Orión Project Drilling Progress: What Risks Lie Ahead for Osmond?
Osmond Resources reports steady progress in drilling and assay results at its Orión EU Critical Minerals Project in Spain, targeting key heavy minerals vital for the EU’s supply chain.
- Five diamond drill holes completed, two in progress at Orión project
- All holes intersected prospective Pochico Formation quartzites rich in heavy minerals
- Initial fast-tracked assays received; overlimit assay results pending
- Project covers 228 km² with Osmond controlling 80% interest
- Mineral Resource Estimate and Scoping Study targeted for first half of 2026
Drilling Progress at Orión
Osmond Resources Limited (ASX – OSM) has announced significant progress in its exploration activities at the Orión EU Critical Minerals Project, located in the Jaén Province of Andalucía, southern Spain. The company has completed five diamond drill holes totaling over 1,300 meters, with two additional holes currently underway. Each hole has intersected quartzite layers of the Pochico Formation, a geological unit known to host concentrations of heavy minerals such as rutile, ilmenite, zircon, and monazite; minerals critical to the EU’s strategic supply needs.
Assay Results and Next Steps
Initial assay results from the first drill hole (AV-01) have been fast-tracked, confirming the presence of these valuable minerals. However, some elements exceeded the detection limits of standard assays, and Osmond is currently completing overlimit assays to provide a more comprehensive picture. The company expects to release the full suite of assay results in the coming week, which will be pivotal in advancing the project’s development.
Strategic Importance and Project Scale
The Orión project spans a substantial 228 square kilometers, with Osmond Resources holding an 80% interest in 95% of the tenement area. The project’s geology is characterized by siliciclastic systems with multiple layers enriched in critical minerals, a legacy of historical exploration for uranium and thorium in the mid-20th century. Osmond’s current focus is on confirming the continuity and grade of high-value mineral layers through ongoing drilling, with plans to complete a Mineral Resource Estimate and Scoping Study by mid-2026.
Quality and Compliance
Osmond’s exploration program adheres to rigorous industry standards, including detailed geological logging, quality control sampling, and assay verification under the JORC Code. The company employs certified laboratories in Spain and internationally, ensuring data integrity and reliability. These measures underpin the credibility of Osmond’s exploration results and support future resource reporting.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the Orión project, Osmond also holds interests in other Spanish projects such as the Iberian One Project and the Yumbarra Project in South Australia, targeting additional critical minerals. The company is actively pursuing further exploration and development activities, including metallurgical studies and marketing efforts, to capitalize on growing EU regulatory support for domestic critical mineral supply chains.
Bottom Line?
With assay results imminent and a resource estimate on the horizon, Osmond’s Orión project is poised to become a key player in Europe’s critical minerals landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the final assay results reveal about the grade and continuity of mineralisation?
- How will EU regulatory incentives impact Osmond’s project financing and development timeline?
- What are the prospects for expanding the project footprint through adjacent permit applications?
