Equinox Resources (ASX: EQN) has recorded high-grade heavy minerals content at its Mata da Corda rare earths project in Brazil.

Notably, the company’s initial metallurgical results have shown that it can achieve significant outcomes using simple gravity separation beneficiation.

The metallurgical program follows promising initial reverse circulation (RC) drilling results that returned high-grade titanium dioxide (TiO₂) of up to 15.5% and rare earth intercepts across multiple holes.

‘High-potential asset’

Managing director Zac Komur said Mata da Corda continued to demonstrate significant potential for multi-commodity mineralisation across the project area.

“With an outstanding 84.7% heavy mineral content, this grassroots discovery is emerging as a high-quality, high-potential asset that continues to surpass our expectations,” Mr Komur said.

“The successful separation of a clean heavy mineral concentrate and the clear identification of titanium-rich fractions demonstrate the project’s strong potential to become a significant future source of premium titanium minerals.”

“Coupled with free-dig mineralisation from surface and a gravity separation circuit requiring no reagents, this represents a pivotal milestone in unlocking value from the Mata da Corda titanium project.”

Sizeable sample

Equinox collected 80 kilograms of material from a maiden RC drilling program and submitted it to Mineral Technologies in Carrara, Queensland.

The company is seeking mineralogical and modal analysis to determine the nature and distribution of heavy minerals within the targeted mineralised zone.

Drilling to date across the Mata da Corda prospects has confirmed widespread, free-dig TiO₂ mineralisation from surface, with grades typically ranging from 5 to 15% TiO₂ from a depth of 30 metres.

Results have also returned up to 15,468 parts per million total rare earth oxides and 1,112ppm niobium pentoxide, further highlighting the polymetallic nature of the project.

Growing demand

The company’s drilling and metallurgical success comes at a time when there is growing demand for titanium mineral sands.

A critical metal in the US, UK, European Union, Australia and Japan, analysts project the titanium market will grow at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate from $29 billion in 2024 to nearly $54b by 2033.

Equinox is targeting the release of a maiden mineral resource estimate sometime in the first half of 2025.