13 January 2025
New Frontier Minerals
Limited
("NFM" or the
"Company")
Harts
Range Boasts
Extended Mineralisation with Record-High Niobium, Dysprosium and
Terbium Grades
New Frontier Minerals Ltd ("New
Frontier" or "the Company") (LSE and ASX: NFM) is delighted to
announce the latest field work has identified additional sites and
further validated the known Uranium, Niobium and HRE mineralisation
at the Cusp Prospect.
In addition, visual Copper
mineralisation was identified to the north of the Cusp Prospect,
while elevated Yttrium levels (up to 1,022ppm Y₂O₃) were recorded
at the Big Jay Prospect, which is indicative of HRE
mineralisation.
Highlights:
·
Significant mineralisation confirmed at Harts
Range Project in the Northern Territory with rock chip samples
returning excellent grades including:
o 12.52% and 8.49% U₃O₈
o 31.48% and 19.73% Nb₂O₅
o 1.68% and 1.25% Dy₂O₃
o 0.26% and 0.16% Tb₄O₇
o 9.13% and 5.81 % Ta₂O₅
·
Additional rock chip samples returning the highest
Niobium, Dysprosium and Terbium results to date have been sampled
from the Cusp Prospect
·
Elevated Yttrium levels up to 1022ppm Y₂O₃ were
recorded at the Big Jay Prospect highlighting potential for Heavy
Rare Earth (HRE) mineralisation
·
New copper discovery at Cusp North, circa 200m
from the Cusp Prospect, with initial rock chip sampling returning
up to 2.25% Cu
Ged
Hall, Chairman, commented:
"Our geology team has had three site visits to the
Harts Range Project, with subsequent findings continuing to
reaffirm the significant exploration potential for Uranium, Niobium
and HRE mineralisation. Our exploration campaign now moves into top
gear, with the upcoming heliborne geophysical survey to play a
critical role in identifying additional regional Uranium, Niobium
and HRE targets for ground truthing and prioritisation for
drilling."
CUSP PROSPECT: STELLAR ASSAY
RESULTS
Assay results from rock chips
samples collected at the Cusp Prospect during the third
reconnaissance trip were exceptional, reinforcing the significant
exploration potential for Uranium, Niobium and HRE mineralisation
(Figure1). Refer to appendices for the full suite of assays.
|
Sample ID
|
U₃O₈
|
Nb₂O₅
|
Dy₂O₃
|
Tb₄O₇
|
Ta₂O₅
|
|
HRS011
|
12.52%
|
31.48%
|
1.68%
|
0.26%
|
5.81%
|
|
HRS012
|
8.49%
|
19.73%
|
1.25%
|
0.16%
|
9.13%
|
Figure 1: Assay Results - Cusp Prospect Third Reconnaissance
Trip
Figure 2: HRS011sample location site
More significantly, the Niobium,
Dysprosium and Terbium assay results were the highest recorded from
the three reconnaissance trips to date. The additional high grade
rock chip samples further validate the mineralisation at the Cusp
Prospect (Figure 3 and 4).
Figure 3: Uranium-Niobium-HRE enriched sample collected from
HRS011
Figure 4: Uranium-Niobium-HRE enriched sample collected from
HRS012
CUSP NORTH PROSPECT: COPPER POTENTIAL
Visual copper mineralisation
associated with a felsic meta-sediment unit striking roughly
north-south and daylighting at the bottom of the creek bed was
identified several hundred meters to the north of the Cusp Prospect
(Figure 6). The copper was associated with a foliated felsic unit,
comprised of biotite, quartz, orthoclase with disseminated
malachite and azurite within matrix of the unit. Further
validation may require the use of surface magnetic, IP or EM
surveys to prioritise targets at depth for drilling.
