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RNS Number : 2564Z New Frontier Minerals Limited 04 March 2025
04 March 2025
New Frontier Minerals Limited
("NFM" or the "Company")
Harts Range Project lights up, with numerous airborne geophysical uranium
anomalies across the tenure
New Frontier Minerals Ltd (LSE and ASX: NFM) is pleased to announce the
excellent results from the processing and interpretation of geophysical data
by Southern Geoscience Consultants. The interpretation has identified numerous
discreet uranium anomalies - a path finder to heavy rare earths mineralisation
- lighting up across the Harts Range Uranium, Niobium and Heavy Rare Earths
Project, located 140km north-east of Alice Springs in the Northern
Territory.
Highlights:
· Outstanding results from the geophysical campaign, with interpreted
radiometric data lighting up numerous discrete Uranium anomalies across the
entire Harts Range Project
· More significantly, as Uranium is a critical pathfinder element for
high value Heavy Rare Earths mineralisation, it highlights the material
exploration potential within the tenure
· At the key Bobs and Cusp Prospects, enhanced imagery shows discreet
Uranium anomalies coincident with mineralised pegmatites(3) that are prime
targets for drill testing
· Further, enhanced magnetics (RTP 1VD) imagery shows Bobs and Cusp sit
on an ENE trending structure, which is interpreted to repeat to the north and
south
· Southern Geoscience Consultants are undertaking a detailed 1:10,000
scale structural interpretation that should provide key information and
additional targets once finalised, likely by mid-to-late March
Ged Hall, Chairman, commented: "The geophysicist's interpreted results are
beyond the Board's expectations, with multiple targets for uranium anomalies
lighting up across the entire Harts Range Project. Even better, is the Uranium
anomalies are a pathfinder for high value Heavy Rare Earths mineralisation. As
expected, the Cusp and Bobs Prospects are now clearly prime targets. Overall,
the exploration potential at the Harts Range Project has increased
significantly, and the geology team are set to return to site imminently to
work on systematically identifying prime targets to drill-test."
DATA PROCESSING AND RADIOMETRIC TARGETING
New Resolution Geophysics (NRG) was engaged to undertake a high-resolution,
airborne radiometric and magnetic survey at the Harts Range Project(1). With
the survey and data acquisition completed during the month of January 2025.
Southern Geoscience Consulting was engaged to process and interpret the
data.
The first phase of radiometric data processing has been completed with
enhancements utilising various ratios to isolate discrete uranium highs for
targeting in the field. Further to this, detailed integrated interpretation of
the magnetics and radiometric data is being undertaken to provide an
understanding of the bedrock geology setting to support target selection for
follow up exploration.
As uranium serves as a key pathfinder element, it plays a crucial role in
guiding exploration efforts to vector into areas that host heavy rare earths
mineralisation. The uranium squared (U(2)) image enhancement process has
removed the thorium and potassium to show widespread regional uranium
anomalies for follow up (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Uranium squared (U(2)) image shows extensive regional wide uranium
anomalism and known mineralised prosects
Further enhancements utilising the U(2)/Th ratio has been successful in
isolating discrete uranium highs normalised by rock type and regolith. These
enhancements have effectively isolated uranium values in the radiometric data,
which are clearly visible at both Bob and Cusp, and are prominently
highlighted within the radiometric dataset (Figure 2).
More importantly, these enhancements have identified numerous similar
discrete anomalies regionally across the tenure for ground truthing and
vectoring into heavy rare earths targets.
Figure 2: U(2)/Th ratio enhancement isolate discrete uranium highs at Bobs and
Cusp
Utilising open-sourced satellite imagery, a preliminary satellite image
interpretation has visually identified numerous pegmatites across the project
area(2). The integration of enhanced (U(2)/Th ratio) geophysical imagery with
the interpreted pegmatites have identified numerous areas that are considered
prospective for radioactive pegmatites that also host niobium and heavy rare
earths (Figure 3).
Numerous discrete uranium-rich anomalies that correspond with interpreted
pegmatites will be prioritised for ground truthing and target generation
during the upcoming field season.
Figure 3: Integration of enhanced (U(2)/Th ratio) geophysical imagery with the
interpreted pegmatites
The magnetic image (RTP 1VD) has identified an ENE trending structural feature
that hosts both Bobs and Cusp prospects. Preliminary interpretation has
identified this to be potentially a controlling factor to the uranium,
niobium, and heavy rare earths mineralisation (Figure 4).
