Equinox Resources (ASX:EQN) said results from preliminary metallurgical analysis from its Mata da Corda rare earth project in Brazil showed 84.7% total heavy mineral content, confirming the effectiveness of a simple gravity separation process, according to a Thursday Australian bourse filing.

A total of 80 kilograms of material, derived from the maiden reverse circulation drilling program was used for the test work.

Magnetic separation of the heavy mineral concentrate produced distinct mineral fractions, with the highly susceptible magnetic fractions suggesting an enrichment in titanium-bearing minerals, the filing added.

Further test work and Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis is being conducted to characterize the titanium component within the heavy mineral fraction.

Its shares rose almost 5% on market close on Thursday.