28th Apr 2025 07:00
28 April 2025
New Frontier Minerals Limited
("NFM" or the "Company")
New prospect "Paddington" identified at Harts Range, NT
New Frontier Minerals Ltd (ASX: NFM), is pleased to announce the successful return of our geological team to the Harts Range Project, located 140km north-east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The team have commenced field investigation of the 46 targets identified through our recent airborne survey1,2. This initiative marks a significant step in ongoing exploration efforts aimed at targeting high value critical mineral resources in the region.
We have also identified a promising new project area, "Paddington," located just 200m west of our existing Bobs Prospect. Our team has conducted surface sampling in Paddington, and we eagerly await the assay results, which will provide further insights into the mineral composition of this area.
In addition to the new project area, New Frontier Minerals has taken a proactive step in expanding its operational footprint by applying for a new tenement, EL34109 and EL34110, at Harts Range. This expansion reflects our commitment to exploring and developing high-potential mineral resources in the region.
Highlights:
· Geological team returns to Harts Range to commence investigation of the 46 targets identified from airborne geophysical survey1,2
· New prospect "Paddington" has been discovered, located 200m west of Bobs Prospect
· Surface samples have been collected from Paddington and are awaiting assays
· New Frontier Minerals has extended its footprint at Harts Range with new tenement applications EL34109 and EL34110
· China's restrictions on Heavy Rare Earths exports3 could generate upward price pressure, which is positive for developing new supply chains from jurisdictions like Australia
· New Frontier Minerals is undertaking a review of 46 targets1,2 with plans to drill test priority targets as soon as possible
Ged Hall, Chairman, commented: "We are excited to have commenced field activities to follow up the 46 priority targets identified through our recent airborne survey at the Harts Range Project.
The recent discovery of the Paddington Prospect located 200 metres to the west of Bobs has highlighted the value of the airborne geophysics as a regional exploration tool. The team has conducted mapping and surface sampling at Paddington, and we eagerly await the assay results, which will provide further insights into the prospectivity of this area for Heavy Rare Earths.
In addition, New Frontier Minerals has expanded its footprint by applying for new tenure at Harts Range. This expansion reflects our commitment to exploring and developing high-value critical mineral resources in the region."
AIRBOURNE GEOPHYSICS GUIDES EXPLORATION EFFORT
During the month of April 2025, the NFM geological team commenced field activities at the Harts Range Project. The primary aim of the field campaign was to expedite exploration over untested areas within the tenure and identify additional radiometric targets and potential extensions to known uranium, niobium, and heavy rare earths mineralisation.
As uranium serves as a key pathfinder element, it plays a crucial role in guiding the exploration efforts to vector into areas that host heavy rare earths mineralisation. Follow up of an enhanced radiometric imaging has identified a promising new prospect area, "Paddington," located just 200m west of the existing Bobs Prospect (Figure 1).
Field inspection at the Paddington Prospect has identified a plagioclase and mica rich pegmatite outcrop which has intruded through an amphibolite unit. The pegmatite outcrop is seen to pinch and swell with a maximum width of 3m and is up to 40m in length and strikes east-west (Figure 5). Pegmatite float downhill either side of outcrop is common. Readings using the RadEye ranged from 0.1 μSv to 70 μSv for isolated areas at the Paddington Prospect. Three separate rock chip samples (HRS019, HRS031, and HRS032) were collected from depths of 15-30 cm and across a 260m interval from outcropping pegmatites at the Paddington Prospect.
Figure 1: Location of the Paddington Prospect to the west of Bobs Prospect (Source: NFM Team)
In total, 14 rock chip samples (HRS019 - HRS032) were collected during the field campaign and have been submitted to Intertek Perth (Malaga) Laboratory to test for a broad multi-element suite. All samples and field data have been recorded and noted in Appendix A.
Figure 2: Sample HRS019 (506109E, 7447590N) Figure 3: Sample HRS031(506099E, 7447594N)
Note to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5:
Cautionary Statement - Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations.
The nature of the mineral occurrence of samarskite is seen as occasional scattered orthorhombic crystals. The minerals observed are found in small quantities in the host pegmatite rock. The estimated mineralisation abundance ranges from 0-3% in HRS019, 0-5% in HRS031, and 0-2% in HRS032. The anticipated timing for release of assays results related to the visual estimates is 1-2 weeks.
Figure 4: Sample HRS032 (505848E, 7447574N)
Figure 5: Outcropping pegmatite at the Paddington Prospect, 506109E 7447590N (Source: NFM Team)
EXPANDS FOOTPRINT AT HARTS RANGE
New Frontier Minerals has taken a proactive step in expanding its operational footprint by applying for two new tenements (EL34109 & EL34110) at Harts Range. The new applications are contiguous and located immediately to the north of granted Harts range tenement EL32046. This expansion reflects our commitment to exploring and developing high-potential mineral resources in the region.
