Great Northern Minerals has reported promising initial antimony assay results from its newly acquired Catalyst Ridge Project and secured a patent option for advanced rare earth flotation technology from the University of Arizona.
- Completion of Catalyst Ridge Project acquisition
- Initial rock chip assays up to 7.1% antimony with silver and tungsten
- Application submitted for expanded mineral prospecting permit
- Exclusive patent option agreement with University of Arizona for rare earth flotation technology
- OTCQB listing confirmed with $2.82 million cash balance
Catalyst Ridge Acquisition and Early Exploration Success
Great Northern Minerals Limited (ASX – GNM) marked a significant milestone in late 2025 with the completion of its acquisition of the Catalyst Ridge Project in California. This strategic move expands the company’s footprint in the rare earth and antimony sector, positioning it well within a highly prospective mineral region. Initial exploration efforts have already yielded encouraging results, with rock chip samples returning antimony grades as high as 7.1%, alongside notable silver and tungsten values.
The discovery of a quartz-stibnite vein extending approximately one kilometre with widths up to six metres at the Antimony Gulch prospect highlights the potential scale of mineralisation. These early assays, while preliminary and derived from reconnaissance sampling, suggest a robust target for further detailed exploration.
Expanding Exploration and Permitting Efforts
In parallel with field sampling, Great Northern Minerals has submitted applications for a mineral prospecting permit to expand the Catalyst Ridge Project area by an additional 640 acres. This expansion aims to cover highly prospective ground identified by the on-site exploration team. The company plans to undertake detailed geological mapping, further sampling, and geophysical surveys, including Dipole-Dipole Induced Polarisation (DDIP), to delineate drill targets and better understand the subsurface mineralisation.
Innovative Rare Earth Processing Technology Partnership
Beyond exploration, Great Northern Minerals has entered into an exclusive binding patent option agreement with the University of Arizona. This agreement grants the company rights to license an advanced flotation technology specifically designed for bastnaesite rare earth ores, a key ore type at Catalyst Ridge. Developed under the leadership of Associate Professor Jinhong Zhang, this patented flotation process promises improved recovery and selectivity of rare earth elements, addressing long-standing beneficiation challenges.
The collaboration includes a 24-month sponsored research program aimed at validating and scaling the technology from laboratory to pilot plant stages. This partnership could provide Great Northern Minerals with a competitive edge in processing efficiency and sustainability, critical factors in the rare earths market.
Corporate and Financial Position
Financially, the company reported a cash balance of $2.82 million at the end of December 2025, supported by recent equity placements. The company also confirmed its listing on the OTCQB Venture Market in the United States, broadening its investor base and enhancing liquidity. Meanwhile, progress continues on the Golden Ant earn-in agreement with Great Eastern Gold Ltd, with GEG expected to increase its ownership to 90%, providing potential future cash inflows.
Exploration expenditure for the quarter was $165,000, reflecting active investment in advancing the Catalyst Ridge Project and other assets. No production activities were reported during the period, consistent with the company’s focus on exploration and development.
Looking Ahead
Great Northern Minerals is poised to accelerate its exploration program with planned drilling campaigns pending permit approvals. The combination of promising assay results, strategic land expansion, and cutting-edge processing technology positions the company to potentially unlock significant value in the rare earth and antimony markets. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting further updates on drilling outcomes and the finalisation of the University of Arizona licensing agreement.
Bottom Line?
Catalyst Ridge’s early promise and a pioneering technology partnership set the stage for Great Northern Minerals’ next growth phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results refine the resource potential at Catalyst Ridge?
- What are the commercial terms and timeline for the University of Arizona flotation technology license?
- How might the expanded permit area impact the scale and economics of the project?