Summit Minerals Ltd has released encouraging metallurgical test results from its Equador Project in Brazil, demonstrating that the pegmatite material hosts significantly elevated levels of tantalum (Ta) and niobium (Nb). Independent testing by Metallurgical Operations Ltd evaluated three bulk samples – referred to as SUMMET 8, 9, and 10 – that were chosen following a review of head assay values. The tests employed both heavy liquid separation (HLS) and gravity table methods to assess the mineral's amenability to simple density separation techniques, with preliminary findings indicating the potential for substantial grade upgrading. Initial HLS tests achieved tantalum concentrates of up to 3.6% overall and up to 5.3% in targeted size fractions, while niobium concentrates reached up to 1.3% overall and 2.8% in specific fractions. These reflect effective grade upgrade factors of approximately 45 times for tantalum and 35 times for niobium. Recovery rates were also impressive with HLS results showing Ta recoveries on material finer than 53 µm between 77% and 93% and Nb recoveries ranging from 52% to 87%. Additionally, early gravity table tests, using generic operating conditions, delivered tantalum recoveries between 91% and 97% and niobium recoveries between 86% and 92%, albeit with lower theoretical grade uplifts compared to HLS. In-depth analyses also examined the grain size distribution of key Ta–Nb bearing minerals, revealing that in some instances, conventional bulk head assay values may have underestimated the true grades due to sampling bias associated with coarse grains. The HLS and additional size-by-assay work have provided a detailed dataset that not only confirms the beneficiation potential of these pegmatites but also offers a clear direction for further optimisation studies. Future work will focus on refining process parameters such as crush size and density thresholds, and exploring complementary separation methods like spiral separation for the coarser fractions. The company plans to undertake a second phase of bulk sampling from the same target areas, along with an expanded soil sampling program that will move onto adjacent areas. These initiatives are designed to gather more comprehensive mineralogical data and support the design of a streamlined processing flowsheet. Summit Minerals Ltd’s managing director, Dr Matthew Cobb, is optimistic that these early metallurgical successes will underpin a robust drill-target strategy once necessary permits are finalised. Bullish sentiment is supported by the strong early indications of significant grade uplift and high recovery rates achieved through both heavy liquid and gravity separation techniques, which signal potential for a cost-effective beneficiation process. The clear technical data and the planned detailed follow-up studies further enhance the project’s appeal. However, bearish factors remain in the preliminary nature of the test work, which was conducted under non-optimised conditions, and the need for further metallurgical refinement before a commercial flowsheet can be established. As with any exploration-stage project, the final economic viability remains dependent on upcoming drilling results and operational optimisations.