Figure 6: NFM landholding and operational footprint at Harts Range (Source: NFM Team)
Our previous announcements have highlighted the presence of exceptionally high-grade heavy rare earths, uranium, and niobium in our surface sampling results. Notably, analyses from the Cusp and Bobs Prospects have revealed a strong dominance of high-value heavy rare earth elements (HREE), with results indicating up to 11.75% Dysprosium Oxide and 1.87% Terbium Oxide within the Total Rare Earth Element (TREO) mix2.
Recent restrictions by China on the export of critical heavy rare earth minerals3could place upward pressure on prices, which is likely to encourage the development of new supply chains. In the Board's view, this geopolitical shift underscores the importance of securing domestic supply chains for rare earth materials, which are essential for various high-tech and defence applications.
NEXT STEPS
Over the past five months, New Frontier has successfully executed its exploration strategy at Harts Range. With the completion of the geophysical interpretation and the receipt of target generation data, NFM has now completed exploration stages 1 through 4 (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Staged and systematic exploration timeline for Harts Range (Source: Company Presentation4)
New Frontier Minerals is committed to a thorough review of the 46 targets1identified during its exploration program. The Company's goal is to drill test these targets as soon as possible, enabling NFM to unlock the potential of its mineral assets and contribute to the growing demand for rare earth elements.
REFERENCES
1) ASX Announcement (31 March 2025) Geophysical interpretation identifies 46 HREE-Nb-U priority targets at Harts Range, NT
2) ASX Announcement (9 April 2025) Heavy Rare Earths Dominant at Harts Range Project, Northern Territory
3) https://www.reuters.com/world/china-hits-back-us-tariffs-with-rare-earth-export-controls-2025-04-04/
4) ASX Announcement (13 March 2025) Building a legacy on solid foundation
For further information please contact
New Frontier Minerals Limited | +61 8 6558 0886 |
Gerrard Hall (UK), Chairman |
|
|
|
SI Capital Limited (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker) | +44 (0)1483 413500 |
Nick Emerson |
|
| |
Gracechurch Group (Financial PR) | +44 (0)20 4582 3500 |
Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore, Henry Gamble |
|
About New Frontier Minerals
New Frontier Minerals Limited is an Australian-based focussed explorer, with a strategy to develop multi-commodity assets that demonstrate future potential as an economic mining operation. Through the application of disciplined and structured exploration, New Frontier has identified assets deemed core and is actively progressing these interests up the value curve. Current focus will be on advancing exploration activity at the Harts Range Niobium, Uranium and Heavy Rare Earths Project which is circa 140km north-east from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
Other interests include the NWQ Copper Project, situated in the copper-belt district circa 150km north of Mt Isa in Queensland and the Broken Hill Project in western New South Wales.
New Frontier Minerals is listed on the LSE and ASX under the ticker "NFM".
Competent Persons Statement
The scientific and technical information in this announcement, which relates to exploration results and the geology of the deposits described, is based on information compiled and approved for release by Mark Biggs. Mark Biggs is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM Member # 107188) and meets the requirements of a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012 Edition). Mark Biggs has 35 years of experience relevant to Rare Earth Elements (REE), industrial mineral copper mineralisation types, as well as expertise in the quality and potential mining methods of the deposits under consideration. Additionally, he has 25 years of experience in the estimation, assessment, and evaluation of exploration results and mineral resource estimates, which are the activities for which he accepts responsibility. He also successfully completed an AusIMM Online Course Certificate in 2012 JORC Code Reporting. Mark Biggs is a consultant with ROM Resources and was engaged by New Frontier Minerals Limited to prepare the documentation for several prospects, specifically those within the Harts Range Prospects upon which the Report is based.
Furthermore, the full nature of the relationship between himself and New Frontier Minerals Limited has been disclosed, including any potential conflicts of interest. Mark Biggs is a director of ROM Resources, a company that is a shareholder of New Frontier Minerals Limited, and ROM Resources provides occasional geological consultancy services to New Frontier Minerals Limited.