Repeats of these geophysical structural trends are seen to the north and south
of Bobs and Cusp prospects.
Figure 4: integration of enhanced (RTP 1VD) geophysical imagery with the
interpreted ENE structures possibly controlling uranium, niobium and heavy
rare earths mineralisation
NEXT STEPS
While the first phase of radiometric data processing has been completed,
detailed integrated interpretation of the magnetics and radiometric data is
being undertaken with more comprehensive targets expected in mid-March 2025.
Prior to the commencement of the field season, the NFM geology team will
utilise the integrated geophysical and geological datasets to identify and
target key areas for ground truthing which will include geological mapping and
sampling to validate and identify targets for drilling.
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 Copper 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 Copper 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 Copper Limited, and ROM Resources provides
occasional geological consultancy services to New Frontier Copper 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 Copper 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.
References
1) NFM ASX Release - 10 December 2024
2) NFM ASX Release - 4 February 2025
3) NFM ASX Release - 6 November 2024
APPENDIX A: GEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION
Summary
New Resolution Geophysics (NRG) was engaged to collect and interpret airborne
magnetic and radiometric geophysical data at the Harts Range Project, Northern
Territory (NFM 2024).
A high-resolution, helicopter-borne radiometric and magnetic survey was
designed to accelerate exploration over untested areas within the Harts Range
project (Figure AA-1), aiming to identify potential extensions to known
uranium, niobium, and rare earth mineralisation was completed in late January
2025. The survey employed "Xplorer", an advanced gradient magnetic system,
to cover 2,253-line kilometres across tenements EL32513 and EL32046 and the
technique boasts improved precision and efficiency.
NFM has flown the first airborne survey since the mid-1990s over the region
and the first high-resolution (50m spaced) survey over the Harts Range project
area and will use results from the survey to define high-priority drill
targets or to plan advanced ground geophysics surveys. Detailed
Interpretation by consultants Southern Geoscience is currently in progress.
Figure AA-1: Harts Range mineral project area
Fieldwork Conducted
Key features of the "XPlorer" systems used for the survey now completed are
given below:
1. "XPlorer" systems are mounted on dedicated AS350
B-series helicopters. The AS350 is ideal for the close terrain following
required for geophysical surveys. The unique Starflex rotor system and ample
power ensure that even the most stringent survey specifications are
maintained.
2. Low survey height results in a significant
improvement in magnetic data which decays exponentially with distance from
source.
3. The proposed system will utilise a horizontal boom
mounting to separate magnetic sensors. This will allow for measurement of the
horizontal gradient of the magnetic field. Incorporating the magnetic gradient
in gridding algorithms, provides significant improvement in delineating line
parallel features, spatial positioning of off-line anomalies and overall
resolution of the magnetic data.
4. As with the magnetics, radiometric data will benefit
significantly from the lower survey height. All radiometric data will be
collected at 2 Hz using 16,7 litres of NAI Sodium Iodide crystal sensor. Full
spectral processing was included in the quote.
The survey consists of a single block located west of Alice Springs in the
Northern Territory. A locality map is provided in Figures AA-1 and AA-2.
A high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of the survey area, illustrated
in Figure AA-2, suggests that the terrain is rugged. The horizontal gradient
of the DTM has been included in Figure 3 to gauge the required climb/descent
rates in areas with steeper topography. The climb and descent rate of a
high-performance helicopter, such as the AS350B3, will under most conditions,
be in the order of 250 m/km. Parts of the survey where the gradient exceeds
200m/km have been flagged in colour (yellow - magenta). In these areas survey
height may be compromised in the interest of safety.
Figure AA-2: NT Survey Location
Description Parameter
Block Name Harts Range
Coordinate System UTM 53S
Production Heading 0
Production Spacing 50
Tie Spacing 500
Tie Heading 90
Total Lines 335
Total Km 2,389
Table AA-1 Survey Parameter Summary (Source: NRG Australia)
A survey altitude of 25 - 30m was employed dependent on safety considerations
and tree canopy height (see Figure AA-3). A minimum line length of 3km (with
a few exceptions at the southwest end of survey block) has been utilised for
the flight path. The low-level flying height together with the horizontal
gradient boom system will result in improvements to:
• More structural and textural information.
