BRAZIL — Summit Minerals Limited (ASX:SUM) has launched a significant exploration initiative at its Equador Niobium Project in northeastern Brazil.

The company has commenced a bulk sampling program and expanded its magnetic survey, marking crucial steps in advancing the project’s development.

The Equador Niobium Project is located in the Borborema Pegmatitic Province, straddling the border of Rio Grande do Norte State and Paraiba.

This region is renowned for its tantalum, rare earth elements, and beryllium deposits.

The project area covers approximately 534 hectares and benefits from proximity to existing infrastructure, including water, power, and transportation networks.

Summit’s Brazilian exploration team has initiated the bulk sampling program at the Equador Niobium Project.

This program aims to collect multiple large representative samples from across the project area.

These samples will form the foundation for metallurgical testing and support the upcoming maiden drilling campaign.

The company is expanding its magnetic survey to cover the entire project area, including the newly acquired ‘Equador North’ mining lease.

This extended survey will enhance the mapping of pegmatite occurrences, particularly in low-lying and alluvial-covered areas, helping to better define exploration targets.

Initial exploration results have shown promising grades of niobium and partial rare earth oxides.

One sample yielded exceptional results of 30.34% Nb2O5 and 1.513% PREO.

These findings underscore the project’s potential in a country that accounts for 91 per cent of global active niobium reserves and 88 per cent of global niobium production.

Summit Minerals is expediting efforts towards an initial drilling program to validate the quality of the Equador Project.

The company anticipates receiving the necessary drilling permits in the coming weeks.

This systematic approach to exploration, combining bulk sampling, magnetic surveys, and upcoming drilling, positions Summit to advance rapidly in understanding and developing the Equador Niobium Project’s resources.

As exploration activities continue, including widespread mapping of new pegmatite occurrences and ongoing rock chip sampling, Summit Minerals is poised to unlock the full potential of this promising niobium project in Brazil.