Osmond Resources Ltd (ASX: OSM) (‘Osmond’ or ‘the Company’) is emerging as a key player in Europe’s critical minerals supply chain, with its flagship Orion Project in Spain demonstrating exceptional potential for high-grade Rutile (Titanium), Zircon, Hafnium and Rare Earth element production. The Company is strategically positioned to benefit from the European Union’s (EU) drive for mineral independence, as outlined in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act 2024.
Osmond’s focus on developing critical mineral mines within EU borders aligns seamlessly with the bloc’s ambitious goals to reduce reliance on external suppliers, particularly China and Russia. The EU has set ambitious goals for 2030, including extracting at least 10% of annual consumption from within EU borders, processing 40% of materials domestically, and recycling 25% of critical materials. This regulatory framework creates a compelling investment environment for companies like Osmond, which are developing strategic projects within European territory.
Figure 1: Osmond Resources Limited
The Orion Project: A Triple-Threat Opportunity
The Orion EU Critical Minerals Project, located in Jaén Province, Andalucía, southern Spain, represents the crown jewel of Osmond’s portfolio. Covering 288 “cuadrículas mineras” across approximately 86.4 square kilometres, the Project demonstrates what the Company describes as “high-grade, high-value, high-tonnage” potential. The geology consists of a siliciclastic placer sand system, which hosts:
- Rutile (the most valuable titanium ore)
- Zircon and Hafnium
- Rare Earths, particularly monazite-hosted magnet elements
Exceptional High-Grade Potential
Recent rock fragment sampling programs have delivered outstanding results, with outcrop samples containing over 50% Total Heavy Minerals (THM). The standout sample, AV-10, returned impressive grades of over 30% TiO₂, 10.9% ZrO₂, and over 1.5% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) over a 2.7-metre interval.
Bulk sample analysis conducted by SGS Labs in Canada from 150kg samples has confirmed the exceptional nature of the mineralisation, with results showing:
- Rutile: 13.2–15.2%
- Zircon: 8.4–9.4%
- Monazite: 1.5–1.7%
- Hafnium: Up to 1,295 ppm
- TREO: 14,747–16,238 ppm
Figure 3: AV-9 sample photo and geological cross-section
These include six of the seven rare earth oxides recently banned for export by China, such as:
- Samarium (Sm₂O₃): 331–366 ppm
- Dysprosium (Dy₂O₃): up to 155 ppm
- Terbium (Tb₄O₇): upto 33 ppm
- Gadolinium, Yttrium, Lutetium
These grades significantly exceed all established mineral sand producers globally, positioning Orion as a potential world-class deposit.
Osmond expects to complete a maiden drilling campaign in Q4, CY25 and is currently using the heavy minerals from the 150kg bulk sample to develop processing flow sheets in order to fast-track a Scoping Study and monetise the high value Rutile, Zircon, Hafnium and Rare Earth by-products – especially given rising prices and geopolitical restrictions.
Figure 4: Table showing oxide from bulk sample results from Quarterly Report
High-Value Mineral Assemblage
The Project’s value proposition extends beyond simple tonnage, with the mineral assemblage heavily weighted toward high-value products. Rutile, the most valuable Titanium mineral with over 95% TiO₂ content, trades at a 380% premium over ilmenite (US$1,310 vs. US$340 according to USGS data). The presence of Hafnium, currently trading at all-time highs, adds another value dimension. Analysis shows the THM assemblage compares very favourably to existing global producers:
- Rutile comprises 43.6% to 48.5% of THM
- Zircon represents 29.8% to 30.5% of THM
- Total THM grades of 27.8% to 31.4%
Significant Tonnage Potential
The Project’s potential scale is evident through geological mapping, which has identified two primary seams that appear pervasive across the 86.4 square kilometre permit area. Three target zones have been identified with mineralised outcrops extending over 10 kilometres, suggesting substantial tonnage potential. The lithified placer sand geological system offers a unique advantage, with mineralisation occurring in defined layers that facilitate efficient extraction methods.