Assay results from rock chip samples
from the third field trip retuned the following (Figure
5).
|
Sample ID
|
Cu
|
|
HRS008
|
2.15%
|
|
HRS009
|
2.15%
|
|
HRS010
|
1.65%
|
|
HRS013
|
2.25%
|
Figure 5: Copper Assay Results - Cusp North Prospect Third
Reconnaissance Trip
Figure 6: Enriched copper sample HRS008
NRG XPLORER SURVEY
DETAILS
To further propel exploration
efforts, NFM will commence the Heliborne Geophysical Surveying in
mid-January 2025. The survey will provide critical data to better
understand the geological features of the Harts Range Project and
further help define future drill targets, including extensions to
Cusp and Bobs Prospects as well as new areas of interest such as
the Big Jay and Cusp North targets.
The results from this survey will be
instrumental in advancing the project to the next stage of
exploration and resource definition.
Next Steps:
·
Completion of the Heliborne Geophysical Survey
starting mid-January 2025,
·
Ongoing rock chip sampling and fieldwork at the
Big Jay and Cusp North Prospects, and
·
Planning and formulating the inaugural drilling
campaign through reconciling the geophysical survey results
and further assay data.
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
I, Mark Biggs, confirm that I am the
Competent Person for the Competent Person Report from which the
information to be publicly released has been obtained and confirm
that:
·
I have read and understood the requirements of the
2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code, 2012
Edition) and the relevant sections of Chapter 5 and Guidance Note
31 from the ASX Listing Rules.
·
I am a Competent Person as defined by the JORC
Code 2012 Edition, having 35 years of experience that is relevant
to the REE, industrial mineral, and copper mineralisation types,
quality and potential mining method(s) of the deposit(s) described
in the Report. In addition, I have 21 years of experience in
the estimation, assessment and evaluation of Exploration Results
and Mineral Resource Estimates, the activity for which I am
accepting responsibility.
·
I am a Member of The Australasian Institute of
Mining and Metallurgy (Member # 107188).
·
I have reviewed the Report or Excerpt from the
Report to which this Consent Statement applies.
·
I am a consultant working for ROM Resources and
have been engaged by New Frontier Minerals Limited to prepare the
documentation for various prospects within the Harts Range Prospect
area on which the Report is based.
In addition:
·
I have disclosed to New Frontier Minerals Limited
the full nature of the relationship between myself and the Company,
including any issues that could be perceived by investors as a
conflict of interest. Mr Biggs is a director of ROM
Resources, a company which is a shareholder of New Frontier
Minerals Limited. ROM Resources provides ad-hoc geological
consultancy services to New Frontier Minerals Limited.
·
I verify that the Report is based on and fairly
and accurately reflects in the form and context in which it
appears, the information in my supporting documentation relating to
exploration results and any Mineral Resource Estimates.
·
I consent to the release of the Report and this
Consent Statement by the Directors of New Frontier Minerals
Limited.
APPENDIX A: GEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION
The purpose of the recent fieldwork
was to assess historical prospects and areas of interest that were
not visited during the October 2024 due diligence site visit.
A total of thirteen (13) rock chip samples were collected during
the November 2024 Harts Range site visit by a New Frontier Minerals
Limited (NFM) geological team (NFM 2024a). All samples were
bagged and submitted to Intertek Perth (Malaga) Laboratory to test
for a broad multi-element sodium peroxide fusion (FP6) method of
analysis. The sodium peroxide fusion (FP6) method is ideal
for analysing and reporting the HREE's, Nb and U. Additionally, the
Intertek Laboratory is equipped to deal with any highly radioactive
samples.
The assay results have been recently
returned and continue to highlight highly anomalous U, Nb, W, Pb
and various heavy rare earth elements (particularly Dy, Tb, and
Tm). These results also highlighted four (4) surface samples
exceeding 1.5% copper at the Cusp North Prospect.
FIELDWORK CONDUCTED
The NFM Team inspected the main
accessible prospects and areas of interest on western margins of
the Entia Dome between 18th-22nd November 2024 (See Figure
AA-1).
The project was accessed using a
Toyota Landcruiser and on foot as required. The aim was to assess
historic prospects and areas of interest that were not visited
during October 2024 due diligence site visit.
