Can New Frontier Overcome Development Risks at Big One Copper and Harts Range?
New Frontier Minerals has completed its maiden drilling campaign at Harts Range and secured a binding commercial framework with Metallium Ltd, unlocking a novel processing pathway for heavy rare earth elements. Meanwhile, progress at its NWQ Copper Project and a successful capital raise position the company for growth.
- Maiden reverse circulation drilling completed at Harts Range targeting heavy rare earths
- Binding commercial framework with Metallium for exclusive Flash Joule Heating processing
- Exceptional beneficiation results with up to 114x upgrade in key rare earth elements
- Mining Lease Application lodged for Big One Copper Deposit in Queensland
- Successful $2.25 million placement strengthens cash position to $3 million
Harts Range Drilling Campaign Completes
New Frontier Minerals Limited (ASX – NFM) has wrapped up its inaugural reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Harts Range Project in the Northern Territory. The program systematically tested all high-priority targets identified through extensive geological mapping and geophysical surveys, focusing on heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium; critical components in permanent magnets for electric vehicles and defence technologies.
While assay results from the samples sent to ALS Adelaide are still pending, the geology team expressed optimism that the campaign will provide significant insights into the extent and continuity of the rare earth mineralisation system.
Strategic Partnership with Metallium Unlocks Processing Innovation
A major highlight of the quarter was the binding commercial framework agreement with Metallium Ltd (ASX – MTM), granting Metallium exclusive global rights to apply its proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology to all Harts Range ore and concentrates for at least ten years. This innovative processing method achieved exceptional beneficiation results on a 25kg bulk sample of raw ore, upgrading total rare earth oxides from approximately 1.7% to 35% in a single step.
Notably, dysprosium content was enriched by 53 times to over 10%, terbium by 21 times, and neodymium by 114 times, while impurities such as iron, silica, and thorium were completely removed without the need for traditional acid leaching or flotation. This solvent-free, rapid process represents a significant advancement in rare earth ore processing, positioning New Frontier to supply high-purity heavy rare earth concentrates to US magnet and defence customers.
Metallium plans to scale up the FJH process at its Texas Technology Campus in 2026, aiming to produce Dy/Tb-rich “super-concentrate” samples for customer qualification and secure commercial agreements by year-end.
Advancing Copper Assets and Corporate Strength
In parallel, New Frontier lodged a Mining Lease Application over the Big One Copper Deposit within its NWQ Copper Project in Queensland’s Mt Isa copper belt. The application secures tenure over historical workings and mineralised structures, with an initial development plan proposing an open-cut operation targeting near-surface copper mineralisation. Preparatory earthworks are tentatively scheduled for Q3 2026, with first production targeted for early 2027, subject to approvals and funding.
The company also successfully raised $2.25 million through a placement at $0.021 per share, bolstering its cash and liquid investments to $3 million at quarter-end. Strengthening its technical and operational team, New Frontier appointed senior consultant Kevin Das and promoted Joel Logan to Executive Director, underscoring its commitment to accelerating exploration and development.
Positioning for the Future
New Frontier’s alignment with Metallium and its progress across multiple projects reflect a strategic approach to unlocking value in critical minerals essential for the energy transition and defence sectors. The company’s focus on heavy rare earths, combined with copper development and a strengthened balance sheet, sets the stage for potential growth as assay results and processing scale-up efforts unfold.
Bottom Line?
With assay results pending and processing scale-up underway, New Frontier Minerals stands at a pivotal juncture in delivering rare earths and copper value.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the assay results reveal about the scale and grade of heavy rare earth mineralisation at Harts Range?
- How quickly can Metallium scale up the Flash Joule Heating process to commercial production levels?
- What are the regulatory and funding hurdles facing near-term development of the Big One Copper Deposit?
