St George Mining (ASX:SGQ) said reverse circulation drilling at the Araxá rare earth elements-niobium project in Brazil began on Friday as part of its inaugural drill campaign, according to a Monday Australian bourse filing.

It has also completed 40 auger drill holes to date, and it plans to begin diamond drilling shortly. It said 404 samples were sent to the laboratory for assaying, and the first results are expected this month.

It is also conducting an airborne magnetic survey, as well as environmental studies at the project.