A total of thirteen (13) samples
have been submitted to Intertek Perth (Malaga) Laboratory to test
for a broad multi-element suite. Intertek are equipped to deal with
the highly radioactive samples. All samples and field data have
been recorded and backed up (Das 2024a). The terrain in the
area can be steep and rocky, and the grass cover is
thick.
Pegmatite dykes in the area are
reasonably plentiful and intrude into various rock-types of various
ages. There is potential for them to have been derived by partial
melting of underlying geology or younger granites and have been
seen with extreme enrichment in Uranium, Niobium and
HREEs.
There are almost certainly more
pegmatites with a similar U-REE signature in the district.
They are not always visible in airborne imagery. Several
previously unmapped pegmatites were encountered fortuitously along
tracks whilst driving around. The utilisation of close-spaced
radiometric imagery will also be a potentially useful method to
identify new pegmatites.
Locations and descriptions of the
samples collected are given in Figure AA-2, with selected
laboratory results given for various elements in Figures AA-3 and
AA-4.
FIGURE AA-1: HARTS RANGE MINERAL PROSPECTS
Source: NFM geology team
FIGURE AA-2: LIST OF SAMPLES COLLECTED 19TH -21ST NOVEMBER
2024
|
Prospect
|
Sample ID
|
Easting
|
Northing
|
Date Collected
|
Description
|
Radioactivity (µS)
|
|
Dune
|
HRS006
|
510106
|
7450427
|
19/11/24
|
Amphibolite schist.
|
0.4
|
|
Dune
|
HRS007
|
510122
|
7450655
|
19/11/24
|
Granite/pegmatite
|
-
|
|
Cusp North
|
HRS008
|
507726
|
7448141
|
19/11/24
|
Felsic schist, copper
enriched
|
-
|
|
Cusp North
|
HRS009
|
507730
|
7448076
|
19/11/24
|
Felsic schist, copper
enriched
|
-
|
|
Cusp North
|
HRS010
|
507737
|
7448047
|
19/11/24
|
Felsic schist
|
-
|
|
Cusp
|
HRS011
|
507848
|
7447749
|
19/11/24
|
Biotite pegmatite
|
-
|
|
Cusp
|
HRS012
|
507848
|
7447755
|
19/11/24
|
Muscovite pegmatite
|
-
|
|
Bobs North
|
HRS013
|
505947
|
7448424
|
20/11/24
|
Biotite pegmatite, copper
enriched
|
-
|
|
Bobs West
|
HRS014
|
506097
|
7447593
|
20/11/24
|
Muscovite pegmatite, 2% K from
PXRF
|
1.5
|
|
Bobs West
|
HRS015
|
506104
|
7447590
|
20/11/24
|
Muscovite pegmatite, 6% K from
PXRF
|
|
|
Big
Jay
|
HRS016
|
506736
|
7445987
|
21/11/24
|
Pegmatite
|
0.50
|
|
Big
Jay
|
HRS017
|
506775
|
7445989
|
21/11/24
|
Pegmatite
|
0.70
|
|
Big
Jay
|
HRS018
|
506686
|
7445972
|
21/11/24
|
Pegmatite
|
0.50
|
Source: NFM geology team
FIGURE AA-3: SIGNIFICANT ROCK CHIP ASSAYS FROM OCT-NOV 2024
FIELD TRIPS
|
Sample ID
|
Nb2O5
|
U3O8
|
Dy2O3
|
Tb4O7
|
Ta2O5
|
Gd2O3
|
Sm2O3
|
|
Units
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
%
|
ppm
|
ppm
|
|
HRS001
|
9.11%
|
13.48%
|
1.55%
|
0.20%
|
20.95%
|
6,503.3
|
2,095
|
|
HRS002
|
10.07%
|
14.04%
|
1.63%
|
0.22%
|
23.02%
|
7,072.7
|
2,265.6
|
|
HRS003A
|
29.80%
|
10.10%
|
1.29%
|
0.21%
|
6.26%
|
8,424.3
|
3,976.2
|
|
HRS004
|
25.46%
|
8.54%
|
1.13%
|
0.18%
|
4.77%
|
7,283
|
3,279.9
|
|
HRS011
|
31.48%
|
12.52%
|
1.68%
|
0.26%
|
5.81%
|
|
|
|
|
HRS012
|
19.73%
|
8.49%
|
1.25%
|
0.16%
|
9.13%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Source: Intertek
