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Highlights
- ABx Group advances rare earth extraction from its Deep Leads project
- Early testing shows strong results for valuable heavy rare earth elements
- Upcoming slurry tests expected to refine processing performance
Rare earth exploration in Tasmania has gained further momentum as ABx Group (ASX:ABX) reports encouraging progress from its Deep Leads project in northern Tasmania. The development has drawn investor attention as rare earths continue to play a critical role in global clean energy and advanced technology supply chains, creating broader interest across markets including the ASX 200.
Strong Testing Results
Recent diagnostic studies conducted on ionic adsorption clay from Deep Leads highlighted the project’s capacity to deliver robust extraction outcomes. Independent assessments confirmed that key rare earth elements, particularly those considered strategically valuable, could be extracted efficiently from the resource. The findings build on earlier in-house evaluations, reinforcing the confidence surrounding the project’s potential.
Resource Significance
ABx Group’s Tasmanian portfolio includes Deep Leads along with nearby Rubble Mound and Wind Break discoveries. Together, these areas form a substantial rare earth resource, with the Deep Leads project standing out for its concentration of high-value heavy rare earths. This distinct feature positions the project as a differentiated player compared with other ionic clay deposits across Australia.
Processing Advantage
Testing results indicate that material from Deep Leads can be leached under relatively mild conditions. This reduces impurities and lowers reagent use, providing both economic and environmental advantages in the refining process. Further slurry trials are scheduled, aimed at confirming the efficiency of leaching under higher solids loading. Successful outcomes would help streamline the path towards producing mixed rare earth carbonate samples for industry evaluation.
Path to Development
ABx Group has outlined its ambition to become the first Australian producer of mixed rare earth carbonate sourced from ionic adsorption clay. A structured development program is underway, with laboratory trials paving the way for commercial-scale outcomes. The next milestone involves preparing representative samples for potential customers as the company advances toward broader industry engagement.
