Harts Range Drilling Targets 2,500m to Unlock Dysprosium and Terbium Deposits
New Frontier Minerals has kicked off a significant reverse circulation drilling program at its Harts Range project, aiming to unlock deeper deposits of heavy rare earth elements vital for advanced technologies.
- Maiden ~2,500m reverse circulation drilling campaign underway
- Up to 46 drill holes targeting high-grade heavy rare earth and niobium mineralisation
- Focus on dysprosium and terbium, critical for electric vehicles and defence tech
- Drilling expected to complete by year-end with assay results early next year
- Project located 140km northeast of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory
Drilling Commences at Harts Range
New Frontier Minerals Limited (ASX – NFM) has embarked on its maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Harts Range Heavy Rare Earths and Niobium Project in the Northern Territory. The campaign, comprising up to 46 drill holes totaling approximately 2,500 metres, aims to test the depth extensions of near-surface mineralisation that has already shown promising grades of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and niobium.
Located about 140 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs, Harts Range has been the focus of intensive exploration over the past year, with regional geophysics, detailed geological mapping, and surface geochemistry identifying multiple high-priority anomalies. The current drilling program is designed to build on these findings by probing deeper into the mineralised zones, particularly targeting dysprosium and terbium, two critical elements in the manufacture of high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced defence technologies.
Strategic Importance of Dysprosium and Terbium
Dysprosium and terbium are among the most sought-after heavy rare earth elements due to their unique magnetic properties and scarcity. Their applications in cutting-edge technologies make them highly valuable commodities in the global push towards clean energy and advanced electronics. New Frontier Minerals’ focus on these elements underscores the strategic potential of the Harts Range project to become a significant supplier in this critical materials market.
Chairman Gerrard Hall highlighted the milestone nature of the drilling campaign, noting the outstanding surface grades already recorded and the company's anticipation of meaningful technical results. With all necessary approvals secured and drilling underway by GeoDrill, the company expects to complete the program before the end of the year, with assay results to follow early in 2026.
Broader Exploration and Future Prospects
Beyond Harts Range, New Frontier Minerals maintains interests in other projects, including the NWQ Copper Project in Queensland. However, the current drilling campaign at Harts Range represents a pivotal step in advancing the company’s core asset towards potential economic viability. The results from this program will be critical in defining the scale and continuity of the mineralisation, informing future resource estimates and development plans.
While the drilling results are pending, the campaign’s design and the quality of prior exploration data provide a solid foundation for optimism. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting assay outcomes, which could significantly influence New Frontier Minerals’ valuation and strategic positioning within the rare earth sector.
Bottom Line?
As drilling progresses, the market will watch closely for assay results that could unlock Harts Range’s full potential in the critical rare earths arena.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm significant depth extensions of high-grade dysprosium and terbium mineralisation?
- How might assay results impact New Frontier Minerals’ resource estimates and project valuation?
- What are the next steps for project development if drilling results meet or exceed expectations?
