Osmond Resources is fast-tracking development of its Orión EU Critical Minerals Project, with initial drilling confirming high-grade titanium, zircon, and rare earth elements. The company aims to complete a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate and Scoping Study by mid-2026.
- High-grade titanium (rutile and ilmenite), zircon, and rare earths confirmed in initial drilling
- Maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate targeted for first half of 2026
- Scoping Study focused on Target Area planned for second half of 2026
- Metallurgical test work nearing completion with results expected soon
- Strategic partnerships and EU funding discussions advancing
Project Focus and Early Results
Osmond Resources Limited (ASX, OSM) is accelerating the development of its flagship Orión EU Critical Minerals Project located in Jaén Province, Andalucía, Spain. The company’s recent announcement highlights a concentrated effort on a high-grade target area approximately 10 kilometres in size, where initial channel sampling, bulk sampling, and the first three drill holes have returned promising grades of titanium minerals (rutile and ilmenite), zircon, and rare earth elements (REEs).
These early results reinforce the potential of the project to supply critical minerals essential for the European Union’s strategic goal of securing domestic sources of titanium, zirconium, and rare earths. The mineralisation occurs in siliciclastic geological formations, with the project area historically explored for thorium and uranium but now repurposed to focus on critical minerals.
Advancing Towards Resource Definition and Scoping Study
Osmond is targeting completion of a maiden JORC Code compliant Mineral Resource Estimate for the Target Area by the first half of 2026. This milestone is critical to underpin mine planning and to provide a foundation for the subsequent Scoping Study, which is scheduled for completion in the second half of the year. The Scoping Study will evaluate the economic viability of extracting rutile, ilmenite, zircon, and rare earth elements, potentially positioning Osmond as the only company producing these minerals within the EU.
Complementing these efforts, preliminary metallurgical test work on bulk samples is substantially complete, with initial results expected imminently. These tests will inform process plant design and downstream product strategies, aiming to maximise value from the mineral assemblage.
Strategic Partnerships and EU Alignment
Recognising the importance of regional collaboration, Osmond is actively progressing partnerships with Spanish-centric and broader EU entities. Discussions are underway to secure funding and project support aligned with the EU’s critical minerals agenda. The company is also advancing downstream product initiatives targeting titanium, zircon, rare earths, and silica metal markets in Europe and North America, seeking to capitalise on the project’s grade and scale.
Osmond’s approach reflects a broader industry trend of in-sourcing critical mineral supply chains to reduce reliance on imports, a priority underscored by recent geopolitical and regulatory developments within the EU.
Broader Portfolio and Future Work
Beyond Orión, Osmond holds interests in other projects, including the Iberian One Project in central Spain, focused on kaolinite and alunite mineralisation, and the Yumbarra Project in South Australia, prospective for uranium and base metals. However, the company’s immediate focus remains on fast-tracking Orión’s development.
Further exploration and drilling are planned to delineate lateral and depth extensions of the mineralised zones, supported by ongoing geological mapping, geophysical studies, and metallurgical testing. These activities aim to build a robust resource base and refine project economics ahead of definitive feasibility studies.
Bottom Line?
Osmond’s rapid progress at Orión could soon reshape EU critical mineral supply, but upcoming resource and scoping results will be pivotal.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate confirm the continuity and scale of high-grade mineralisation?
- How will metallurgical test results influence processing strategies and project economics?
- What level of EU funding and partnership support will Osmond secure to advance development?