Can Dazzler Blend Boost Northern Minerals’ Browns Range Output?

Context and Significance

Northern Minerals Limited (ASX – NTU) has announced positive preliminary metallurgical test results from its Wolverine-Dazzler blending study at the Browns Range Heavy Rare Earths Project in Western Australia's East Kimberley region. The study evaluated the potential to blend ore from the smaller, higher-grade Dazzler deposit with the primary Wolverine ore to optimise production and resource utilisation.

The Browns Range Project is notable for its rich heavy rare earth elements, particularly dysprosium and terbium, critical components in high-performance magnets used in clean energy and defence technologies. Wolverine is the flagship deposit, with the 2025 Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) focused solely on its development. The blending study represents a strategic effort to enhance project outcomes by potentially expanding feed sources.

Metallurgical Test Results and Processing

Laboratory test work conducted by Bureau Veritas Minerals in Perth assessed Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) recoveries from blends of Wolverine and Dazzler material. The results showed an average TREO recovery of approximately 79% from the blends, closely comparable to the 84% recovery achieved in the DFS program for Wolverine ore alone. Importantly, the blended material met the concentrate specifications targeted under the DFS, confirming compatibility with the existing processing circuit.

The blending ratios tested ranged from 80% to 90% Wolverine ore combined with 10% to 20% Dazzler material. This approach aims to dilute the higher clay content of Dazzler ore, mitigating potential processing challenges. One blend containing 20% of a highly argillitic clay sample was excluded due to lower recovery, highlighting the importance of optimising blend proportions.

Strategic Implications and Next Steps

The Dazzler deposit, located about 15 kilometres south of Wolverine, is currently outside the approved development envelope. Northern Minerals plans to seek amendments to environmental approvals if the blending strategy proves economically beneficial and does not delay project timelines. The company emphasises that the blending approach is non-critical path and will only be pursued if it adds value without impacting the existing DFS schedule.

Further work is underway, including an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Dazzler targeted for Q4 FY26, mining studies, infrastructure design, and approvals assessments. Additional exploration, geotechnical, and metallurgical drilling may also be conducted to refine the resource and processing parameters.

Managing Director Shane Hartwig highlighted the milestone nature of these results, noting that they provide confidence to progress study work on integrating Dazzler material into the initial phase of Browns Range development. This could enhance early production feed and optimise plant utilisation during the transition from open pit to underground mining.

Broader Market and Supply Chain Context

Northern Minerals’ efforts to diversify feed sources within Browns Range align with broader industry trends seeking reliable, non-Chinese sources of critical heavy rare earths. Dysprosium and terbium are essential for durable magnets in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence applications, making secure supply chains a strategic priority globally.

The positive metallurgical results from blending Dazzler with Wolverine ore suggest potential for increased production flexibility and resource optimisation, which could strengthen Northern Minerals’ position in the rare earths market as it moves toward commercial production.