Osmond Drills Up to 3.9m Thick Quartzite Layers Extending Zones by 9.5km
Osmond Resources has extended the known strike of critical mineral-bearing quartzite layers at its Orión Project in Spain through successful step-out drilling, setting the stage for upcoming assay results and resource evaluation.
- Three new drill holes intersect prospective quartzite layers
- Prospective strike length extended to 1.7km in Zone 1 and 9.5km in Zone 3
- Main mineralised layers range from 1.9m to 3.9m thick
- Assay results expected within 2-3 weeks
- Plans to add a third drill rig to accelerate the 15-hole program
Step-Out Drilling Success at Orión
Osmond Resources Limited (ASX – OSM) has reported encouraging progress from its maiden drilling campaign at the Orión EU Critical Minerals Project in southern Spain. The latest results confirm that three additional drill holes, AV-01bis, SOR-02, and NWOR-03, have intersected the targeted Pochico Formation quartzite layers, known to host critical minerals such as rutile, zircon, and monazite.
These intersections are significant because they extend the prospective strike length of mineralised zones. Drill hole SOR-02 has increased the strike in Zone 1 to approximately 1.7 kilometres, while NWOR-03 has expanded Zone 3’s prospective strike by about 9.5 kilometres. The thickness of the main mineralised layers ranges from 1.9 to 3.9 metres, suggesting substantial continuity of these critical mineral-bearing horizons.
Geological Context and Project Significance
The Pochico Formation, a siliciclastic geological system, is characterised by multiple layers enriched in heavy minerals. Osmond’s previous surface sampling revealed heavy mineral concentrations up to 33%, with promising grades of titanium, zirconium, and rare earth elements. These latest drilling results reinforce the potential scale and quality of the deposit, which is strategically important given the EU’s push to secure supply chains for critical minerals.
Osmond is advancing a 15-hole drilling program with two rigs currently operating and plans to mobilise a third rig to accelerate exploration. The company aims to complete a Mineral Resource Estimate and Scoping Study by mid-2026, positioning itself to capitalise on strong regulatory support within the EU for domestic critical mineral production.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Assay results from the main prospective layers in drill holes AV-01 and AV-01bis are expected within the next two to three weeks, which will provide crucial data on mineral grades and economic viability. Further geological logging and downhole geophysics are ongoing to refine stratigraphic correlations and support resource modelling.
Given the early stage of exploration, the market will be watching closely for assay confirmations and updates on resource delineation. Osmond’s ability to demonstrate consistent, high-grade mineralisation over significant strike lengths could enhance its standing as a key player in the EU critical minerals sector.
Bottom Line?
Osmond’s expanding drill success at Orión sets the stage for a pivotal resource update amid rising EU demand for critical minerals.
Questions in the middle?
- What grades will the upcoming assay results reveal for the newly intersected quartzite layers?
- How will the expanded strike lengths impact the scale and classification of the Mineral Resource Estimate?
- What are the timelines and potential challenges for advancing the Scoping Study and development approvals?
