Osmond’s Focus on Orión Project Raises Questions on Funding and Environmental Impact
Osmond Resources has secured a major foothold in Spain’s critical minerals sector, completing an 80% acquisition and advancing drilling at its Orión project with promising early results. Assay data and further drilling are poised to shape the project's next phase.
- Awarded Orión Investigation Permit covering 228 km² in Southern Spain
- Completed acquisition of 80% of Iberian Critical Minerals Pty Ltd
- Initial drilling intersected seven prospective mineral layers
- Monazite confirmed as dominant rare earth hosting mineral
- Cash position stands at A$3.24 million as of late October 2025
Strategic Acquisition and Permit Award
Osmond Resources Limited (ASX – OSM) has made significant strides in its ambition to develop critical minerals supply chains for the European Union. The company recently completed the acquisition of an 80% stake in Iberian Critical Minerals Pty Ltd, which controls a majority interest in the Orión EU Critical Minerals Project located in Jaén Province, Andalucía, Southern Spain. This acquisition consolidates Osmond's position in a region rich with strategic minerals such as rutile, zircon, hafnium, and rare earth elements (REEs).
Complementing this, Osmond was awarded the Orión Investigation Permit, covering 228 square kilometers and encompassing 756 Spanish mining units. The permit area includes historic mining activity and has been subject to extensive geological mapping, confirming multiple layers enriched in critical minerals.
Drilling Progress and Geological Insights
Drilling commenced with two initial holes (AV-01 and AV-01bis) targeting the Ordovician Pochico Formation, a siliciclastic system known for heavy mineral enrichment. The first hole intersected seven distinct prospective layers, including a notable 5.0-metre thick layer starting at 106.5 metres depth. The second hole, drilled from the same pad at a different angle, confirmed continuity of these mineralised layers.
Further drilling is underway with two additional holes nearing completion and a third rig targeted for deployment by late November 2025. These efforts aim to rapidly delineate mineralisation continuity and grade ahead of a planned Scoping Study in the first half of 2026.
Metallurgical Advances and Product Initiatives
Metallurgical test work has confirmed monazite as the dominant mineral hosting rare earth elements, including valuable magnetic REEs such as neodymium and praseodymium. This finding is significant given monazite’s established role as a primary source of these critical elements globally.
In parallel, Osmond is exploring value-add opportunities by processing silica waste into silicon metal and optimising rutile extraction. The company anticipates that assay results will validate the potential for exceptionally high-grade rutile, positioning Osmond uniquely in the titanium market.
Financial Position and Project Focus
Osmond reported a cash balance of A$3.24 million as of 29 October 2025, bolstered by recent option exercises. Exploration expenditure for the quarter was A$529,000, reflecting active drilling and geological consulting. Administrative and corporate costs amounted to A$489,000.
Reflecting its strategic prioritisation, Osmond has decided to discontinue expenditure on its South Australian Yumbarra Project, focusing resources on advancing the Orión project and related Spanish assets.
Bottom Line?
With drilling underway and assay results imminent, Osmond Resources is poised to define a critical minerals resource that could play a pivotal role in Europe's supply chain ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming assay results reveal about the grade and continuity of the mineralised layers?
- How will Osmond balance capital requirements with its aggressive drilling and scoping study timeline?
- What are the potential environmental and regulatory challenges associated with mining in the Special Conservation Area?