The Report or excerpts referenced in this statement have been reviewed, ensuring that they are based on and accurately reflect, in both form and context, the supporting documentation relating to exploration results and any mineral resource estimates. The release of the Report and this statement has been consented to by the Directors of New Frontier Minerals Limited.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain information in this document refers to the intentions of New Frontier Minerals Ltd, but these are not intended to be forecasts, forward-looking statements or statements about future matters for the purposes of the Corporations Act or any other applicable law. The occurrence of events in the future is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause New Frontier Minerals Ltd's actual results, performance or achievements to differ from those referred to in this announcement. Accordingly, New Frontier Minerals Ltd, its directors, officers, employees, and agents, do not give any assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events referred to in this announcement will occur as contemplated. The interpretations and conclusions reached in this announcement are based on current geological theory and the best evidence available to the authors at the time of writing. It is the nature of all scientific conclusions that they are founded on an assessment of probabilities and, however high these probabilities might be, they make no claim for complete certainty. Any economic decisions that might be taken based on interpretations or conclusions contained in this announcement will therefore carry an element of risk. The announcement may contain forward-looking statements that involve several risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to, economic conditions, stock market fluctuations, commodity demand and price movements, access to infrastructure, timing of approvals, regulatory risks, operational risks, reliance on key personnel, Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates, native title, foreign currency fluctuations, exploration risks, mining development, construction, and commissioning risk. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. These statements reflect current expectations, intentions or strategies regarding the future and assumptions based on currently available information. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary from the expectations, intentions and strategies described in this announcement. No obligation is assumed to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, opinions, and estimates should change or to reflect other future developments.
APPENDIX A: NEW SAMPLE DETAILS
Fourteen (14) new rock chip samples were collected at mapping sites and are listed in Figure A1-1 below and their locations shown on the plan as Figure A1-2 following:
FIGURE A1-1: SAMPLE DESCRIPTIONS
Sample ID | Location | Easting | Northing | Rad-Eye Radiation μSv | Samarskite Estimate Range% | Description | Date Collected |
HRS019 | Paddington | 506109 | 7447590 | 35 | 0-3 | Plagioclase + mica rich pegmatite outcrop has intruded through amphibolite unit. Very coarse. Large micaceous minerals within the pegmatite up to 20cm by 20cm. Weathered rock showing signs of oxidisation. Pegmatite float downhill either side of outcrop. Outcrop pinches as swells but general width is 3m, length is 40m. Samarskite present disseminated within pegmatite as well as in form of individual minerals varying from 3mm-2cm. Readings up to 35 μSv for isolated rock-chips. Samples were collected from roughly 15cm-30cm below the surface. | 10/04/2025 |
HRS020 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506632 | 7447651 | 0.4 | 0 | Quartz rich pegmatite unit. Very hard. Minor chlorite alt. ~0.40 μSv. | 11/04/2025 |
HRS021 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506628 | 7447652 | 0.7 | 0 | Narrow vein plagioclase rich pegmatite. 20cm wide with inconsistent and minor pinching and swelling up to 10cm. Very coarse. Intruding into porphyroblastic Bruna gneiss unit. ~0.70μSv. | 11/04/2025 |
HRS022 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506125 | 7447732 | 0.3 | 0 | Potassium feldspar rich pegmatite unit. Outcrop is mostly buried, difficult to infer size. ~0.30 μSv. | 11/04/2025 |
HRS023 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506063 | 7448740 | 0.5 | 0 | Large micaceous pegmatite unit, ~200m in length. Outcrop is 100m NW of highlighted radiometric anomaly. Green sericite chlorite alteration. Intruding through amphibolite. ~0.50μSv. | 12/04/2025 |
HRS024 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506110 | 7448724 | 0.5 | 0 | Large micaceous pegmatite unit, ~200m in length. Outcrop is 50m NW of highlighted radiometric anomaly. Sample site is immediately adjacent to creek bed which cuts through the pegmatite and amphibolite unit. Green sericite chlorite alteration. Intruding through amphibolite. ~0.50μSv. | 12/04/2025 |
HRS025 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506218 | 7448716 | 0.4 | 0 | Micaceous pegmatite continues from HRS023+24 and continues to intrude through amphibolite. This section of the outcrop is more weathered and has a localised shear cutting through the pegmatite unit in a N-S orientation (~185 degrees). Matching geochemical composition as HRS023+24. 0.40μSv. | 12/04/2025 |
HRS026 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506652 | 7449022 | NR | 0 | Fine grained Bruna gneiss. Very hard, sugar texture. Possibly silica altered. Weakly foliated containing rounded quartz clasts 5mm by 5mm. Minor biotite and garnet present, 1mm by 1mm. No visible pegmatite. | 12/04/2025 |
