Ark Mines Accelerates Sandy Mitchell Drilling, Eyes 4.5x Resource Boost
Ark Mines is advancing its Stage-3 drilling program at the Sandy Mitchell Rare Earths project ahead of schedule, targeting a substantial increase in measured resources to underpin a Pre-Feasibility Study in early 2026.
- Stage-3 drilling 50% complete with 94 of 189 holes done
- Targeting resource growth from 71.8 Mt to ~330 Mt Monazite Equivalent
- Drilling consistent with previous mineralisation profiles averaging 12m depth
- Pre-Feasibility Study incorporating new assay and metallurgical data due early 2026
- Supported by $4.5 million investment from QIC Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund
Drilling Progress and Ambitious Targets
Ark Mines Limited (ASX – AHK) has reported encouraging progress in its Stage-3 resource expansion drilling program at the Sandy Mitchell Rare Earth and Heavy Minerals project in North Queensland. With 94 of the planned 189 drill holes completed, the program is advancing ahead of schedule, reflecting operational efficiency and strong project momentum.
The current measured mineral resource stands at 71.8 million tonnes grading 1,732.7 parts per million Monazite Equivalent (MzEq). Ark Mines aims to increase this measured resource by approximately 260 million tonnes, potentially bringing the total to around 330 million tonnes. This would represent a nearly 4.5-fold increase, a significant leap that could reshape the project's economic outlook.
Geological Consistency and Methodology
The drilling methodology combines Air Core drilling through the sand column with Reverse Circulation drilling into the bedrock, targeting mineralisation from surface down to an average depth of about 12 metres. This approach aligns with previous drilling campaigns that defined the maiden resource, reinforcing confidence in the continuity and extent of mineralisation.
Drill holes are spaced 280 metres apart on a grid designed to systematically expand the resource footprint. The mineralisation includes critical light and heavy rare earth elements, such as dysprosium, terbium, and neodymium, which are vital for emerging technologies and clean energy applications.
Strategic Investment and Upcoming Milestones
The project’s accelerated development is bolstered by a recent $4.5 million investment from the QIC Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund, a Queensland government-backed entity managing over A$130 billion in assets. This funding injection underscores institutional confidence in the project's potential and supports the rapid advancement of drilling and metallurgical programs.
Assay results from the Stage-3 drilling will feed into a comprehensive Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) scheduled for completion in early 2026. The PFS will also incorporate data from ongoing metallurgical improvements conducted by specialist consultants IHC Mining, expected to enhance project economics further.
Looking Ahead
Ark Mines’ Managing Director Ben Emery highlighted the significance of the drilling progress and the strategic partnership with QIC, emphasizing the company’s readiness to move towards development. The expansion drilling covers only a fraction of the total exploration target area, suggesting considerable upside potential beyond the current resource estimates.
As the company approaches the completion of the Stage-3 drill program by the end of the September quarter, market participants will be watching closely for assay results and the PFS outcomes, which will provide clearer insights into the project's viability and scale.
Bottom Line?
Ark Mines’ rapid drilling progress and strategic funding position Sandy Mitchell for a transformative resource upgrade, setting the stage for critical economic assessments in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm the targeted 260 million tonne resource increase?
- How will metallurgical improvements impact the project's cost and recovery rates?
- What are the next steps following the Pre-Feasibility Study in terms of financing and development?