Harts Range Drilling Wraps Up as Big One Mining Lease Advances
New Frontier Minerals is wrapping up its first reverse circulation drilling at Harts Range, with samples now en route for assay analysis. Meanwhile, progress at the Big One Deposit mining lease signals advancing copper ambitions.
- Inaugural Harts Range drilling campaign nearing completion
- All high-priority targets drill-tested for heavy rare earths
- Samples dispatched to ALS Adelaide for assay analysis
- Mining Lease Application lodged for Big One Deposit in NWQ Copper Project
- Strategic partnerships with Metallium and Austral Resources advancing
Drilling Campaign Nears Completion
New Frontier Minerals Limited (ASX, NFM) is approaching the conclusion of its inaugural reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Harts Range Project, located about 140km northeast of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The company reports that all high-priority targets have been systematically drill-tested, providing a comprehensive geological overview of the heavy rare earth mineralisation, particularly focusing on elements like dysprosium and terbium.
The samples collected during this campaign are now being sent to ALS Adelaide for detailed assay analysis, with results expected to shed light on the scale and continuity of the rare earth system. These insights will be crucial in determining the project's potential economic viability and guiding next steps in exploration and development.
Advancing Copper Ambitions at Big One Deposit
Parallel to its rare earths exploration, New Frontier is making significant strides with its copper assets. The company has lodged a Mining Lease Application (MLA) for the Big One Deposit, part of the NWQ Copper Project situated in Queensland’s Mt Isa copper belt, a region renowned for its structurally controlled copper mineralisation and multiple operating mines.
The MLA covers 240 hectares, securing tenure over historical workings and mineralised structures. New Frontier’s development plan envisions potential open-cut mining operations, with processing pathways being evaluated through a memorandum of understanding with Austral Resources. This partnership aims to leverage Austral’s Mt Kelly processing facility, potentially streamlining ore treatment and advancing commercialisation.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook
New Frontier is also progressing its commercial framework with Metallium, including assessing a 25kg bulk sample from Harts Range at Metallium’s Texas facility. These collaborations underscore the company’s strategy to integrate exploration with downstream processing capabilities, positioning itself to capitalise on strengthening demand for heavy rare earths and copper.
Chairman Gerrard Hall reflected on 2025 as a transformative year for New Frontier, highlighting the progress made across multiple fronts. As the company awaits assay results and regulatory approvals, the market will be watching closely to see how these developments translate into tangible value for shareholders.
Bottom Line?
With drilling complete and key permits underway, New Frontier stands poised at a pivotal juncture, assay results and lease approvals will soon reveal the true potential of its rare earth and copper assets.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the assay results reveal about the extent and grade of heavy rare earth mineralisation at Harts Range?
- How quickly can New Frontier progress from mining lease approval to production at the Big One Deposit?
- What are the terms and potential scale of the processing partnerships with Metallium and Austral Resources?
