REG - New Frontier Mineral - New prospect identified at Harts Range, NT
28/04/2025 07:00
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RNS Number : 3936G New Frontier Minerals Limited 28 April 2025
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
survey(1,2.) 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 survey(1,2)
· 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 exports(3) 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 targets(1,2) 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-
(https://www.reuters.com/world/china-hits-back-us-tariffs-with-rare-earth-export-controls-2025-04-04/)
04/
(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 10/04/2025
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.
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 11/04/2025
pinching and swelling up to 10cm. Very coarse. Intruding into porphyroblastic
Bruna gneiss unit. ~0.70μSv.
HRS022 Radiometric Anomaly 506125 7447732 0.3 0 Potassium feldspar rich pegmatite unit. Outcrop is mostly buried, difficult to 11/04/2025
infer size. ~0.30 μSv.
HRS023 Radiometric Anomaly 506063 7448740 0.5 0 Large micaceous pegmatite unit, ~200m in length. Outcrop is 100m NW of 12/04/2025
highlighted radiometric anomaly. Green sericite chlorite alteration. Intruding
through amphibolite. ~0.50μSv.
HRS024 Radiometric Anomaly 506110 7448724 0.5 0 Large micaceous pegmatite unit, ~200m in length. Outcrop is 50m NW of 12/04/2025
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.
HRS025 Radiometric Anomaly 506218 7448716 0.4 0 Micaceous pegmatite continues from HRS023+24 and continues to intrude through 12/04/2025
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.
HRS026 Radiometric Anomaly 506652 7449022 NR 0 Fine grained Bruna gneiss. Very hard, sugar texture. Possibly silica altered. 12/04/2025
Weakly foliated containing rounded quartz clasts 5mm by 5mm. Minor biotite and
garnet present, 1mm by 1mm. No visible pegmatite.
HRS027 Radiometric Anomaly 506922 7449028 NR 0 Fine grain Bruna gneiss. Possibly same lithology as previous sample site 12/04/2025
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.
HRS028 Radiometric Anomaly 507993 7448102 0.20 0 Pegmatite outcrop on floor of creek bed. ~1m by 1m. Evenly comprised of 13/04/2025
plagioclase and quartz with minor muscovite and potassium feldspar. Moderate
chloritic alteration. 0.20 μSv.
HRS029 Radiometric Anomaly 508150 7448115 0.45 0 Weakly foliated pegmatite outcrop protruding from side of hill. Adjacent to 13/04/2025
stream running down the hill. 1m by 1m. Evenly comprised of plagioclase,
quartz, muscovite, biotite and trace potassium feldspar. ~0.45 μSv.
HRS030 Radiometric Anomaly 507838 7447719 0.25 0 Plagioclase rich pegmatite outcrop 40m east of Cusp outcrop. No large quartz 13/04/2025
cap unlike adjacent Cusp unit. Weak radiation detected ~0.25 μSv.
HRS031 Paddington 506099 7447594 70 0-5 Sample is from outcrop. Sample taken 12m to the west from HRS019. 14/04/2025
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.
HRS032 Paddington 505848 7447574 10 0-2 Discontinuous section of outcrop located 250m west from HRS031. Matching 14/04/2025
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.
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 · Surface samples were collected from approximately a 3m radius
specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the around the recorded coordinate location. The rock chip fragments that were
minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF collected to make up the sample included fragments that approximately ranged
instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad from 2-5cm and 0.2 - 3kg in weight. A total of fourteen additional (14) rock
meaning of sampling. chip samples were collected in calico bags and were progressed for laboratory
analysis (sample numbers range from HRS019 to 032). Samples were collected
• Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity from rock outcrops, soils, and occasionally mullock heaps in the vicinity of
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. west to east trending pegmatite dykes. A small percentage of the surface
samples contained the U-bearing mineral samarskite.
• 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.
Drilling techniques • • Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were
rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, drilled.
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).
Drill sample recovery • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were
and results assessed. drilled.
• 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.