• Better gradient enhancement.
• Improved anomaly definition.
• Improved spatial positioning.
• Improved resolution of line parallel features
The survey boundary coordinates are provided in Table AA-2 below.
Figure AA-3: Helicopter Similar to that used in the Survey (Source: NRG
Australia)
Easting Northing
Longitude Latitude
1 501663 7443558
135.016241
-23.116730
2 501664 7450913
135.016241
-23.050294
3 503420 7450912
135.033385
-23.050294
4 503421 7452850
135.033385
-23.032792
5 506787 7452809
135.066246
-23.033149
6 506787 7450951
135.066246
-23.049937
7 510263 7451028
135.100179
-23.049222
8 510229 7454547
135.099822
-23.017433
9 515206 7454543
135.148398
-23.017433
10 515204 7452842
135.148398
-23.032792
11 513558 7452804
135.132325
-23.033149
12 513591 7449167
135.132682
-23.066010
13 511908 7449129
135.116252
-23.066367
14 511943 7447310
135.116609
-23.082798
15 510260 7447311
135.100179
-23.082798
16 510258 7443713
135.100179
-23.115301
17 511977 7443712
135.116966
-23.115301
18 511975 7441932
135.116966
-23.131375
19 503418 7441818
135.033385
-23.132446
20 503418 7443558
135.033385
-23.116730
21 501663 7443558
135.016241
-23.116730
Table AA-2. Survey Boundary Coordinates
References
Barfuss, R. 2014, The Harts Range Project Exploration Licence (EL 24552) -
(Barfuss Corporation Pty Ltd)
Das, K., 2024, Note on November Harts Range field reconnaissance trip, Audax
Holdings memo, prepared for New Frontier Minerals Dec 2024, 27pp.
Caughey, A.R., 2007 Annual Report for Exploration Licence EL24552 for the
period ending 25th August 2007 (Flagstaff Geo Consultants Pty Ltd.), November
2007 (for Barfuss Corporation Pty. Ltd.)
New Frontier Minerals, 2024, Geophysical Data to define drill targets at Harts
Range, Northern Territory, published to ASX, 10(TH) December 2024, 6pp.
Rutter, H. 2006. 'An analysis of airborne radiometric data from the Harts
Range, N.T.' (Flagstaff Geo Consultants Pty Ltd.) (unpublished report).
Shaw, R.D., Senior, B.R., Offe, L.A., Stirzaker, J.F., Walton, D.G., Apps,
H.E., Freeman, M.J., 1985, 1:250,000 Geological Map Series Explanatory Notes
Illogwa Creek SF53-15. Bureau of Mineral Resources Australia & Northern
Territory Geological Survey,1985.
Spatial Territory Resource Information Kit for Exploration (STRIKE); NT
Government Available at: http://strike.nt.gov.au/wss.html
(http://strike.nt.gov.au/wss.html)
Scrimgeour IR, 2013. Chapter 29: Irindina Province: in Ahmad M and Munson TJ
(compilers). 'Geology and mineral resources of the Northern Territory'.
Northern Territory Geological Survey, Special Publication5.
APPENDIX B: JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE 1
The following JORC Code (2012 Edition) Table 1 is primarily supplied to
provide background for a recently completed airborne magnetic and radiometric
survey conducted by NRG Australia on behalf of New Frontier Minerals Limited,
covering all prospects within the Harts Range Project. The survey component
was concluded in late January 2025.
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
Sampling techniques • Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, • The basic survey parameters for the January 2025 airborne
or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the magnetic and radiometric survey are given in Table AB-1, below:
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.
Table AB-1: Harts Range Airborne Survey
• Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample
SURVEY NAME METHODS JOB # CONTRACTOR SURVEY YEAR FLIGHT MEAN FLIGHT LINE DATA STATUS
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. LINE TERRAIN DIRECTION
• 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 SPACING CLEARANCE (metres) (degrees)
is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or
mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of
detailed information. (metres)
Harts Range MAG NRGA2441 NRG 2025 50 25-30 000 - 180 Confidential
RAD
DEM
Drilling techniques • Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were
blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or drilled.
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 no holes were drilled.