HRS027 | Radiometric Anomaly | 506922 | 7449028 | NR | 0 | Fine grain Bruna gneiss. Possibly same lithology as previous sample site HRS026. Very hard, sugar texture. Possibly silica altered. Weakly foliated containing rounded quartz clasts 5mm by 5mm. Minor biotite and garnet present, 1mm by 1mm. No visible pegmatite. | 12/04/2025 |
HRS028 | Radiometric Anomaly | 507993 | 7448102 | 0.20 | 0 | Pegmatite outcrop on floor of creek bed. ~1m by 1m. Evenly comprised of plagioclase and quartz with minor muscovite and potassium feldspar. Moderate chloritic alteration. 0.20 μSv. | 13/04/2025 |
HRS029 | Radiometric Anomaly | 508150 | 7448115 | 0.45 | 0 | Weakly foliated pegmatite outcrop protruding from side of hill. Adjacent to stream running down the hill. 1m by 1m. Evenly comprised of plagioclase, quartz, muscovite, biotite and trace potassium feldspar. ~0.45 μSv. | 13/04/2025 |
HRS030 | Radiometric Anomaly | 507838 | 7447719 | 0.25 | 0 | Plagioclase rich pegmatite outcrop 40m east of Cusp outcrop. No large quartz cap unlike adjacent Cusp unit. Weak radiation detected ~0.25 μSv. | 13/04/2025 |
HRS031 | Paddington | 506099 | 7447594 | 70 | 0-5 | Sample is from outcrop. Sample taken 12m to the west from HRS019. Plagioclase-rich. Micaceous minerals are concentrated together as opposed to being disseminated throughout pegmatite. Quartz cap intermittently present along Paddington outcrop. Quartz and pegmatite float adjacent either side of outcrop above amphibolite unit. Samarskite minerals present 3mm-3cm. Geiger counter readings of up to 70 μSv. Most samples were collected ~30cm below the surface. | 14/04/2025 |
HRS032 | Paddington | 505848 | 7447574 | 10 | 0-2 | Discontinuous section of outcrop located 250m west from HRS031. Matching mineral composition, pegmatite unit displaying plagioclase and mica rich alteration intruding through amphibolite. Quartz cap present. Samarskite mineralisation present amongst highly micaceous section of the outcrop. Geiger counter readings of up to 10 μSv. This section of the pegmatite is and has been offset into three sections by localised shearing. The outcrop is trending E-W, shearing trends at NE-SW. Samples collected ~25cm below the surface. | 14/04/2025 |
FIGURE A1-2: NEW SAMPLE LOCATIONS
Notes: Coordinates in MGA94Z53 Source: NFM Team
APPENDIX B: JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE 1
The following JORC Code (2012 Edition) Table 1 is primarily supplied to provide background for geological mapping, and rock chip sampling programs, conducted by New Frontier Minerals Limited geology contractors during early April 2025.
No previous ASX releases have been made about the Harts Range Nb-U-REE Mineral Project.
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
Sampling techniques | • Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. • Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. • Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. • In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. | · Surface samples were collected from approximately a 3m radius around the recorded coordinate location. The rock chip fragments that were collected to make up the sample included fragments that approximately ranged from 2-5cm and 0.2 - 3kg in weight. A total of fourteen additional (14) rock chip samples were collected in calico bags and were progressed for laboratory analysis (sample numbers range from HRS019 to 032). Samples were collected from rock outcrops, soils, and occasionally mullock heaps in the vicinity of west to east trending pegmatite dykes. A small percentage of the surface samples contained the U-bearing mineral samarskite. |
Drilling techniques | • • Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). | · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were drilled. |
Drill sample recovery | • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. • Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. • Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. | · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were drilled. |
Logging | • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. • Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. • The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. | · Descriptions of the rock chip and soil samples are given in a table contained in Appendix A (Figure A1-1) of this CCZ's ASX Announcement dated the 28th of April 2025. · Where appropriate strike and dip measurements were taken at several sites, additional to the fourteen (14) rock chip sample sites. Measuring bedding is difficult because of the high metamorphically - disturbed rock types. |
Subsampling techniques and sample preparation | • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. • For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. • Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. • Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. • Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. | · Of the sample collected about 0.3-2kg of rock chip were presented for analyses. · Assays will be presented to independent laboratory Intertech Pty Ltd at Canning Vale Perth WA . The samples were sorted and dried. Primary preparation was then by crushing the whole sample. The whole sample was pulverised in a vibrating disc pulveriser. · All samples were initially crushed to 4 mm then pulverised to 75 microns, with at least 85% passing through 75 microns. Standard sample preparation and analyses procedures were performed on all samples and are considered appropriate techniques. |