Figure 5: Map showing sample locations in Zone 3 and distance from Zone 1 (Avellanar)
Addressing Critical Supply Vulnerabilities
The Orion Project emerges as a strategic response to Europe’s stark mineral dependency crisis. Current data reveals the continent’s precarious position across multiple critical materials sectors. In the Titanium market, European consumption reaches 547,000 tonnes annually, with negligible European extraction and most imports coming from Russia. The Rare Earth element situation proves even more challenging, with EU demand for magnet-grade materials, including neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium, totalling 32,000 tonnes per year, against virtually non-existent European extraction capabilities, with most imported from China. Similarly, the specialised Zircon and Hafnium markets expose vulnerability, with annual EU consumption of 176,000 tonnes per year and 13.6 tonnes, respectively, and relying heavily on imports from South Africa. The Orion Project positions the Company to capitalise on Europe’s urgent need for mineral independence, potentially securing long-term supply contracts and premium pricing in markets dominated by geopolitically unstable sources.
Figure 6: EU demand vs. negligible EU production for different critical minerals
Broader Portfolio
Beyond its flagship Orion Project, Osmond Resources Ltd (ASX: OSM) is expanding its critical minerals footprint through two additional projects, enhancing its geographical and commodity diversification across Europe and Australia. In Spain, the Company is advancing the Iberian One Project, a 50-square-kilometre tenement located in the historic mining region of Segovia, near Madrid. The project targets Kaolinite and Alunite, both classified as critical minerals under the EU taxonomy, and holds strong potential to support Europe’s growing demand for Alumina, Potash, and Graphite. Osmond is working in collaboration with the University of Salamanca and SGS Canada to undertake metallurgical testing, with results anticipated in Q2 2025.
In Australia, Osmond maintains a 51% interest in the Yumbara Project, situated within South Australia’s mineral-rich Gawler Craton. The project is prospective for a suite of high-demand commodities including Nickel, Copper, Rare Earth elements, Uranium, and Platinum-Group Elements. With minimum exploration commitments now met, Osmond is actively assessing the most value-accretive development strategy for the asset. Together, these projects complement the Company’s European-focused strategy and reinforce its position as an emerging multi-commodity explorer aligned with global critical mineral priorities.
Leadership and Expertise
Osmond Resources is led by Managing Director and CEO Mr Anthony Hall, whose extensive experience uniquely positions the Company to execute its strategic vision across international markets. Mr Hall brings particular expertise in European mineral development, having previously served as Managing Director and CEO of ASX-listed Potash developer Highfield Resources Limited while residing in Spain. This hands-on experience in the Spanish market provides valuable insight for advancing the Iberian One Project.
Mr Hall’s track record demonstrates a proven capability in building successful public companies, having served as the founding Managing Director and CEO of two ASX-listed entities that successfully transitioned from the IPO stage to inclusion in the ASX300. His experience spans over twenty-five years of commercial experience, encompassing strategy development, venture capital, risk management, and compliance across diverse market conditions.
How Osmond Stands Out Globally?
Osmond’s Orion Project represents a world-class mineral opportunity with exceptional grades across three critical economic minerals. If drilling confirms grades that are consistent with the 150kg bulk sample taken from three separate outcrops, then the Company would rank number one globally for Zircon grade, with ZrO₂ concentrations of 7-9%, significantly outperforming major producers like Iluka (ASX: ILU) and Tronox (NYSE: TROX), which typically report 2-5%. This positioning at the forefront of the market for high-performance ceramics, nuclear technology, and corrosion-resistant alloys is a testament to Osmond’s leadership.
It would also rank number one for Rutile by a considerable margin and would be included in the top 10 NdPr grades for producers and developers.
Market Position and Outlook
Trading at $0.585 per share as of June 10th, 2025, Osmond Resources presents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals sector. With an undiluted market capitalisation of $54.5 million and $4.23 million cash at the bank, the Company appears well-positioned to advance its flagship Orion Project.
The convergence of exceptional geology, a favourable regulatory environment, and the growing strategic importance of securing critical minerals supply positions Osmond Resources as a potential leader in Europe’s critical minerals independence strategy.
As geopolitical tensions continue to highlight supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly following China’s recent export restrictions on critical rare earth elements, projects like Orion become increasingly strategic. Osmond Resources appears uniquely positioned to capitalise on this opportunity while contributing to European supply security and the global energy transition.
Osmond’s short-to-mid-term milestones include:
- Confirm continuity of the high-grade seams via drilling
- Complete a compliant Mineral Resource Estimate
- Finalise Scoping Study and flow sheet design
- Progress toward permitting and potential EU production start
The Company aims to emerge as Europe’s first domestic supplier of key Rare Earth Elements and high-grade Titanium, a critical step toward the EU’s 2030 strategic goals. Osmond offers a well-timed risk return opportunity. Investors seeking early exposure to the next wave of EU-facing resource projects would be well advised to keep OSM on their radar.