Logging • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and · Descriptions of the rock chip and soil samples are given in a table
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral contained in Appendix A (Figure A1-1) of this CCZ's ASX Announcement dated the
Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. 28th of April 2025.
• Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or · Where appropriate strike and dip measurements were taken at several
costean, channel, etc) photography. sites, additional to the fourteen (14) rock chip sample sites. Measuring
bedding is difficult because of the high metamorphically - disturbed rock
• The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections types.
logged.
Subsampling techniques and sample preparation • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core · Of the sample collected about 0.3-2kg of rock chip were presented
taken. for analyses.
• If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and · Assays will be presented to independent laboratory Intertech Pty
whether sampled wet or dry. 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
• For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of pulverised in a vibrating disc pulveriser.
the sample preparation technique.
· All samples were initially crushed to 4 mm then pulverised to 75
• Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to microns, with at least 85% passing through 75 microns. Standard sample
maximise representivity of samples. preparation and analyses procedures were performed on all samples and are
considered appropriate techniques.
• 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.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and Analytical Methods are described in detail as follows:
laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or
total. Au, Pt, Pd
• For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, · The samples have been analysed by firing a 40g (approx.) portion of
the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and the sample. This is the classical fire assay process and will give total
model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. separation of Gold, Platinum, and Palladium
in the sample. These have been determined by Inductively
• Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry. The sample(s) have been digested with
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of a mixture of acids including Hydrofluoric, Nitric, Hydrochloric and Perchloric
accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. 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 · Independent Laboratory assaying by Intertek has confirmed,
or alternative company personnel. within acceptable limits, the occurrences of high-grade Nb, U, and REE from
the initial in field XRF readings. Laboratory standards and duplicates were
• The use of twinned holes. used in accordance with standard procedures for geochemical assaying as noted
below.
• Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data
verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. · It has met the recommended insertion rates for the company QAQC
controls (standards, blanks) with an overall insertion rate of 20%. However,
• Discuss any adjustment to assay data. 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 · The spatial location for the rock chips and soils collected during
and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in the 2006 and 2007 fieldwork were collected by handheld GPS
Mineral Resource estimation.
(-/+ 5m accuracy) [MGA94 Zone53]: The table of reported rock chip locations
• Specification of the grid system used. and descriptions are given in throughout the ASX release and in Figure A1-1
(at the end of the section).
• Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
Data spacing and distribution • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. · 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
• Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to predominantly consists of feldspar- biotite-amphibole-garnet gneisses. The
establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Harts Range region at has undergone repeated and substantial crustal reworking
Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications between Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times and is now thought to represent an
applied. ancient and strongly altered/metamorphosed version of a continental collision
zone.
• Whether sample compositing has been applied.
· 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 · In general, the strata of the area surrounding the pegmatite dykes in
possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the the Harts Range Meta-Igneous Complex dip steeply (>45 degrees) to the north
deposit type. and strike between east to southeast.
• If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the · Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed
orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a mineralisation along and across strike of the line of
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
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 · The sampling techniques and the data generated from the laboratory
data. 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 10/10/24
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
HSR002 Bobs 506296 7447583 Rock Grey, dense pegmatite. Fine grain texture comprised of quartz, microcline 10/10/24
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.
HSR003A Cusp 507859 7447753 Rock Samarskite pegmatite. Hard black minerals, metallic lustre. Very dense. 11/10/24
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.
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. 11/10/24
Ranging in size from 0.5cm-4cm. Ranging in radiation from 20-100 mSv. Samples
collected using geo pick from fresh pegmatite.
HSR005 NA NA NA No sample
HSR006 Dune 510106 7450427 Rock Fine/medium grained amphibolite schist. Hornblende and other mafic matrix, 19/11/24
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.
HSR007 Dune 510122 7450655 Rock Highly weathered (0.5m-1m) sub-cropping granitic/pegmatitic dyke in 19/11/24
gneiss. The unit was medium-coarse grained, grey in colour with visible
feldspar and quartz.