(Perth)3
FIGURE AA-4: SIGNIFICANT CU, PB, AND W-ENRICHED ROCK CHIP
ASSAYS FROM THE OCT-NOV 2024 FIELD TRIPS
|
Sample ID
|
Ag
|
Cu
|
Pb
|
W
|
|
|
g/t
|
%
|
ppm
|
ppm
|
|
HRS001
|
<2
|
nr
|
7,963
|
1,194
|
|
HRS002
|
<2
|
nr
|
6,279
|
1,305
|
|
HRS003A
|
14
|
nr
|
4,460
|
8,136
|
|
HRS003B
|
<2
|
nr
|
47
|
82
|
|
HRS004
|
12
|
nr
|
4,073
|
7,565
|
|
HRS008
|
5
|
2.15%
|
41
|
2
|
|
HRS009
|
7
|
2.15%
|
22
|
3
|
|
HRS010
|
6
|
1.65%
|
29
|
3
|
|
HRS011
|
12
|
0.04%
|
5,404
|
8,311
|
|
HRS012
|
8
|
0.03%
|
16,204
|
4,982
|
|
HRS013
|
<2
|
2.26%
|
78
|
9
|
Source: Intertek (Perth).
Regarding the results, the Cusp
samples are in line with previously reported Nb-U-HREE values. As
noted, there are some high-grade (>1.5%) copper, results (north
of Cusp) over a significant strike length. Further fieldwork
is required to fully understand this occurrence.
The location of all samples is given
in Figure AA-5 across the Harts Range project.
FIGURE AA-5: NFM ROCK CHIP SAMPLE LOCATIONS AT ALL
PROSPECTS
Notes: Coordinate system in
MGA94-Z53S
Source: NFM geology team
CUSP NORTH PROSPECT: COPPER POTENTIAL
The Cusp North copper zone is a
foliated felsic unit, with the foliations comprised of biotite,
quartz, and orthoclase. Malachite and azurite are
disseminated within matrix of the unit. Broken pieces up to
30cm below surface indicate the mineralisation was not surface
staining.
Assay results from rock chip samples
from the third field trip returned anomalous silver and copper
(refer to Figure AA-2 and see Figure AA-6 as an
example).
FIGURE AA-6: COPPER-ENRICHED HAND SAMPLES AT SITE
HRS010
Source: Das 2024
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYING
New Resolution Geophysics (NRG) has
been engaged to model and interpret airborne magnetic and
radiometric geophysical data at the Harts Range Project, Northern
Territory (NFM 2024b).
A high-resolution, helicopter-borne
radiometric and magnetic survey will accelerate exploration over
untested areas within the Harts Range project, aiming to identify
potential extensions to known uranium, niobium, and rare earth
mineralisation. The survey will employ 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 will fly 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.
The survey has been scheduled to be commenced in January
2025.
HARTS RANGE NEXT STEPS
To recap, the geology team intends
to fully understand the potential of the Harts Range Niobium,
Uranium, Copper, and Heavy Rare Earth Project through undertaking a
systematic and rigorous exploration strategy that will encompass
the following steps in subsequent visits:
•
Full historic and spatial database compilation
•
Reconnaissance mapping programs
•
Close spaced geophysical survey
•
Detailed mapping and rock chip sampling across prospects
•
Regional soil sampling campaigns as required
•
Mineral characterisation studies and petrological
analysis
•
Trenching and bulk sample test work
•
Target generation and prioritization; and
•
Drill-testing
References
Barfuss, R. 2007, "A Brief report on
Samarskite Mineralisation in the Harts Range Project" (Barfuss
Corporation Pty Ltd): (unpublished report).
