Enova Mining (ASX:ENV) has begun resource delineation drilling at the Bald Hill rare earth element (REE) prospect within the Naked Hill project in Brazil.

The current program includes 198 auger holes to be completed in three phases. It is intended to define the extent and continuity of saprolite-hosted REE mineralisation and support resource delineation.

Previous diamond and auger drilling confirmed the ionic adsorption clay (IAC) amenability of REE-bearing saprolite from surface across multiple holes, giving the latest campaign a defined follow-up role in tightening the geological model rather than testing a new concept.

Chief executive Eric Vesel said integrated mineral characterisation and hydrometallurgical test-work for selective REE extraction, led by Alexandre Rocha Da Rocha and Geological Consultores Associados, is progressing.

“Enova’s priority is to establish ionic adsorption clay (IAC) rare earth element (REE) resources at the Naked Hill project,” he said.

“Resource delineation drilling is underway at the Bald Hill Prospect, following previous diamond and auger drilling that confirmed extensive saprolite-hosted REE mineralisation and ionic adsorption clay (IAC) amenability. The current program is designed to define the extent and continuity of the mineralised saprolite and support future resource delineation.

“While progressing stakeholder engagement at East Salinas, Enova completed regional field reconnaissance, geochemical sampling and auger drilling across the East Salinas tenements and the Santo Antonio do Jacinto, Carai and Resplendor projects. These programs advanced regional target generation, satisfied work obligations and supported the ongoing assessment of Enova’s Brazilian tenement portfolio.”

The auger drilling program will be carried out in three phases, with each phase informing the next stage of drilling. Phase 1 consists of 61 holes on a 200m by 200m grid. Phases 2 and 3 comprise the remaining holes on a 100m by 100m grid.

The program is designed to define the extent and continuity of saprolite-hosted REE mineralisation across the Bald Hill, Naked Hill, Hairy Hill and Flat Hill prospects. Results from each phase will be used to refine the geological model and support resource delineation, which is a key step before any resource estimate can be assessed in the broader project context.

ENV was steady at 0.2 cents. Market capitalisation was $3.961 million.

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