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests | • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. • For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. | Analytical Methods are described in detail as follows: Au, Pt, Pd · The samples have been analysed by firing a 40g (approx.) portion of the sample. This is the classical fire assay process and will give total separation of Gold, Platinum, and Palladium in the sample. These have been determined by Inductively |
• Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. | Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry. The sample(s) have been digested with a mixture of acids including Hydrofluoric, Nitric, Hydrochloric and Perchloric Acids. This digest approaches a total digest for many elements however some refractory oxides are not completely attacked. · The mineral Cassiterite is not efficiently attacked with this digest. · If Barium occurs as the Sulphate mineral, then at high levels (more than 4000 ppm) it may re-precipitate after the digest giving seriously low results. Using this digest, some sulphur losses may occur if the samples contain high levels of sulphide. Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Mn, P, Sc, V, Al, Ca, Na, K, S have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry. As, Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Ga, Li, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, W, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, U, Se, In, Te, Cs, Re, Tl · have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry. The samples have been fused with Sodium Peroxide and subsequently the melt has been dissolved in dilute Hydrochloric acid for analysis. Because of the high furnace temperatures, volatile elements are lost. This procedure is particularly efficient for determination of Major element composition (Including Silica) in the samples or for the determination of refractory mineral species. B, Cr, Si, Fe, Mg, Ti · have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry. Ge, Ta, Hf, Zr, Nb, Rb · have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry. |
· The assay results are expected to be in line with previous rock chip and drilling results obtained since October 2024 at Harts Range. | ||
Verification of sampling and assaying | • The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. • The use of twinned holes. • Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. • Discuss any adjustment to assay data. | · Independent Laboratory assaying by Intertek has confirmed, within acceptable limits, the occurrences of high-grade Nb, U, and REE from the initial in field XRF readings. Laboratory standards and duplicates were used in accordance with standard procedures for geochemical assaying as noted below. · It has met the recommended insertion rates for the company QAQC controls (standards, blanks) with an overall insertion rate of 20%. However, no field duplicates were included in the three (3) batches and is recommended that 3% be included in future sampling programs. Summary of QAQC insertion rates. · Both the company standards and blanks were verified for elements Nb, U and Dy and returned results within 2 standard deviations (SD). Field duplicates are not present in the batch therefore were not reviewed. |
Location of data points | • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. • Specification of the grid system used. • Quality and adequacy of topographic control. | · The spatial location for the rock chips and soils collected during the 2006 and 2007 fieldwork were collected by handheld GPS (-/+ 5m accuracy) [MGA94 Zone53]: The table of reported rock chip locations and descriptions are given in throughout the ASX release and in Figure A1-1 (at the end of the section). |
Data spacing and distribution | • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. • Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. • Whether sample compositing has been applied. | · The Harts Range licenses lie north-west of the Entia Dome and are underlain by the Harts Range Group (Harts Range Meta- igneous Complex), which predominantly consists of feldspar- biotite-amphibole-garnet gneisses. The Harts Range region at has undergone repeated and substantial crustal reworking between Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times and is now thought to represent an ancient and strongly altered/metamorphosed version of a continental collision zone. · Most of the observed mineralisation is related to a swarm of west to east and southeast-trending pegmatite dykes, with an |
anomalous occurrence of the U-bearing mineral samarskite (refer to Figure A2-1). · At the Cusp Prospect, niobium-HREE-Tantalum identified in pegmatites running approximately east-west, up to 10 metres thick and over 70 metres long. · At Bob's Prospect niobium-HREE-Tantalum mineralisation in pegmatites trend east-west and is several metres thick and over 30 metres long, with similar geological setting to the Cusp Prospect. · 200m west of Bobs (Bobs West), outcropping pegmatite along the same orientation, hosted exclusively within felsic gneiss of the Irindina Gneiss. The pegmatite is semi-continuous for ~300m with a similar geological setting and has notably large green muscovite flakes present. · The Niobium Anomaly Prospect is another variant with high Niobium results but low in rare earths and uranium. Elevated radiometrics located with the scintillometer recorded 1,300 cps within a small historic pit at the top of a knoll. Anomalies appear to correlate with intrusions of porphyritic "granitoid" and granitic gneiss, which are geologically consistent with the pegmatites mapped at Bob's and the Cusp Prospects. · The Thorium Anomaly Prospect was previously located via airborne radiometric images. The radiometric anomalies are low order (10 to 20x background) compared to the spot anomalies at Bob's and Cusp (50-200x background). Anomalies appear to correlate with intrusions of porphyritic "granitoid" and granitic gneiss, which presumably are geologically features like the pegmatites at Bob's and the Cusp Prospects. | ||