Barfuss, R. 2014, The Harts Range
Project Exploration Licence (EL 24552) - (Barfuss Corporation Pty
Ltd)
Castillo Copper Limited, 2024a, ASX
Release "CCZ To Acquire Highly Prospective Niobium, Uranium-Heavy
Rare Earth Project, 14th October 2024, 27pp.
Castillo Copper Limited, 2024b, ASX
Release "High-Grade Assays Up To 29.80% Nb2O5
& 14.04% U3O8 Validate Harts Range
Project Potential, 6TH November 2024, 18pp.
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.)
Caughey, R. 2002 to 2006: various
unpublished reports for Barfuss Corporation Pty. Ltd.
PNC Exploration (Australia) 1997
various open-file tenement annual, final, and partial
relinquishment reports,1994 to 1997; Report Numbers CR1994-0325,
CR9950298, CR1995-0525, CR1995-0697, CR-1996-0285, CR1996-0286,
CR-1997-0611.
New Frontier Minerals, 2024a,
Transformative Northern Territory Uranium Acquisition Nov 2024,
PowerPoint presentation published to the ASX, 32pp.
New Frontier Minerals, 2024b,
Geophysical Data to define drill targets at Harts Range, Northern
Territory, published to ASX, 10TH 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.
Open file company reports sourced
from the Northern Territory Mineral Industry Reports Management
System Available
at: https://geoscience.nt.gov.au/gemis/ntgsjspui/handle/1/3
Spatial Territory Resource
Information Kit for Exploration (STRIKE); NT Government Available
at: 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.
Selway K, Heinson G and Hand M,
2006: Electrical evidence of continental accretion: Steeply dipping
crustal-scale conductivity contrast. Geophysical Research Letters
33, L06305, doi:10.1029/2005GL025328.
IGO Exploration Activities in
Northern Territory. 2024 Annual Report (p.6) IGO ASX Release - 29
August 2024. Available at:
https://www.igo.com.au/site/investorcenter/annual-reports
APPENDIX B: JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE
1
The following JORC Code (2012
Edition) Table 1 is primarily supplied to provide background for a
geological mapping, and rock chip sampling program, conducted by
New Frontier Minerals geologists, from several prospects within the
Harts Range Project in late November 2024.
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
|
Criteria
|
JORC Code explanation
|
Commentary
|
|
Sampling
techniques
|
• Nature and quality of
sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised
industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals
under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld
XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as
limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
• Include reference to
measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate
calibration of any measurement tools or systems
used.
• Aspects of the determination
of mineralisation that are Material to the Public
Report.
• In cases where 'industry
standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g.
'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from
which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire
assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as
where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems.
Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine
nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed
information.
|
• Surface samples were collected from approximately a 3m radius
around the recorded co-ordinate location. The rock chip fragments
that were collected to make up the sample included fragments that
approximately ranged from 2-5cm and 0.2 - 3kg in weight. A
total of thirteen (13) rock chip samples were collected in calico
bags and were progressed for laboratory analysis (sample numbers
range from HRS006 to 18). Samples were collected from rock
outcrops, soils, and occasionally mullock heaps in the vicinity of
west to east trending pegmatite dykes. Many of the surface
samples contained the U-bearing mineral samarskite. Samples (e.g.
Figure A1-1) were collected from rock outcrops in the vicinity of
west to east trending pegmatite dykes. Many of the surface
samples contained the U-bearing mineral samarskite. The
radioactivity of the samples was determined by a RadEye instrument
in the field.
Figure AA-1 HRS008 Amphibolite Schist at the Cusp North
Prospect
|
|
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.
|
· Descriptions of the rock chip and soil samples are given in a
table contained in Appendix A of this CCZ's ASX Announcement dated
the 13TH of January 2025.
· Where
appropriate strike and dip measurements were taken at several
sites, additional to the thirteen (13) rock chip sample
sites. Measuring bedding is difficult because of the high
metamorphically - disturbed rock types.
|
|
Subsampling techniques and
sample preparation
|
•
If core, whether
cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core
taken.
•
If non-core,
whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether
sampled wet or dry.
•
For all sample
types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of the sample
preparation technique.
