ABx Deep Leads Project Breakthrough Reported
The extraction of rare earth by ABx Group has advanced to a whole new level with the ABx Deep Leads project breakthrough in northern Tasmania. Extract success of larger bulk samples was validated by independent testing of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. These tests employed 300-gram subsamples of a 100-kg bulk sample, and it was a good confirmation of the processing performance of the deposit.
The breakthrough showed recovery rates between 55% and 72% for heavy and light rare earth elements. Dysprosium, terbium, neodymium, and praseodymium were all successfully extracted under mild leaching conditions. The results demonstrated extraction using ambient temperature and pressure with moderate acidity, reducing the need for complex processing steps.
Rare Earth Composition of the Deposit
ABx Deep Leads breakthrough is a fascinating project due to its composition of rare-earth elements. Dysprosium and terbium, which are the heavy rare elements, are found in concentrations that are not common in the ionic clays of Australia. These are important components of manufacturing permanent magnets that can be applied in renewable energy technologies, defence industries, and electric vehicles.
Core samples from ABx Group’s Deep Leads project showing rare earth-bearing ionic clay layers
Neodymium and praseodymium, also extracted during the testing, are widely used in similar applications. The combination of heavy and light rare earths makes Deep Leads a strategically important project. ABx Group’s rare earth extraction results place the company in a stronger position to contribute to domestic and international supply chains.
Low Impurity Extraction Confirmed
In the testing stage, the leach solutions had low concentrations of impurities in the form of aluminium and iron. Most rare earth projects have problems with impurities, and it may be difficult to separate and more expensive to process downstream. The minimal degrees of impurities at Deep Leads decrease any possible obstacles to commercialisation.
ABx Group has announced plans to produce a mixed rare earth carbonate sample by the end of 2025. This will allow independent parties to evaluate the material and provide opportunities for potential offtake agreements. The ABx Group ASX:ABX news confirmed the development as part of its ongoing program.
Expansion of Resource Potential
Deep Leads forms part of a cluster of ionic clay deposits located approximately 45 kilometres from Launceston. Together with Rubble Mound and Wind Break, the cluster holds an estimated 89 million tonnes of rare earth-bearing clay. The average grade across these deposits is approximately 844 parts per million of total rare earth oxides.
To date, only about 29% of the mineralised outline has been drilled. This means that future exploration has the potential to expand the resource base. ABx Group’s rare earth extraction efforts will continue through drilling programs aimed at confirming grade continuity and increasing resource confidence.
Next Steps Towards Commercial Production
The ABx Deep Leads project breakthrough sets the stage for the next phase of development. The company has indicated that further testing will focus on impurity removal, with ammonium bicarbonate expected to be trialled in upcoming work. This step may improve recovery efficiency and refine product quality for future sales.
ABx Group (ASX:ABX) shares reflect progress in rare earth extraction at the Deep Leads project
Feasibility studies will assess infrastructure requirements, water usage, and cost modelling. ABx Group ASX:ABX news reports suggest that advancing these studies will provide a clearer picture of commercial viability. Production of a mixed rare earth carbonate sample later in 2025 remains a priority milestone.
Contribution to Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy
ABx Group’s rare earth extraction at Deep Leads contributes to Australia’s critical minerals objectives. Developing this project supports the diversification of global supply chains and ensures greater security of supply for industries reliant on rare earths. With international demand increasing, Deep Leads provides an opportunity for Australia to strengthen its position in the sector.
Tasmania’s infrastructure and established mining jurisdiction provide additional support for the project. Its proximity to transport and industrial hubs enhances potential for development. The ABx Group ASX:ABX news indicates that the company is well aligned with national strategies to increase rare earth production.
Market Position and Investor Confidence
Investor interest in ABx Group ASX:ABX news has been strong as the project advances through technical milestones. The company recently secured funding through a placement to support further drilling and feasibility studies. This financing is directed towards advancing the Deep Leads project towards commercial readiness.
Drilling underway at ABx Group’s Deep Leads site to expand the rare earth resource footprint
The rare earth extraction results confirm the project’s potential and enhance ABx Group’s standing among Australia’s emerging critical mineral producers. With the ABx Deep Leads project breakthrough now reported, the company is positioned to progress its strategy in line with industry requirements.
Also Read: Resolution Minerals Secures $25.1 Million to Accelerate US Critical Minerals Development
Final Thoughts
ABx Group’s rare earth extraction has achieved a confirmed breakthrough at the Deep Leads project through bulk sample testing. Independent verification by ANSTO demonstrated recovery of heavy and light rare earths under mild processing conditions. The ABx Deep Leads project breakthrough provides a foundation for further commercial steps, including the production of mixed rare earth carbonate samples.
With additional drilling planned and feasibility studies underway, ABx Group ASX:ABX news signals that the company is moving closer to commercialisation. The Deep Leads resource, containing both heavy and light rare earths, offers an important contribution to Australia’s critical minerals sector.
FAQs About ABx Deep Leads Project
1. What is the Deep Leads project, and where is it located?
Deep Leads is an ionic adsorption clay rare earth deposit in northern Tasmania, about 45 kilometres west of Launceston.
It forms part of a broader cluster including Rubble Mound and Wind Break.
2. What rare earth elements does Deep Leads contain, and what are their grades?
The deposit includes key heavy rare earths, especially dysprosium and terbium, together with light rare earths like neodymium and praseodymium.
Total rare earth oxides average around 844 ppm over the cluster of deposits at approximately 89 million tonnes.
3. What extraction results have been achieved so far at Deep Leads?
Tests on a 100-kilogram bulk sample, using 300-gram sub-samples, have confirmed extraction rates in the following ranges:
- Dysprosium ~60–66%
- Terbium ~55–62%
- Neodymium ~65–72%
- Praseodymium ~63–70%
4. What are the impurity levels in the extraction process?
Leach solutions in the tests showed very low levels of aluminium and iron.
Low impurity presence aids downstream refinement and enhances product purity.
5. What are the upcoming milestones or targets for ABx Group in the Deep Leads project?
One key next step is producing a mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) sample, expected in late 2025.
Another target is further drilling to expand resource definition, given that only about 29% of the inferred mineralised outline has been drilled so far.
6. How does Deep Leads compare with other rare earth resources globally?
The dysprosium and terbium content at Deep Leads is among the highest for ionic clay rare earth deposits in Australia.
Extraction under mild pH and ambient temperature and pressure makes it more cost-effective and potentially less environmentally intensive than many hard rock rare earth operations.