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure | • Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. • If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. | · In general, the strata of the area surrounding the pegmatite dykes in the Harts Range Meta-Igneous Complex dip steeply (>45 degrees) to the north and strike between east to southeast. · Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed mineralisation along and across strike of the line of |
lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke (very generally east west tends, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and across the four (4) anomalous areas originally identified in the planning stage. · However, no modern systematic exploration has been conducted, nor any of the mineralised prospects have ever been drilled. | ||
Sample security | • The measures taken to ensure sample security. | · The rock chip samples taken during the historical fieldwork were securely locked within the vehicle on site until delivered to Alice Springs by the field personnel for despatch to the laboratory (InterTech in WA) by courier. |
Audits or reviews | • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. | · The sampling techniques and the data generated from the laboratory assay results have been peer reviewed by consultant geologists independent of Castillo Copper Limited (Audax Resources and ROM Resources) familiar with the overall Harts Range Project and deemed to be acceptable. · No other external audits sampling techniques and data have yet been planned or undertaken. |
Figure A2-1: Harts Range NFM Sample Descriptions October 2024 - January 2025
Sample No | Prospect | Easting | Northing | Sample | Description | Date Collected |
HSR001 | Bobs | 506304 | 7447586 | Rock | Grey, dense pegmatite. Fine grain texture comprised of quartz, microcline feldspar and muscovite, ~1cm wide rock chip samples. Varying degree of radiation ranging between 15-100 mSv. Samples collected from ~1foot deep into weathered pegmatite | 10/10/24 |
HSR002 | Bobs | 506296 | 7447583 | Rock | Grey, dense pegmatite. Fine grain texture comprised of quartz, microcline feldspar and muscovite ~1cm wide rock chip samples. Varying degree of radiation ranging between 15-100 micro mSv. Additional dense and dark minerals, metallic lustre, ~ 0.5cm, ranging between 15-100 mSv. Samples collected from ~1foot deep into weathered pegmatite. | 10/10/24 |
HSR003A | Cusp | 507859 | 7447753 | Rock | Samarskite pegmatite. Hard black minerals, metallic lustre. Very dense. Ranging in size from 0.5cm-4cm. Ranging in radiation from 20-100 mSv. Samples collected using geo pick from fresh pegmatite. *Mineralised crystal sample present in quartz. Hand specimen ~4cm. Image attached. | 11/10/24 |
HSR003B | Cusp | 507860 | 7447755 | Rock | Small 1cm samarskite crystal in quartz. | 11/10/24 |
HSR004 | Cusp | 507859 | 7447754 | Rock | Samarskite pegmatite. Hard black minerals, metallic lustre. Very dense. Ranging in size from 0.5cm-4cm. Ranging in radiation from 20-100 mSv. Samples collected using geo pick from fresh pegmatite. | 11/10/24 |
HSR005 | NA | NA | NA | No sample | ||
HSR006 | Dune | 510106 | 7450427 | Rock | Fine/medium grained amphibolite schist. Hornblende and other mafic matrix, muscovite, biotite. Less than 5% quartz and 5% albite. Striking ~250 degrees. Estimated dip of 70 degrees. Unit is 1.5m wide. Wedged in between felsic/intermediate unit (diorite?) to the south, mafic unit to the North. | 19/11/24 |
HSR007 | Dune | 510122 | 7450655 | Rock | Highly weathered (0.5m-1m) sub-cropping granitic/pegmatitic dyke in gneiss. The unit was medium-coarse grained, grey in colour with visible feldspar and quartz. | 19/11/24 |
HSR008 | Cusp | 507726 | 7448141 | Rock | Foliated felsic unit. Biotite + quartz + orthoclase foliations. Malachite + azurite disseminated within matrix. Broken pieces indicated the mineralisation was not surface staining. Striking ~ 010. ~3m in width, 10m in length. 10m from creek bed to the east. | 19/11/24 |
HSR009 | Cusp | 507730 | 7448076 | Rock | Foliated felsic unit comprising of quartz, biotite, orthoclase foliations. The unit is seen to be weekly stained with malachite and azurite disseminated within matrix. Broken pieces indicated the mineralisation may not be surface staining. The unit is seen to striking ~ 010. 2m wide, 4m in length within the creek bed 3m to east. | 19/11/24 |
HSR010 | Cusp | 507737 | 7448047 | Rock | Foliated felsic unit. Biotite + quartz + orthoclase foliations. Malachite + azurite disseminated within matrix. Broken pieces indicated the mineralisation was not surface staining. Mineralisation less clear in weathered rock compared to HRS008 and HRS009. Striking ~ 010. 2m wide, 5m in length. Creek bed 1m to east. | 19/11/24 |
HSR011 | Cusp | 507848 | 7447749 | Rock | Cusp pegmatite is strongly mica altered. Muscovite / Biotite ratio is 4:1. Milky + clear quartz, grey albite. Dark niobium-uranium rich minerals varying in size from 3mm x 3mm to 3cm x 3cm. Occurrence of samarskite appears to be correlated with strongly enriched micaceous zones of the pegmatite unit. Large mica minerals up to 5cm x 5cm. | 19/11/24 |