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.
Logging • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and · Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral place.
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.
Subsampling techniques and sample preparation • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core · Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
taken. place.
• 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.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and · Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or place
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.
• 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.
Verification of sampling and assaying • The verification of significant intersections by either independent · Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
or alternative company personnel. place.
• 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.
Location of data points • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar · Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in place.
Mineral Resource estimation.
• Specification of the grid system used.
• 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.
· 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 Dune (previously 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
possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the dykes in the Harts Range Meta-Igneous Complex dip steeply (>45 degrees) to
deposit type. the north 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 lode of the mineralised
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and across the
six (6) anomalous areas originally identified in the planning stage.
· However, no modern systematic exploration has been conducted, nor
any of the U, Nb, Cu, and HREE mineralised prospects have ever been drilled in
the prospects described in this ASX release.
Sample security • • The measures taken to ensure sample security. · The rock chip samples taken during the current fieldwork were
securely locked within the vehicle on site until delivered to Alice Springs by
the field personnel for despatch to the laboratory (Intertek in Perth WA) by
courier.
Audits or reviews • • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and · No external audits sampling techniques and data have yet been
data. planned or undertaken.
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 no holes 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.
· Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
place.
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.
· Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
place.
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.
• 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.
· Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
place
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.
· Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
place.
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.
· Not applicable as no drilling nor surface sampling has taken
place.
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.
· 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 Dune (previously 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, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and across the
six (6) anomalous areas originally identified in the planning stage.
· However, no modern systematic exploration has been conducted, nor
any of the U, Nb, Cu, and HREE mineralised prospects have ever been drilled in
the prospects described in this ASX release.
Sample security
• • The measures taken to ensure sample security.
· The rock chip samples taken during the current fieldwork were
securely locked within the vehicle on site until delivered to Alice Springs by
the field personnel for despatch to the laboratory (Intertek in Perth WA) by
courier.
Audits or reviews
• • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and
data.
· No external audits sampling techniques and data have yet been
planned or undertaken.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or · The Harts Range Project lies in the southeast of the Northern
material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, Territory, roughly 120 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs. Two granted
overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or tenements (EL 32046 and 32513) comprising a total 110 km(2) tenement package
national park and environmental settings. is located near essential infrastructure and accessible via the Plenty
Highway. Refer to Figure AB-1, below:
• The security of the tenure held at the time of
reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate Figure AB-1: Harts Range Location
in the area. in the area.
· A check on the tenures status was completed in the NTGS system
'Strike' on the 10(th) of October 2024, to validate the currentness of the
exploration areas. All are current.
· The Harts Range Project lies in the southeast of the Northern
Territory, roughly 120 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs. 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)(1) suggests the Entia Dome
system is a deep-crustal feature that can be shown extending to the mantle.
• The map below (Figure AB-2) shows the distribution of regional
stratigraphic units.
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
subcrop 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 Ultramafic: 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 • 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
Information 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, • There were no weight-averaging nor cut-off grades factored into any
maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and reporting as this release pertains to the airborne magnetic and radiometric
cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. survey, which reports no laboratory assay results.
• 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.
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 • As no drilling nor costeans have been completed the
Exploration Results. relationship of the samples to the underlying geology is not yet fully
understood.
· 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').
Diagrams • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts • Appropriate diagrams are presented in the body and the
should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should Appendices of the current ASX Release. Where scales are absent from the
include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and diagram, grids have been included and clearly labelled to act as a scale for
appropriate sectional views. 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 · 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 four (4) anomalous map
areas.
Other substantive exploration data • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported · The area was covered historically by regional airborne government and
including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey private radiometric, gravity, magnetic, and hyperspectral surveys.
results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of Unfortunately, other than the 2006 radiometric ground survey, no other ground
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical surveys have 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 The future exploration strategy has been designed to encompass the following
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). steps in subsequent field programs:
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the · Reconnaissance mapping programs.
main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this
information is not commercially sensitive. · Close-spaced ground radiometric or EM geophysical surveys.
· Detailed mapping and rock chip sampling across prospects.
· Regional soil sampling campaigns.
· Mineral characterisation studies and petrological analysis.
· Trenching and bulk sample test work.
· Target generation and prioritisation; and
· Exploratory drill-testing.
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