•
Quality control
procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise
representivity of samples.
•
Measures taken
to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ
material collected, including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
•
Whether sample
sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being
sampled.
|
· Of the
sample collected about 0.3-2kg of rock chip were presented for
analyses.
· Assays
were done by independent laboratory Intertek Pty Ltd at Malaga in
Perth WA during November -December 2024, with the final reported
dated 10/1/2025.
· The
received samples were sorted and dried. Primary preparation
was then by crushing the whole sample. The
whole sample was pulverised in a vibrating disc
pulveriser.
· All
samples were initially crushed to 4 mm then pulverised to 75
microns, with at least 85% passing through 75 microns. Standard
sample preparation (including crushing) and analyses procedures
were performed on all samples and are considered appropriate
techniques for the type and size of surface rock chip samples
collected.
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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.
|
Analytical Methods are described in
detail as follows:
Au,
Pt, Pd
· The
samples have been analysed by firing a 40g (approx.) portion of the
sample. This is the classical fire assay process and will
give total separation of Gold, Platinum, and Palladium in the
sample. These have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma
(ICP) Mass Spectrometry. The sample(s) have been digested
with a mixture of acids including Hydrofluoric, Nitric,
Hydrochloric and Perchloric Acids. This digest approaches a total
digest for many elements however some refractory oxides are not
completely attacked.
· The
mineral Cassiterite is not efficiently attacked with this
digest.
· If
Barium occurs as the Sulphate mineral, then at high levels (more
than 4000 ppm) it may re-precipitate after the digest giving
seriously low results. Using this digest, some sulphur losses
may occur if the samples contain high levels of
sulphide.
Cu,
Zn, Co, Ni, Mn, P, Sc, V, Al, Ca, Na, K, S
have been determined by Inductively
Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry.
As,
Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Ga, Li, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, W, Y, La, Ce, Pr,
Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, U, Se, In, Te, Cs,
Re, Tl
· have
been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass
Spectrometry. The samples have been fused with Sodium
Peroxide and subsequently the melt has been dissolved in dilute
Hydrochloric acid for analysis. Because of the high furnace
temperatures, volatile elements are lost. This procedure is
particularly efficient for determination of Major element
composition (Including Silica) in the samples or for the
determination of refractory mineral species.
B,
Cr, Si, Fe, Mg, Ti
· have
been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical
Emission Spectrometry.
Ge,
Ta, Hf, Zr, Nb, Rb
· have
been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass
Spectrometry.
· The
assay results were in line with previous rock chip and drilling
results obtained since 2006 at Harts Range, and the batch of five
rock chip samples collected in October 2024.
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Verification of sampling and
assaying
|
•
The verification
of significant intersections by either independent or alternative
company personnel.
•
The use of
twinned holes.
•
Documentation of
primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data
storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
•
Discuss any
adjustment to assay data.
|
· Independent Laboratory assaying by Intertek has confirmed,
within acceptable limits, the occurrences of high-grade Nb, U, and
REE from the initial in field XRF readings. Laboratory standards,
duplicates and blanks were used in accordance with standard
procedures for geochemical assaying as noted below.
· It has
met the recommended insertion rates for the company QAQC controls
(standards, blanks) with an overall insertion rate of 20%. However,
no field duplicates were included in the two (2) batches and is
recommended that 3% be included in future sampling
programs.
· Both
the laboratory 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.
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Location of data
points
|
•
Accuracy and
quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole
surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in
Mineral Resource estimation.
•
Specification of
the grid system used.
•
Quality and
adequacy of topographic control.
|
· The
spatial location for the rock chips and soils collected during the
November 2024 fieldwork were collected by handheld GPS (-/+ 5m
accuracy) [MGA94 Zone53]: The table of reported rock chip locations
and descriptions are given in throughout the ASX release and in
Figure AA-1 (at the end of the section).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Audits or
reviews
|
•
• The results of
any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and
data.
|
· The
sampling techniques and the data generated from the laboratory
assay results have been peer reviewed by consultant geologists
independent of New Frontier Minerals 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.
