Spark Energy Minerals Files NI 43-101 Technical Report for Arapaima Lithium & REE Project, Brazil and Provides Overview

Core Viewpoint - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. has published its maiden NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Arapaima Lithium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project, confirming its potential as a highly prospective early-stage exploration project in Brazil's "Lithium Valley" [1][2][4]. Project Overview - The Arapaima project covers approximately 919 km² in northeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil, and is located near several towns and established infrastructure [5][6]. - The project area is about 550 km from Belo Horizonte, with good access via sealed highways and proximity to the Sigma Lithium mine, which is only 15 km away [6][7]. Geological and Mineralization Insights - The project lies within the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province, known for its lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) and gem pegmatites, with Minas Gerais hosting about 90% of this province [10]. - Target mineralization includes LCT-type granitic pegmatites and REO clay deposits, with field observations indicating pegmatites ranging from centimeters to approximately 200 m thick [12][13]. - The report identifies 123 individual pegmatite occurrences across 13 trends with a combined strike length of 31 km, with notable lithium values found in rock chip samples (up to 1,397 ppm Li) and stream sediments (up to 191 ppm Li) [7][17]. Exploration History and Future Plans - Since November 2024, the company has engaged in extensive exploration activities, including reprocessing regional data and conducting ground mapping and sampling, resulting in the identification of four high-priority exploration targets [15]. - The Cruzeta Target has shown the highest lithium assays to date, indicating the potential for highly evolved LCT pegmatites in the area [17]. Rare Earth Element Potential - The Caladão Granite area has shown promising REE mineralization, with soil samples returning over 3,000 ppm TREO and stream sediments exceeding 6,000 ppm TREO [19][20]. - The contiguous tenements with Axel REE Limited have reported significant gallium and REE results, enhancing the project's attractiveness [19][20].