VHM Unveils Massive Rare Earths Exploration Target at Goschen
VHM Limited has significantly expanded its Exploration Target at the Goschen Project in Victoria, revealing a potential resource of up to 4 billion tonnes of ore rich in valuable heavy minerals and rare earths. This update underscores Goschen's emerging status as a major player in Australia's mineral sands sector.
- Exploration Target increased to 1.5–4.0 billion tonnes grading 2.2%–3.5% Total Heavy Minerals
- Valuable Heavy Minerals estimated between 28Mt and 76Mt including zircon, ilmenite, rutile, monazite, and xenotime
- Advanced environmental and mining approvals secured, supporting near-term development
- Project aligns with global demand for critical minerals used in clean energy and technology
- Extensive drilling dataset of 1,652 holes underpins updated Exploration Target
Expanding the Horizon at Goschen
VHM Limited (ASX, VHM) has announced a substantial update to its Exploration Target for the Goschen tenements in Victoria, Australia, positioning the project as a potentially transformative asset in the rare earths and mineral sands sector. The company now estimates a target range of 1.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of ore grading between 2.2% and 3.5% Total Heavy Minerals (THM), translating to 50 to 90 million tonnes of THM and 28 to 76 million tonnes of valuable heavy minerals (VHM).
A Diverse and Valuable Mineral Assemblage
The mineral assemblage at Goschen includes significant quantities of zircon, ilmenite, rutile, monazite, and xenotime. Notably, the presence of monazite and xenotime, which contain rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, aligns the project with the growing global demand for critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies and advanced electronics.
Robust Data and Regulatory Progress
This updated Exploration Target builds on a comprehensive dataset of 1,652 drill holes, combining historic and recent drilling, supported by advanced geophysical surveys and mineralogical analyses. VHM has secured key environmental and mining approvals, including an Environment Effects Statement endorsement, mining licence, and EPBC approval, paving the way for a clear development pathway.
Strategic Location and Long-Term Potential
Located in Victoria’s infrastructure-rich Loddon Mallee region, the Goschen Project benefits from low sovereign risk and proximity to road, rail, and port facilities. The scale and grade of the Exploration Target suggest a long production horizon, potentially extending the operation well beyond the current 20-year plan. VHM’s CEO Andrew King emphasized the company’s strategy to systematically explore and prioritise higher-grade zones as operational cash flow permits.
Looking Ahead
While the Exploration Target remains conceptual and additional drilling and economic analysis are necessary to confirm a Mineral Resource, the update signals strong growth potential for VHM. The company’s alignment with global critical minerals demand and advanced regulatory status position Goschen as a compelling project to watch in the evolving mineral sands landscape.
Bottom Line?
VHM’s expanded Exploration Target at Goschen sets the stage for a rare earths and mineral sands project with significant scale and strategic importance.
Questions in the middle?
- When will VHM commence the next phase of drilling to convert the Exploration Target into a Mineral Resource?
- How will global rare earths market dynamics influence the economic viability of the Goschen Project?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for securing remaining secondary approvals and advancing to production?
