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Highlights
- RareX subsidiary uncovers first rare earth vein in 50 years at Mt Mansbridge
- Discovery strengthens confidence in project’s heavy rare earths potential
- Future drilling planned following geochemical analysis
RareX (ASX:REE) has made a significant breakthrough through its exploration arm, RareXploration, with the identification of a heavy-rare-earth-enriched quartz breccia vein at the Mt Mansbridge South target in Western Australia. This is the first discovery of its kind at the project in five decades, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s exploration program.
The discovery was made using portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) techniques and aligns with the broader geological model that underpins the Mt Mansbridge project. It further validates the fertility of the Paleoproterozoic basement rocks that host potential heavy rare earth element (HREE) mineralisation—key materials in the global push for next-generation technology and the energy transition.
Confirming Geological Potential
The Mt Mansbridge region, located in Western Australia’s Kimberley, holds geological similarities with nearby Browns Range, a project held by Northern Minerals (ASX:NTU), known for its 11.7-million-tonne resource grading 0.77% total rare earth oxide (TREO), with an impressive 86% HREE composition.
Like Browns Range, Mt Mansbridge is characterised by hard-rock xenotime mineralisation within the Killi Killi Formation. Historical exploration in the 1980s confirmed HREE presence through the discovery of a xenotime-bearing vein at the Sigma target, now re-emphasized by this new find at the South target.
Valuable Critical Minerals
HREEs such as dysprosium and terbium—both detected within the mineralised structure—are highly sought after due to their application in improving miniaturisation, energy efficiency, and thermal stability in high-performance electronics and clean energy technologies. These elements are classified as critical minerals, given their scarcity and rising global demand.
Mt Mansbridge is positioned to contribute meaningfully to this supply chain, especially as regions outside of China seek to diversify sources of these strategic resources.
Progress and Next Steps
The company previously recorded encouraging results at the Sigma target, with Red Mountain Mining (ASX:RMX) intersecting 16 metres at 0.28% TREO in 2022, including 1 metre at 1.06%. These results highlighted a high average magnet rare-earth oxide content of 28%, comprising a substantial portion of both dysprosium and terbium, as well as neodymium and praseodymium.
Moving forward, RareXploration intends to conduct further geochemical vectoring to refine target zones, with plans to commence drilling later in the year. The newly identified vein will be a primary focus as the team continues its effort to uncover a potentially commercial-scale HREE deposit at Mt Mansbridge.
