Spark Commences Drill Program Targeting Gallium-Rich REE Zones at the Arapaima Project, Brazil
Executive Summary
- Spark Energy Minerals has begun its maiden reverse‑circulation drilling program at the Arapaima Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- The initial program consists of three holes totaling ~300 m (≈100 m per hole) and is scheduled to run for about 15 days, with results expected in early Q1 2026.
- Drilling will test near‑surface REE/Ga mineralization, evaluate pegmatite‑hosted spodumene zones, and collect material for metallurgical testing, supporting Spark’s strategy to expand its critical‑minerals footprint in Brazil’s “Lithium Valley.”
Key Details
- Program Configuration:
- Rig: SCR‑100 reverse‑circulation rig (air‑core or RC‑hammer capability) with Atlas Copco X1200 compressor.
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Contractor: Canopus Geologia e Projetos Ltda., exempt from state environmental licensing for air‑core drilling.
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Drilling Scope:
- Total metres planned: 300 m.
- Number of holes: 3.
- Planned depth per hole: ~100 m.
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Duration: ~15 days.
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Target Area: South of the Cruzeta Target within the Caladão Granite Corridor, adjacent to Axel REE’s high‑grade resource (233 Mt @ 2,133 ppm TREO; 100 Mt @ 42 ppm Ga).
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Exploration Objectives:
- Test near‑surface REE/Ga₂O₃ mineralized saprolite.
- Evaluate potential pegmatite‑hosted spodumene zones.
- Intersect gallium‑rich REE mineralization along priority structures.
- Assess southward extension of Axel’s resource.
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Collect material for metallurgical testwork.
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Sampling Plan:
- 2 kg aliquots every 2 m for certified assay.
- 50 kg composite sample per hole for potential metallurgical studies.
- Samples shipped in two batches (after 7 days and at program completion).
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Assay turnaround estimated at ~20 days from receipt.
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Logistics & Permitting:
- Excellent road access near Padre Paraíso; permits and environmental clearances fully in place.
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Certified “Insignificant Water‑Use” status – no water‑use permitting required.
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Safety & ESG Measures: Daily briefings, real‑time monitoring, incident notification procedures.
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Next Steps (contingent on results): Potential expansion of RC program, follow‑up diamond drilling, additional soil/channel or metallurgical sampling, and refinement of the district‑scale REE‑Ga geological model.
Notable Quotes
“The commencement of drilling at Arapaima, combined with our recently announced private placement, marks a pivotal moment for Spark Energy Minerals,” – Dr. Fernando Tallarico, CEO.
Qualified Person: Information reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, BSc (Hons), FAusIMM, and Dr. Fernando Tallarico, P.Geo., both qualified under NI 43‑101.