Rare earth sample from Australia’s Harts Range shows 94.8% heavy REO ratio

ALICE SPRINGS - New Frontier Minerals Limited (LSE/ASX:NFM) reported Tuesday that a bulk sample from its Harts Range Project in Australia’s Northern Territory returned 1.72% total rare earth oxides (TREO) with an exceptionally high heavy rare earth oxide ratio of 94.8%.

The 25kg sample, collected from the project’s Cusp Prospect while awaiting regulatory approval for drilling, also showed significant niobium enrichment of 4.51% Nb₂O₅ and tantalum content of 0.91% Ta₂O₅, according to the company.

The sample analysis revealed notable concentrations of dysprosium (0.19% Dy₂O₃) and terbium (0.03% Tb₄O₇), which are critical elements used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

Located approximately 140km northeast of Alice Springs, the Harts Range Project is being positioned by NFM as a potential non-Chinese source of heavy rare earth elements. Global supply of heavy rare earths is currently dominated by China.

"The assays demonstrate not only outstanding rare earth grades, with a heavy rare earth enrichment ratio above 94%, but also outstanding niobium and tantalum grades that are rarely seen at surface," said Chairman Gerrard Hall in the press release statement.

The company is currently pursuing regulatory approvals for its maiden reverse circulation drilling program at Harts Range, which it aims to commence in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory clearances.

NFM stated it is evaluating both conventional and novel processing options for the heavy rare earth-enriched material to accelerate commercialization and enable future discussions with global magnet supply chain participants.

The company continues field investigations at several prospects within the project area, including Cusp, Bobs, Paddington, Westminster, Old Trafford, and Headingly.

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