HSR012 | Cusp | 507848 | 7447755 | Rock | Cusp pegmatite is strongly mica altered. Muscovite / Biotite ratio is 4:1. Milky + clear quartz, grey albite. Dark niobium-uranium rich minerals varying in size from 3mm x 3mm to 3cm x 3cm. Occurrence of samarskite appears to be correlated with strongly enriched micaceous zones of the pegmatite unit. Mica minerals up to 5cm x 5cm. | 19/11/24 |
HSR013 | Bobs North | 505947 | 7448424 | Rock | Malachite rich outcrop occurring at the steep part of a small hill. Strong mica-alt. Pegmatite consisting of mica, k-spar, quartz, albite. Sample collected from location where historical Cu, Au + Ag occur. The occurrences seen at surface was small and sparse, but also not at all obvious - easily obscured by surface weathering, or soil cover. | 20/11/24 |
HSR014 | Bobs West | 506097 | 7447593 | Rock | Coarse grained pegmatite sub crop. Microcline + mica rich. Coarse quartz. Potassium rich, roughly 2% according to XRF. XRF suggested reason for 1.5 μSv likely due to presence of potassium rather than thorium or uranium. No economic minerals detected at high percentages. | 20/11/24 |
HSR015 | Bobs West | 506104 | 7447590 | Rock | Highly micaceous and coarse-grained pegmatite sub crop. Comprised of microcline + mica rich and coarse quartz. Potassium rich, roughly 6% according to pXRF. No economic minerals detected at high percentages with pXRF. | 20/11/24 |
HSR016 | Big Jay | 506736 | 7445987 | Rock | Thick pegmatite unit, width of 3m, very long (hard to estimate). Microcline + mica rich unit. 0.50 μSv. Mica varying from 3mm-2cm. Sample collected adjacent to break in outcrop. Probably plane of weakness where fluid flowed through. Face of outcrop sheared roughly parallel to outcrop orientation. Darker part of the matrix is where Nb and Y is detectable on XRF. Up to 1100ppm Nb, 1000ppm Y | 21/11/24 |
HSR017 | Big Jay | 506775 | 7445989 | Rock | Thick pegmatite unit, width of 3m, very long (hard to estimate). Microcline + mica rich unit. 0.70 μSv. Mica varying from 3mm-2cm. Sample collected adjacent to break in outcrop. Probably plane of weakness where fluid flowed through. Face of outcrop sheared roughly parallel to outcrop orientation. Darker part of the matrix is where Nb and Y is detectable on XRF. Up to 800ppm Nb, 600ppm Y. | 21/11/24 |
HSR018 | Big Jay | 506686 | 7445972 | Rock | Thick pegmatite unit, width of 3m, very long (hard to estimate). Microcline + green sericite rich unit. 0.50 μSv. Mica varying from 3mm-2cm. Sample collected adjacent to break in outcrop. Probably plane of weakness where fluid flowed through. Face of outcrop sheared roughly parallel to outcrop orientation. Rb up to 1000ppm. | 21/11/24 |
Notes: Coordinates in MGA94Z53 Source: NFM Team
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
Mineral tenement and land tenure status | • Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. • The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. in the area. | · The Harts Range Project lies in the south-east of the Northern Territory, roughly 120 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs. Two granted tenements (EL 32046 and 32513) comprising a total 110 km2 tenement package is located near essential infrastructure and accessible via the Plenty Highway. · A check on the tenures status was completed in the NTGS system 'Strike' on the 10 of October 2024, to validate the currentness of the exploration areas. All are current. · The region is serviced by excellent roads (Stuart Highway), train (the famous Ghan rail) and bus links connect the area. · Domestic and some international flights are available from Alice Springs (1 hour drive south of Harts Range) while all international flights are available direct from Darwin. · As a major regional centre, the town of Alice Springs provides public and private schools. There are churches, supermarkets, speciality shops, hotels, motels, cafés & restaurants, medical centres. · There is a professional police and emergency services presence throughout the area. Local professional and trade services support the community and the mining industry. Mobile phone and internet access are good. |
Exploration done by other parties | • Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. | · Historical "Strike"-based mineral exploration reports have been reviewed for historical tenures that cover or partially cover the Project Area in this announcement. Federal and State Government reports supplement the historical mineral exploration reporting (QDEX open file exploration records). |
· Most explorers were searching for either Cu-Au-U, gemstones, or industrial minerals in the 1990's, and proving satellite deposit style extensions to the several small subeconomic uranium or copper deposits. · The project is flanked by Independence Group (IGO) to the north, south and west. IGO is exploring for a raft of critical battery minerals. | ||