HSR008 Cusp 507726 7448141 Rock Foliated felsic unit. Biotite + quartz + orthoclase foliations. Malachite + 19/11/24
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.
HSR009 Cusp 507730 7448076 Rock Foliated felsic unit comprising of quartz, biotite, orthoclase foliations. The 19/11/24
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.
HSR010 Cusp 507737 7448047 Rock Foliated felsic unit. Biotite + quartz + orthoclase foliations. Malachite + 19/11/24
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.
HSR011 Cusp 507848 7447749 Rock Cusp pegmatite is strongly mica altered. Muscovite / Biotite ratio is 4:1. 19/11/24
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.
HSR012 Cusp 507848 7447755 Rock Cusp pegmatite is strongly mica altered. Muscovite / Biotite ratio is 4:1. 19/11/24
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.
HSR013 Bobs North 505947 7448424 Rock Malachite rich outcrop occurring at the steep part of a small hill. Strong 20/11/24
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.
HSR014 Bobs West 506097 7447593 Rock Coarse grained pegmatite sub crop. Microcline + mica rich. Coarse quartz. 20/11/24
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.
HSR015 Bobs West 506104 7447590 Rock Highly micaceous and coarse-grained pegmatite sub crop. Comprised of 20/11/24
microcline + mica rich and coarse quartz. Potassium rich, roughly 6% according
to pXRF. No economic minerals detected at high percentages
with pXRF.
HSR016 Big Jay 506736 7445987 Rock Thick pegmatite unit, width of 3m, very long (hard to estimate). Microcline + 21/11/24
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
HSR017 Big Jay 506775 7445989 Rock Thick pegmatite unit, width of 3m, very long (hard to estimate). Microcline + 21/11/24
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.
HSR018 Big Jay 506686 7445972 Rock Thick pegmatite unit, width of 3m, very long (hard to estimate). Microcline + 21/11/24
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.
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 · The Harts Range Project lies in the south-east of the Northern
agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, Territory, roughly 120 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs. Two granted
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, tenements (EL 32046 and 32513) comprising a total 110 km2 tenement package is
wilderness or national park and environmental settings. located near essential infrastructure and accessible via the Plenty Highway.
• The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with · A check on the tenures status was completed in the NTGS system
any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. in the 'Strike' on the 10 of October 2024, to validate the currentness of the
area. 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 · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results presented.
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.
Data aggregation methods • In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, · Independent Laboratory Assay results for the 28 rock chip samples
maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and from various Harts Range Prospects were averaged if more than one reading or
cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. determination was given. There was no cutting of high-grade REE results as
they are directly relatable to high grade mineralisation styles readily
• Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade visible in the relevant samples.
results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations · There were no cut-off grades factored into any reporting of the
should be shown in detail. 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 · The April 2025 rock chip and soil samples were taken at areas of
Exploration Results. interest from observed mineralisation along the line of lode of the
mineralised pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, and surrounding spoil heaps.
• If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole Fourteen (14) rock chip samples collected from rock faces and/or outcrops.
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').
Diagrams • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of · Appropriate diagrams are presented in the body and the Appendices of
intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported the current ASX Release. Where scales are absent from the diagram, grids have
These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar been included and clearly labelled to act as a scale for distance.
locations and appropriate sectional views.
· 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 · Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed
practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke,
widths should be practiced avoiding misleading reporting of Exploration secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and to the north and south of
Results. 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 · The area is covered by regional airborne government and private
reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical radiometric, gravity, magnetic, and hyperspectral surveys. Unfortunately,
survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of other than the 2006 radiometric ground survey, no other ground surveys have
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical been undertaken.
and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
· 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 o A future exploration strategy should encompass the following steps in
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step- out drilling). subsequent field programs:
• Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, o Reconnaissance mapping programs.
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,
provided this information is not commercially sensitive. 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.
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. END MSCPKOBKKBKBKQBRecent news on New Frontier Minerals
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