Oceana Lithium (ASX:OCN) started its maiden diamond drilling program at the Serra Negra project in Brazil, specifically targeting rare earths elements, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.

Drilling is aimed at expanding the historical dataset and supporting a maiden mineral resource estimate and will initially focus on the central corridor target, the filing said.

The company anticipates an increase in the number of rigs on site as drilling advances, per the filing.

Shares rose 1% in midday trade Wednesday.