ABx Group has extended its rare earth discovery in northern Tasmania with new scout drilling revealing high-grade mineralisation rich in critical heavy rare earths. Positioned near surface and aligned with Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, ABx’s findings could reshape supply chains for these vital elements.
- New scout drilling extends T8 rare earth province to new T30 area
- High-grade rare earth oxides intersected near surface with significant dysprosium and terbium
- Drilling conducted on freehold land with strong local access agreements
- ABx’s rare earth projects align with Australian Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve initiative
- Deep Leads resource remains one of Australia’s richest ionic clay rare earth deposits
Expanding Tasmania’s Rare Earth Frontier
ABx Group Limited (ASX, ABX) has announced promising results from its latest scout drilling campaign in northern Tasmania, extending the footprint of its T8 rare earth province. The November 2025 program, comprising 38 auger drill holes, identified a new mineralised zone dubbed 'T30', located 52 kilometres east of the established Deep Leads resource near Launceston.
Among the highlights, hole TB030 intersected a 7-metre interval averaging 707 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides (TREO) starting just 4 metres below surface. Notably, this mineralisation includes elevated concentrations of dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), two heavy rare earth elements critical for permanent magnets and advanced technologies. The Dy+Tb content represents approximately 5.4% of the TREO, consistent with ABx’s reputation for high-grade heavy rare earth enrichment.
Strategic Alignment with National Priorities
ABx’s discoveries come at a pivotal moment as the Australian Federal Government advances its Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve (CMSR). This initiative aims to secure domestic mineral rights and bolster supply chains for minerals deemed essential to national and global industries, including rare earths. ABx’s near-surface ionic adsorption clay deposits, enriched in Dy and Tb, position the company uniquely to benefit from CMSR support.
Dr Mark Cooksey, ABx’s Managing Director and CEO, emphasised the significance, "No other Australian company holds an entire province of ionic adsorption clay rare earths so enriched in dysprosium and terbium, which is potentially globally significant. Our mission is to develop a low-cost, low-impact method to exploit this province, aligning perfectly with government strategic goals." The company also maintains strong ties with planned US processing operations, such as Ucore, enhancing its international supply chain prospects.
Exploration Methodology and Local Engagement
The drilling was conducted on ABx’s Temple Bar (EL27/2022) and Triangle Flat (EL28/2022) tenements, both situated on freehold land with access secured through successful negotiations with local landholders. The use of auger drilling technology allowed for efficient sampling of shallow clay layers derived from Jurassic dolerite bedrock. Assays reached up to 3,527 ppm TREO in some holes, underscoring the high-grade nature of the mineralisation.
ABx’s exploration approach combines sophisticated sampling and assay techniques, with quality control measures including inter-laboratory checks at NATA-accredited facilities. The company’s proprietary database ensures detailed geological logging and data integrity, supporting ongoing resource evaluation.
Resource Context and Future Prospects
The Deep Leads project, encompassing the Rubble Mound and Wind Break discoveries, currently hosts a resource estimate of 89 million tonnes averaging 844 ppm TREO, with Dy+Tb content at 36 ppm, among the highest globally for ionic clay deposits. This estimate covers less than a third of the mineralised outline, indicating significant upside potential as exploration continues.
ABx is actively pursuing tenure expansion westward along the Nile Road dolerite foothills and has reported encouraging historical assays near Conara. The company’s broader portfolio also includes clean fluorine chemical production and near-term bauxite projects, reflecting a diversified approach to critical materials supply.
With infrastructure advantages such as proximity to Launceston and established agricultural land use, ABx’s operations are well positioned to advance with minimal environmental disruption, adhering to best practices and community engagement.
Bottom Line?
ABx’s expanding rare earth discoveries in Tasmania mark a strategic step toward securing Australia’s place in critical mineral supply chains under government-backed initiatives.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ABx advance from scout drilling to a defined resource with economic viability?
- What are the timelines and terms for potential inclusion in the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve?
- How will ABx’s processing partnerships, particularly with Ucore, influence project development?