St George Mining (ASX: SGQ) has taken a definitive step toward becoming a major player in the critical minerals sector by securing a strategic 166-hectare land parcel in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The binding agreement provides the essential footprint for processing facilities and operational infrastructure for the company's flagship Araxá Niobium-Rare Earths Project.
The acquisition is a calculated tactical move; by securing flat, cleared land less than 2km from the primary mining tenure, St George ensures that its processing hub remains off-site.
The prevents "sterilising" the high-grade mineral deposits, allowing for maximum extraction of the ore body.
The operational model mirrors that of industry giants in the region, such as CBMM and Mosaic, who also position infrastructure outside the mineralised Barreiro carbonatite to optimise resource recovery.
Executive Chairman John Prineas emphasised that this move significantly "de-risks" the project’s development.
As drilling results continue to suggest a massive, high-mineralisation footprint, the company is concurrently advancing metallurgical test work for its proprietary flow sheet and strengthening downstream alliances in both Brazil and the United States.
With favourable tax regimes already established with the State of Minas Gerais and technical economic studies underway, St George is positioning Araxá for an expedited transition from exploration to production.
At the time of reporting, St George Mining's share price was $0.10.