Geology | • Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation. | Regional Geology · The Harts Range Niobium, Uranium-Heavy Rare Earth Project lies north-west of the Entia Dome (Figure A2-1) and is underlain by the Harts Range Group (Harts Range Meta-igneous Complex), which predominantly consists of feldspar-biotite-amphibole-garnet gneisses. · The Harts Range region has undergone repeated and substantial crustal re-working between Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times. As a result, it is now believed to represent an ancient and strongly altered/metamorphosed version of a continental collision zone. · Magnetotellurics data interpreted by a team consisting of Adelaide University and NTGS geologists (Selway et al, 2006) suggests the Entia Dome system is a deep-crustal feature that can be shown extending to the mantle. · The below maps (Figures A2-2 and A2-3) show a traverse through the Arunta from north to south and skirted around the dome to the east and highlighting a major subduction zone to the north of the dome. The latter diagram shows the distribution of regional stratigraphic units. |
FIGURES A2-1: REGIONAL STRUCTURE PLAN
FIGURE A2-2: WEST TO EAST REGIONAL CRUSTAL CROSS- SECTION |
FIGURE A2-3: REGIONAL GEOLOGY
Local Geology · The main rock types mapped and sampled at various REE Prospects include: o Biotite Schist/Granofels: brown-blackish biotite-rich rock; thin (5-10cm) poorly exposed zone on N side of ~6m thick unit/zone of similar rock (e.g. HR398, HR399 sites) (on N side of HR399). o Pegmatite, apatite-bearing: scree frags near W end of E- W pegmatite, near intersection with north-south calcite vein; very coarse-grained feldspar-quartz with common coarse apatite - pale semi-translucent slightly greenish (rare honey-brown) blocky/tabular/hexagonal, some intergrown with feldspar/quartz. o Garnet-Cummingtonite rock: coarse-grained rock; with abundant interstitial pale greenish malachite-magnesite material; small patch of sub-crop amongst scree. o Gneiss: weathered, moderately banded, fine-to-medium grained quartz-feldspar-hornblende-garnet; some |
coarser quartz-garnet rock; some brown haematite on fractures; sample below HR444. o Ultramafics: slightly weathered medium grained, greenish/brownish amphibole/olivine-dominated meta- ultramafic. o Amphibolite: grey fine-grained hornblende -quartz rock; (approx. adjacent rough channel samples: HR461 (1m) above HR462 (3m) above HR463 (3m) above HR464 (1m)). o Samarskite (or similar), being a dense brittle blackish lustrous radioactive mineral; cluster of 10+ fragments, most over 1cm (or broken weathered larger piece - ca. 5- 10 cm) in chalky white feldspar, beside weathered coarse mica beneath soil cover along southern side of quartz vein in a pegmatite core. | ||
Drillhole Information | • A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar o dip and azimuth of the hole o down hole length and interception depth o hole length. • If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. | · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results presented. |
Data aggregation methods | • In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. • Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. | · Independent Laboratory Assay results for the 28 rock chip samples from various Harts Range Prospects were averaged if more than one reading or determination was given. There was no cutting of high-grade REE results as they are directly relatable to high grade mineralisation styles readily visible in the relevant samples. · There were no cut-off grades factored into any reporting of the laboratory assay results. |
• The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. | |||
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths | • These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. • If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. • If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width not known'). | · The April 2025 rock chip and soil samples were taken at areas of interest from observed mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, and surrounding spoil heaps. Fourteen (14) rock chip samples collected from rock faces and/or outcrops. | |
Diagrams | • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. | · Appropriate diagrams are presented in the body and the Appendices of the current ASX Release. Where scales are absent from the diagram, grids have been included and clearly labelled to act as a scale for distance. · Maps and Plans presented in the current ASX Release are in MGA94 Zone 53, Eastings (mN), and Northing (mN), unless clearly labelled otherwise. | |
Balanced reporting | • Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced avoiding misleading reporting of Exploration Results. | · Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and to the north and south of the line of lode to check the validity of the defined five (5) anomalous map areas. | |
Other substantive exploration data | • • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. | · The area is covered by regional airborne government and private radiometric, gravity, magnetic, and hyperspectral surveys. Unfortunately, other than the 2006 radiometric ground survey, no other ground surveys have been undertaken. · Substantial historical and current ground geochemical (stream sediment, soil, and rock chip samples have been undertaken and two episodes of shallow drilling, mostly for industrial minerals (gemstones and vermiculite) by the owners of the leases, since 2006. | |
Further work | • The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step- out drilling). • Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. | o A future exploration strategy should encompass the following steps in subsequent field programs: o Reconnaissance mapping programs. o Close-spaced radiometric geophysical surveys. o Detailed mapping and rock chip sampling across prospects. o Regional soil sampling campaigns. o Mineral characterisation studies and petrological analysis. o Target generation and prioritisation; and o Exploratory drill-testing. |
Related Shares:
New Frontier Mi