Brazilian Critical Minerals (ASX:BCM) started auger drilling at the Ema project in Brazil during the period ended March 31, delivering rare earth element intercepts across 49 holes, supporting a mineral resource estimate update and in-situ recovery development pathway, according to a Friday filing with the Australian bourse.

Drilling confirmed the lateral continuity necessary for the design of the in-situ recovery wellfield, with mineralization extending across an 82-square-kilometer area, the filing said.

Two trial mining license applications and final exploration reports are under evaluation, while the environmental permit is progressing, per the filing.

Shares rose 3% in midday trade on Friday.