ABx Group is set to begin drilling at its T8 Rare Earths discovery in northern Tasmania, targeting expansion of high-grade dysprosium and terbium mineralisation critical for advanced technologies.
- Drilling campaign to start 10 November 2025 at T8 Rare Earths site
- Focus on expanding high-grade dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) mineralisation
- Project benefits from government and landholder approvals with low-impact equipment
- Strong partnerships with US processing operations, including Ucore
- ABx’s rare earths resources rank among the highest grade globally for ionic adsorption clays
Drilling Commencement Marks a New Phase
ABx Group Limited (ASX – ABX) has announced the commencement of a significant drilling campaign at its T8 Rare Earths discovery in northern Tasmania, scheduled to begin on 10 November 2025. This follows the company’s scout drilling campaign earlier in May 2025, which uncovered high-grade rare earth element (REE) mineralisation, particularly enriched in dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), two critical heavy rare earths.
The upcoming program involves drilling 39 holes designed to expand the known mineralised zones. ABx has secured all necessary government and landholder approvals, ensuring the drilling will proceed with minimal environmental impact. The equipment selected for this campaign is tailored to cover a wide area without disturbing the grazing land where these rare earth elements occur, reflecting ABx’s commitment to sustainable and responsible exploration.
Rare Earths with Global Significance
ABx’s rare earth deposits are ionic adsorption clays, a type of resource that is shallow and amenable to low-cost extraction. The grades of Dy and Tb in ABx’s resources are among the highest of any such deposits in Australia and rank highly on a global scale. These elements are vital for a range of advanced technologies, including permanent magnets used in military applications and offshore wind turbines.
Dr Mark Cooksey, ABx’s Managing Director and CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of the project amid global supply constraints. With China restricting exports of critical heavy rare earths, ABx’s position in a stable jurisdiction like Tasmania offers a unique opportunity to supply these essential materials to Western markets. The company has already established strong relationships with US-based processing operations, notably Ucore, which is developing a Strategic Metals Complex in Louisiana with US government support.
Technical and Environmental Considerations
The drilling will target shallow mineralised clay layers that start just below the surface soil, typically between 3 to 6 metres thick. The vertical holes are designed to intersect these horizontal layers effectively, providing true thickness measurements. Sampling and assaying protocols adhere to rigorous industry standards, with analyses conducted at accredited laboratories in Brisbane and Perth.
ABx’s approach emphasizes minimal environmental disturbance, with all drilling conducted on freehold land under agreements with landholders. The company endorses best practices on agricultural land, aiming to leave the environment in better condition post-exploration.
Broader Strategic Outlook
This drilling campaign is part of ABx’s broader strategy to develop rare earths alongside other materials critical for a cleaner future. The company is also advancing projects in clean fluorine chemical production and near-term bauxite mining, with ongoing pilot plant construction and commercial agreements in place.
Shareholders and potential customers eagerly await further updates, including the quality results of the first mixed rare earths carbonate produced by ANSTO from ABx’s Deep Leads bulk sample. These developments will be crucial in validating the economic potential of ABx’s rare earths portfolio and its role in global supply chains.
Bottom Line?
As ABx embarks on this pivotal drilling phase, the rare earths sector will be watching closely for results that could reshape supply dynamics for critical heavy rare earths.
Questions in the middle?
- How extensive and continuous is the high-grade Dy and Tb mineralisation beyond the initial discovery?
- What are the timelines and feasibility for advancing from exploration to production at T8?
- How will ABx’s partnerships with US processors influence the commercialisation and market access of its rare earths?