airborne thorium anomaly

Special report: A maiden auger drill program is set to begin at Verity Resources’ Pimenta project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, to test a 20km high-grade rare earths-gallium-titanium zone.

The drilling will follow recent reconnaissance work which returned up to 25,817ppm total rare earth oxide (TREO), with an average of 25% high value magnet rare earths (MREO) over 147 samples.

Verity Resources’ (ASX:VRL) program will target two priority zones within a >20km airborne thorium anomaly, where surface sampling confirmed strong geochemical correlation and high concentrations of rare earths, gallium and titanium.

The campaign will consist of 20 auger holes, designed to test the vertical and lateral continuity of mineralisation within the saprolite zone.

VRL believes the results to date confirm a mineralisation style potentially similar to American Rare Earths’ (ASX:ARR) Halleck Creek allanite REE deposit with a 2.63Bt at 3,292ppm TREO resource, one of the largest in the US.

Importantly, the REE geochemical signature remains consistent between rock and regolith samples, supporting a model of vertical enrichment via residual weathering.

TREO distribution at the Pimenta project. Pic: VRL

Background on Pimenta

Pimenta is in Brazil’s well-established mining region of Minas Gerais.

The project spans 90km2, targeting a large, granite-hosted REE system enriched in rare earth elements and critical accessory minerals including lithium, zirconium, niobium and titanium.

VRL completed the acquisition of a 70% interest in the project in 2024 from Foxfire Metals.

The company recently agreed to extend the minimum joint venture expenditure commitment term for a further 12 months to February 2026.

‘Hallmarks’ of a critical metals discovery

VRL’s board believes the start of auger drilling at Pimenta is an important milestone.

“Surface results confirm the presence of a widespread and high-grade REE-gallium-titanium system over a confirmed 20km of radiometric strike,” the company said.

“This program will give us key insights into mineralisation continuity and depth potential.

“With excellent surface results and strong geological context, Pimenta has the hallmarks of a significant critical metals discovery.”

Strategic importance of Pimenta

Whilst the company’s focus remains on the development of a resource upgrade and expansion strategy at the Monument gold project in WA, Verity is pleased to be in a position with a second project of global strategic importance developing in the background.

Rare earths, gallium and titanium are all considered critical minerals, essential for modern technologies and national security but bear a risk of supply chain disruptions.

In mid-2023, China introduced export restrictions on gallium and other critical metals, leading to supply shortages and subsequent price increases.

Gallium is primarily used in electronics and is also a critical material in the production of semiconductors, while rare earths are used in a wide range of applications from everyday electronics to permanent magnets used in EV motors and wind turbines.

Due to its strength, low density and corrosion resistance, titanium is used in aerospace components, medical implants, sporting goods and jewellery.

This article was developed in collaboration with Verity Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Originally published as Verity Resources set for first REE-Gallium drilling at Pimenta in Brazil