St George Mining Delivers Massive 75% Resource Boost at Brazilian Araxá Project
St George Mining has unveiled a stunning resource upgrade at its Araxá rare earths and niobium project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, increasing the mineral resource by a substantial 75%. This enhancement solidifies the project's position as a potential Tier-1 global rare earths asset, with significant implications for the mining sector.
Updated Resource Estimates and Key Components
The company's latest JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate now stands at 70.91 million tonnes, grading an impressive 4.06% total rare earth oxides (TREO). Notably, this includes 0.77% magnet rare earths oxides (MREO), crucial for electric motors, and 0.62% niobium pentoxide, a critical mineral in high demand. The measured and indicated component of the resource has surged by 218% to 29.49 million tonnes, with grades of 4.56% TREO, 0.84% MREO, and 0.75% niobium pentoxide, indicating increased confidence in mining suitability.
The inferred category holds 41.42 million tonnes at 3.71% TREO and 0.52% niobium pentoxide, providing a robust pipeline for future drilling and development studies. This resource, confined to the upper 120 metres from surface within a weathered profile, supports potential low-cost, open-pit mining due to mineralisation starting at surface and extending to about 160 metres depth.
Exclusions and Future Expansion Potential
Importantly, the updated resource does not yet include results from 44 completed resource expansion drill holes, with plans for an additional 50 holes over the next two months. Additionally, the September 2025 East Araxá discovery, located one kilometre east of the main deposit, is excluded from this upgrade. Drilling there is ongoing to define a maiden resource, promising another significant resource increase in the future.
The new estimate, modelled at a 2% TREO cutoff, includes niobium pentoxide in the same cells. Separate modelling at a 0.2% niobium pentoxide cutoff has outlined an extra 24.56 million tonnes of niobium-rich material at 0.52% niobium pentoxide and 1.2% TREO, highlighting Araxá's multi-commodity potential and strategic planning options.
Strategic Significance and Market Context
St George executive chairman John Prineas emphasized that this upgrade is a milestone, confirming the world-class nature of the Araxá asset. The project now compares favourably with deposits owned by major miners like MP Materials and Lynas Rare Earths. Located in Brazil's premier niobium-producing region, Araxá benefits from established infrastructure, an experienced workforce, and strong regional mining credentials.
With continuous drilling and ample growth potential, Araxá is emerging as a cornerstone asset for St George Mining. The company aims to become a globally-significant producer of rare earths and niobium, capitalizing on a market experiencing heightened demand for these critical minerals.