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SECTION 2 REPORTING OF EXPLORATION RESULTS
(Criteria listed in the preceding
section also apply to this section.)
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Criteria
|
JORC Code explanation
|
Commentary
|
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Mineral tenement and land
tenure status
|
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including
agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint
ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title
interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and
environmental settings.
•
The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with
any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the
area. in the area.
|
· The
Harts Range Project lies in the southeast of the Northern
Territory, roughly 120 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs.
Two granted tenements (EL 32046 and 32513) comprising a total 110
km2 tenement package is located near essential
infrastructure and accessible via the Plenty Highway. Refer to
Figure AB-1, below:
Figure AB-1: Harts Range
Location
· A
check on the tenures status was completed in the NTGS system
'Strike' on the
10th 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.
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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.
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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 AB-2: 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.
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Drillhole
Information
|
•
A summary of all
information material to the understanding of the exploration
results including a tabulation of the following information for all
Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole
collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced
Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole
collar
o
dip and azimuth
of the hole o down hole length and interception
depth o hole
length.
If
the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that
the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract
from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should
clearly explain why this is the case.
|
•
Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results
presented.
|
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Data aggregation
methods
|
•
In reporting
Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or
minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off
grades are usually Material and should be stated.
•
Where aggregate
intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and
longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such
aggregations should be shown in detail.
The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent
values should be clearly stated.
|
•
Independent Laboratory Assay results for the 13
rock chip samples from various Harts Range Prospects were averaged
if more than one reading or determination was given. There was no
cutting of high-grade REE results as they are directly relatable to
high grade mineralisation styles readily visible in the relevant
samples.
•
There were no cut-off grades factored into any
reporting of the laboratory assay results.
|
|
|
Relationship between
mineralisation widths and intercept lengths
|
·
These
relationships are particularly important in the reporting of
Exploration Results.
·
If the geometry
of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is
known, its nature should be reported.
If
it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there
should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length,
true width not known').
|
•
The current rock chip samples were taken at areas
of interest from observed mineralisation along the line of lode of
the mineralised pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, and
surrounding spoil heaps. Thirteen (13) rock chip samples were
collected from rock faces and/or outcrops.
•
As no drilling nor costeans have been completed
the relationship of the samples to the underlying geology is not
yet fully understood.
|
|
Diagrams
|
• Appropriate maps and sections (with scales)
and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any
significant discovery being reported These should include, but not
be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and
appropriate sectional views.
|
•
Appropriate diagrams are presented in the body and
the Appendices of the current ASX Release. Where scales are absent
from the diagram, grids have been included and clearly labelled to
act as a scale for distance.
•
Maps and Plans presented in the current ASX
Release are in MGA94 Zone 53, Eastings (mN), and Northing (mN),
unless clearly labelled otherwise.
|
|
Balanced
reporting
|
• Where comprehensive reporting of all
Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of
both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced avoiding
misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
|
· Rock
chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed
mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite
dyke, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and to the
north and south of the line of lode to check the validity of the
defined four (4) anomalous map areas.
|
|
Other substantive exploration
data
|
• Other exploration data, if meaningful and
material, should be reported including (but not limited to):
geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical
survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment;
metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical
and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating
substances.
|
·
The area is covered by regional airborne
government and private radiometric, gravity, magnetic, and
hyperspectral surveys. Unfortunately, other than the 2006
radiometric ground survey, no other ground surveys have been
undertaken.
· Substantial historical and current ground geochemical (stream
sediment, soil, and rock chip samples have been undertaken and two
episodes of shallow drilling, mostly for industrial minerals
(gemstones and vermiculite) by the owners of the leases, since
2006.
|
|
Further
work
|
•
The nature and
scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or
depth extensions or large-scale step-out
drilling).
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible
extensions, including the main geological interpretations and
future drilling areas, provided this information is not
commercially sensitive.
|
A future exploration strategy should
encompass the following steps in subsequent field
programs:
· Reconnaissance mapping programs.
· Close-spaced radiometric 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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