Power Minerals (ASX:PNN) expanded auger programme confirms deep weathering at Santa Anna

Mena Habib, Managing Director from Power Minerals Ltd, spoke to MarketOpen to further discuss the recent exploration activities and technical developments at the Santa Anna Niobium Project.

Can you elaborate on the scope of the recent drilling campaign and the specific geological characteristics identified within the intrusion?

Between July 2025 and January 2026, we successfully completed a comprehensive drilling campaign, which consisted of sixty-three bucket power auger holes. Each hole was drilled vertically to effectively test the regolith controlled mineralisation.

The geological interpretation of this mineralisation indicates that it is vertically stratified, a feature that is attributed to the overprinting effects of lateritic weathering.

Notably, we have observed a deep weathering profile that typically extends over 30 metres and can reach depths of as much as 50 metres below the surface.

This extensive weathering profile is significant as it not only impacts the mineralisation characteristics but also presents opportunities for efficient extraction methodologies in future mining operations.

Ensuring sample quality is vital for de risking a resource; could you explain the protocols used for sample recovery and preparation during this programme?

To ensure the highest quality of sample recovery during our drilling campaign, we implemented rigorous protocols. Each sample was captured directly from the auger flights onto a tarp, allowing for immediate visual inspection and management of the material.

Once a one-metre interval was reached, we employed a riffle splitting technique to obtain representative samples for further analysis.

This method not only ensures that each sample accurately reflects the material being tested but also facilitates a consistent approach to sample handling and we meticulously recorded sample weights to ensure consistency across the board.

Given that the material was predominantly dry and transferred directly to the splitter, we anticipate minimal loss or gain of any size fraction, thus supporting the reliability and integrity of our assay data moving forward.

You utilised specific laboratory techniques for these samples; why was the lithium borate fusion method selected for the assay analysis?

The choice to utilise the lithium borate fusion method for assay analysis was driven by its proven efficacy in ensuring a comprehensive breakdown of the samples.

This technique is particularly beneficial for processing samples that may contain resilient acid resistant minerals, which can be challenging to analyse using conventional methods.

By employing this method, we can effectively assess niobium and rare earth elements within the Santa Anna carbonatite complex samples.

This approach allows us to obtain accurate total rock concentrations, thereby enhancing the reliability of our data and ensuring that we are making informed decisions based on robust analytical outcomes.

How does the extensive collection of bulk density measurements contribute to the technical confidence of the project?

Throughout the project area, we have conducted a significant number of bulk density measurements, employing both diamond core and calliper methods to ensure precision in our data collection.

In total, we have gathered 155 measurements from 11 distinct drill holes that span various depths across the site.

This extensive dataset is critical as it provides essential physical data needed for accurate mineral resource estimation.

By understanding the bulk density characteristics, we can enhance the confidence in our resource models and inform future mining studies, ultimately aiding in the effective planning and execution of extraction strategies.

With the logging complete and representative material retained, what are the immediate execution priorities for leveraging this new data?

With all auger holes now geologically logged, we have ensured that the data captured is detailed enough to support both mining and metallurgical research as well as facilitate precise mineral resource estimation.

Our immediate priority is to leverage the retained representative material for further studies, which may include metallurgical testing and additional resource assessment.

By doing so, we aim to continue building a robust technical foundation for the project’s development, ensuring that we are well-prepared to address the future challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the Santa Anna Niobium Project.

Foundation for resource definition

The systematic execution of the recent auger drilling and the application of rigorous assaying protocols highlight the focus of Power Minerals on establishing a reliable geological model.

By confirming the depth of the weathering profile and securing accurate technical data, the company is well positioned to advance its resource estimation and metallurgical understanding of the Santa Anna Niobium Project.

This approach not only enhances investor confidence but also lays the groundwork for future exploration and development initiatives that could significantly contribute to the project’s long-term success.

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