Axel REE has reported significant results at its Woolrich in situ leach (ISL) target in Area B of the Caladão project in Brazil, revealing a high-grade, magnet-rich rare earth system that could transform the company’s low-cost extraction plans.
Early magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) leach tests conducted by SGS confirm the presence of a genuine ionic-adsorption clay (IAC) system, ideal for simple, low-capital expenditure (CAPEX), low-operating expenditure (OPEX) ISL development.
Soluble total rare earth oxide (TREO) grades from Woolrich drill holes are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, the 486 parts per million (ppm) soluble TREO reported at the operating Gerik ISL REE mine in Malaysia.
The leach solutions are magnet-REE rich, with roughly 40 per cent neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) and 42 per cent magnet rare earth oxide (MREO), plus meaningful DyTb contributions (two per cent), suggesting the potential for a high-value mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product.
“These initial MgSO₄ leaching results from the Woolrich target shows a very encouraging validation of our IAC and ISL concept at Caladão – Area B,” Axel REE non-executive chair Paul Dickson said.
“The combination of soluble TREO grades comparable to those reported for Gerik and a magnet-rich assemblage with approximately 40 per cent NdPr and 42 per cent MREO places Axel in a strong position within the ionic clay peer group.”
Notable drill highlights include CAL-AUG-510, 10m at 590ppm soluble TREO, and CAL-AUG-520, 8m at 597ppm soluble TREO, confirming high-grade, magnet-rich rare earth mineralisation.
The results set the stage for infill and deeper drilling, further MgSO₄ leach testing and potential trial mining. A mineral resource estimate for Area B is expected in December 2025, supporting Axel’s plans to develop high-value, environmentally friendly ISL operations in Brazil’s Lithium Valley.
Subscribe to Australian Resources & Investment and receive the latest news on commodity prices, resource developments, executive movements and more.