St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ) has completed the 100% acquisition of the Araxá Niobium-REE Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and has immediately moved to begin mine development studies. The project is within the same carbonatite complex as CBMM’s niobium mine, which supplies approximately 80% of the world’s niobium. The company has secured A$20 million in funding to support a fully funded 5,000-metre drilling program starting in March. Additional plans include a maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate, metallurgical test work, production of sample niobium and REE products, and environmental, heritage and geotechnical studies. A feasibility study is also scheduled to commence. Historical drill results confirm high-grade niobium and rare earth element mineralisation from the surface, with grades reaching up to 8% Nb₂O₅ and 33% TREO. St George aims to expand the mineralised footprint through further drilling. The acquisition includes an initial payment of US$6.97 million, with deferred payments of US$6 million and US$5 million due within nine and eighteen months, respectively. Vendor Itafos Inc., a global fertiliser company, has become a 10% shareholder in St George. St George describes this acquisition as a major step in positioning itself as a significant player in the niobium sector, supported by a highly experienced in-country management team. #StGeorgeMining, #Mining, #Niobium, #RareEarthElements, #BrazilMining, #AraxáProject, #REE, #ExplorationDrilling, #MineralExploration