Osmond Resources Limited (ASX: OSM) has added another important chapter to its exploration story, confirming high-grade rutile and zircon mineralisation in Zone 2 of its Orion EU Critical Minerals Project in southern Spain. The announcement, released on 20 June 2025, strengthens the continuity of heavy mineral-rich layers across the 86.4km² permit area, following strong results from Zones 1 and 3.
With assay results now in from four out of five recent samples in Zone 2, the Company is shifting focus to a 15-hole maiden drill program aimed at validating mineral continuity across the permit area.
Map showing Zones 1, 2, and 3 of Osmond Resources’ Orion EU Critical Minerals Project, highlighting the lateral extent of mineralised outcrops now confirmed over a 12 km east-to-west strike within the defined permit area. [Osmond Resources]
Assay Results Confirm Mineralised Outcrops
Table showing assay results from Zone 2 samples at the Orion EU Critical Minerals Project. [Osmond Resources]
Before the latest results from Zone 2 and the Zone 3 findings, exploration efforts were concentrated on mapping and sampling the rutile-zirconium-rare earth element (Ti-Zr-REE) enriched layers throughout a broad section of Zone 1. The latest assays have confirmed strong grades from multiple rock samples taken in Zone 2, with the most outstanding results including:
- Sample Z2_03: 8.2% Rutile and 4.0% Zircon
- Sample Z2_04: 7.1% Rutile and 3.2% Zircon
These results were derived from oxide-to-mineral species ratios, benchmarked against a 150kg bulk sample previously analysed by QEMSCAN.
“Confirming mineralised outcrops in Zone 2 is important as it demonstrates the potential for significant scale. We now need to turn our attention to drilling activities with the maiden 15 drill hole program a priority to confirm continuity and grade,” said Osmond CEO and Managing Director, Anthony Hall.
Table showing the concentrations of select oxides and primary minerals—TiO₂, Rutile, ZrO₂, and Zircon—from three samples of a 150 kg bulk sample. [Osmond Resources]
Importance of Zone 2
Zone 2, which lies between the previously tested Zone 1 and Zone 3, is viewed as a key link in establishing continuity across the Orion project’s target zones. With the current results, mineralisation has now been confirmed in all three zones, reinforcing geological assumptions and the potential for a scalable, stratabound resource.
Geological mapping indicates that the mineralisation sits within relatively flat-lying sedimentary layers, making it easier to predict and trace across outcrop exposures. According to the Company, these characteristics enhance the project’s development potential by improving continuity and predictability.
Next Steps: Drilling and Resource Development
With assay results in hand, Osmond is moving forward with a 15-hole maiden drilling program, which will commence shortly following receipt of a permit. The goal is to confirm both the vertical and lateral continuity of the high-grade seams.
The drilling phase marks a transition from surface sampling to subsurface evaluation, aimed at supporting a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. Osmond also plans to complete a Scoping Study and processing flow sheet by the end of 2025, aligning with the Company’s strategy to capitalise on EU regulatory support for in-sourcing critical minerals.
The Broader Context: Rutile and Zircon in Focus
The assay results highlight Osmond’s growing importance in the rutile and zirconium markets, both considered strategic minerals by the EU.
According to current market forecasts, the global titanium market was valued at USD 2.44 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3.71 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. The market is being driven by increased demand in aerospace, defence, and civil infrastructure, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Zircon, which is used in ceramics, electronics, and advanced manufacturing, has also seen consistent demand growth. Osmond’s results in both elements position the Company as a potential key player in meeting Europe’s critical minerals demand.
About the Orion EU Critical Minerals Project
Located in Jaén Province, Andalucía, the Orion EU Critical Minerals Project spans 288 Spanish mining units and includes multiple target areas for rutile, zircon, hafnium, and rare earth elements (REEs). The area was historically explored for uranium and thorium in the 1950s and 60s, and more recently by DuPont for heavy mineral sands in the 1980s.
The geology is described as a siliciclastic placer-style system, with multiple stratabound seams of heavy minerals in a quartz-rich matrix. The flat-lying nature of the layers makes it ideal for systematic resource development.
The location map of the Orion EU Critical Minerals Project highlights infrastructure access and project scope. [Osmond Resources]
Investor Outlook: Strong Market Performance Reflects Confidence
As of 11:26 am AEST on 20 June 2025, Osmond Resources (ASX: OSM) shares are trading at AUD $0.675, reflecting sustained momentum from recent exploration success. The stock has delivered:
- 1 Month: +62.65%
- 2025 YTD: +62.65%
- 1 Year: +878.26%
- vs ASX 200 (1yr): +868.76%
Osmond’s market capitalisation now stands at AUD 64.57 million, with 95.66 million shares on issue.
These figures underscore growing investor confidence in the Company’s ability to progress the Orion Project towards a resource definition and eventually production. With maiden drilling about to begin, further upside potential appears on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Osmond Resources has taken another firm step toward its goal of becoming a key EU-based supplier of high-grade rutile and zircon, with additional upside in rare earth elements. The confirmation of mineralisation across all three target zones strengthens the case for a large-scale, continuous system — a rare find in today’s critical minerals landscape.
As Anthony Hall noted, the focus now shifts to drilling and further advancing Orion’s development timeline. With a clear strategy, strong market fundamentals, and investor tailwinds, Osmond is well-positioned to ride the wave of Europe’s critical mineral transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What grades of rutile and zircon were confirmed in Zone 2?
Ans: The highest confirmed grades of rutile and zircon in Zone 2 include:
- Sample Z2_03:2% Rutile and 4.0% Zircon
- Sample Z2_04:1% Rutile and 3.2% Zircon
These results are based on oxide-to-mineral species ratios and benchmarked against a previously analysed 150 kg bulk sample using QEMSCAN.
2.What is the lateral extent of mineralisation?
Ans: Mineralised outcrops have now been confirmed across a 12-kilometre east-to-west strike within the defined Orion project permit area. Based on strong results from Zones 1, 2, and 3, mineralisation appears to be laterally continuous throughout the project.
3.What’s the next step for the project?
Ans: The next step is to commence a 15-hole maiden drilling program, which will aim at confirming both the vertical and lateral continuity of the high-grade rutile and zircon seams. Drilling will start shortly after permits are received. Osmond also has a plan to complete a Scoping Study and processing flow sheet by the end of 2025. This will support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate or MRE.
4.How large is the overall Orion project area?
Ans: The Orion EU Critical Minerals Project covers an area of 86.4 square kilometres (equivalent to 288 Spanish mining units) in Jaén Province, Andalucía, southern Spain. It includes multiple exploration targets for rutile, zircon, hafnium, and rare earth elements (REEs).
5.Who commented on the results, and what was said?
Ans: Anthony Hall, CEO and Managing Director of Osmond Resources, commented on the results. He stated that confirming mineralised outcrops in Zone 2 was significant. It highlighted the potential for large-scale mineralisation. He added that the Company’s focus would now shift to drilling programs. The upcoming 15-hole maiden program would be a major priority to establish continuity and validate grades.
