Osmond’s Orion Drilling Could Make or Break EU Critical Minerals Ambitions
Osmond Resources is set to begin a 15-hole drilling campaign at its Orion EU Critical Minerals Project in Spain, aiming to validate mineral continuity and grade. This move is a key step toward fast-tracking development amid strong EU support for critical minerals.
- Drilling starts 1 October 2025 with 15 holes planned
- Focus on confirming continuity and grade of rutile, zircon, hafnium, and rare earth elements
- Project covers 86km permit area in Jaén Province, Spain
- Development activities including Mineral Resource Estimate and Scoping Study targeted for FY26
- Osmond also advancing other critical minerals projects in Spain and South Australia
Drilling Commences at Orion Project
Osmond Resources Limited (ASX – OSM) has announced the imminent start of a 15-hole drilling program at its Orion EU Critical Minerals Project in southern Spain, with drilling set to begin on 1 October 2025. This initial phase aims to confirm the geological continuity and grade of critical mineral layers across an 86-kilometre permit area in Jaén Province, Andalucía.
The Orion project is strategically important given the European Union’s increasing focus on securing domestic sources of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing. Osmond’s targeted minerals include rutile (a titanium ore), zircon, hafnium, and a suite of rare earth elements, all vital components in high-tech and green energy supply chains.
Validating Mineral Potential and Scale
The initial drill holes are designed to test the continuity of mineralised seams identified from surface outcrops and previous sampling, which have shown promising grades. Following this, the remaining holes will help establish the potential scale of the deposit, a crucial factor for advancing towards a Mineral Resource Estimate and a Scoping Study scheduled for completion in the 2026 financial year.
These development milestones are critical for Osmond to leverage the strong regulatory tailwinds within the EU, which is actively encouraging the in-sourcing of critical mineral production to reduce reliance on imports. The company’s approach reflects a broader industry trend of accelerating exploration and development to meet growing demand.
Broader Project Portfolio and Strategic Positioning
Beyond Orion, Osmond holds interests in other promising projects, including the Iberian One Project in Segovia Province, Spain, targeting kaolinite and alunite mineralisation, and the Yumbarra Project in South Australia, prospective for uranium, base metals, and platinum group elements. Collaborations with institutions such as the University of Salamanca and SGS underscore Osmond’s commitment to fast-tracking development and applying rigorous scientific methods.
As Osmond embarks on this drilling campaign, the market will be watching closely for assay results and subsequent resource updates that could significantly enhance the company’s valuation and strategic positioning within the critical minerals sector.
Bottom Line?
Osmond’s drilling at Orion marks a pivotal step in tapping into Europe’s critical minerals future, with results set to shape its next growth phase.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the initial drill results confirm the expected mineral continuity and grades?
- How quickly can Osmond translate drilling success into a formal Mineral Resource Estimate?
- What impact will EU regulatory developments have on project financing and timelines?
