AR3 Unveils Expanded Near-Surface Uranium Targets at Overland Project
Australian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: AR3) reports promising extensions of near-surface calcrete-hosted uranium mineralisation at its Overland Uranium Project, reinforcing a dual-asset exploration strategy that combines shallow deposits with deeper in-situ recoverable targets.
- Near-surface calcrete-hosted uranium mineralisation extended with anomalous gamma and pXRF readings
- Dual-asset model confirmed: shallow calcrete deposits plus deeper ISR-amenable paleochannel targets
- Key mineralisation orientations and target zones identified for focused follow-up drilling
- 68 drillholes completed in 2025 totaling 6,167 meters with ongoing assay results expected
- Exploration supported by detailed geological logging, gamma surveys, and pXRF analysis
Expanding Uranium Horizons at Overland
Australian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: AR3) has delivered a significant update on its 2025 drilling campaign at the Overland Uranium Project in South Australia, revealing an expanded footprint of near-surface uranium mineralisation hosted within calcrete formations. This development not only broadens the scope of the project but also validates a compelling dual-asset exploration model that targets both shallow calcrete-hosted deposits and deeper paleochannel uranium deposits amenable to in-situ recovery (ISR) techniques.
The recent drilling, comprising 68 holes and over 6,000 meters of air core drilling, has delineated a northeast-southwest trending corridor of anomalous gamma radiation and pXRF uranium readings. This trend aligns with regional fault structures, suggesting structural controls on mineralisation and providing a clear orientation for ongoing exploration efforts.
A Dual-Asset Strategy with Proven Analogues
AR3’s Managing Director and CEO, Travis Beinke, highlighted the importance of these findings, noting the strong parallels between the calcrete-hosted uranium mineralisation at Overland and well-known deposits such as Paladin Energy’s Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia. These analogues underscore the potential for economically viable near-surface deposits, complementing AR3’s initial focus on deeper ISR-amenable paleochannel targets within the Murray Basin sedimentary sequences.
The dual-asset approach enhances the project’s attractiveness by diversifying the types of uranium mineralisation under consideration, potentially accelerating development timelines and offering multiple pathways to resource definition.
Technical Rigor and Ongoing Exploration
The exploration program employs a rigorous methodology, including air core drilling, downhole gamma logging with the Reflex EZ Gamma tool, and onsite pXRF geochemical analysis. These techniques have enabled AR3 to identify uranium mineralisation zones ranging from 2 to 6 meters thick, with gamma counts peaking above 1,000 cps and pXRF uranium readings exceeding 100 ppm in some intervals.
Importantly, the drilling has also mapped variable basement topography and palaeovalley margins, critical for targeting ISR deposits. The company is advancing geophysical surveys and remote sensing techniques to refine target geometries further, while assay results from recent drilling are anticipated progressively over the coming months.
Strategic Land Holdings and Partnerships
The Overland Project spans approximately 4,769 square kilometers across multiple tenements in South Australia, including EL7001, EL7003, EL7005, and EL6678, the latter acquired through an earn-in agreement. The tenure is free from conservation parks and regional reserves, though some areas overlap with registered Native Title Determination Applications and Indigenous Land Use Agreements, factors that AR3 will need to navigate as exploration advances.
Beyond uranium, AR3 is also progressing its Koppamurra Rare Earths Project, supported by government grants and partnerships with industry players like Neo Performance Materials, positioning the company strategically within the critical minerals sector.
Looking Ahead
With a clearer understanding of mineralisation controls and a growing inventory of high-priority drill targets, AR3 is well placed to accelerate its exploration momentum. The company’s systematic approach and robust technical framework provide a solid foundation for unlocking the Overland Project’s uranium potential, which could play a meaningful role in global clean energy supply chains.
Bottom Line?
As AR3 advances its dual-asset uranium strategy, upcoming assay results will be pivotal in defining the project's economic potential and shaping its next exploration phase.
Questions in the middle?
- What uranium grades will the pending assay results confirm for the near-surface calcrete mineralisation?
- How will Native Title and Indigenous Land Use Agreements impact exploration timelines and development plans?
- What are the implications of the dual-asset model for AR3’s capital allocation and project prioritisation?