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Highlights:
- Strategic Partnerships: St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ) has signed two MoUs with SENAI to advance the development of niobium and rare earth products.
- Production Facility: SENAI’s Lab Fab facility will begin producing permanent rare earth magnets this year, with an initial capacity of 100 tonnes per year.
- Araxá Project: St George’s Araxá Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project has been selected as a potential supplier of rare earth materials in Brazil.
St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ) has entered into two significant memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with SENAI, Brazil’s leading scientific and technological agency, to advance the research, development, and sustainable processing of niobium and rare earth products. SENAI, which operates Brazil’s first permanent rare earth magnet production facility, will collaborate with St George to enhance the production capabilities and technological advancements in this sector.
SENAI’s Lab Fab facility, managed by the Federation of the Industries of Minas Gerais (FIEMG), is set to commence production of permanent rare earth magnets this year. The facility aims to produce 100 tonnes per year initially, with plans to double this capacity within the next three years. This collaboration is expected to drive growth and efficiencies in the production of critical minerals, positioning Brazil as a key player in the global rare earth and lithium markets.
St George’s proposed Araxá Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project in Minas Gerais has been identified as a potential supplier of rare earth materials. This project is integral to Brazil’s strategy to become a powerhouse in the rare earth and lithium sectors. The partnership with SENAI will support the development of downstream opportunities, integrating the Araxá operation into Brazil’s supply chains for critical metals.
John Prineas, Executive Chairman of St George Mining, highlighted the significance of these partnerships, stating, “The partnership agreements signed with SENAI will support the development of downstream opportunities for St George – further integrating our proposed Araxá operation into Brazil’s supply chains for critical metals. SENAI is Brazil’s leading scientific and research organisation and has an outstanding track record of collaborating with the private sector to advance business through innovative technology.”
The MoU has an initial term of five years, establishing a framework for cooperation between St George, SENAI, and FIEMG to produce rare earth magnets at Lab Fab in Lagoa Santa, State of Minas Gerais. Areas of collaboration include the supply of raw materials by St George for pilot production of rare earth magnets, promoting the production of rare earth magnets made in Brazil to other parties in the clean energy sector, and conducting research studies, test-work, and other specialized technological services to support rare earth magnet production.
SENAI will also assess the existing pilot plant at the Araxá Project for potential re-assembly and commissioning to complete metallurgical test-work and produce sample products. This collaboration aims to optimize the efficiency and sustainability of potential mining and processing activities at the Araxá Project.
The partnership with SENAI marks a significant milestone for St George Mining, as it continues to build a strong platform to drive the Araxá Project forward and deliver the successful development of a mining operation. The integration of the Araxá operation into Brazil’s critical metals supply chain is expected to enhance the company’s capabilities and contribute to the sustainable development of the rare earth and niobium sectors in Brazil.
