Osmond Resources Limited (ASX: OSM) (“Osmond” or “the Company”) has achieved a significant milestone at its Orión EU Critical Minerals Project, with the company confirming that the first drill hole (AV-01) from its maiden drilling campaign has successfully intersected the targeted prospective stratigraphy, the Ordovician Pochico Formation.
Figure 1: Planned Drill Hole Locations at Orión EU Critical Minerals Project
The company has identified a 3.4-metre thick, highly prospective sequence that has been fast- tracked for laboratory assaying, with grade confirmation expected by the end of October 2025. A second drill rig is also in transit to the site, allowing the next phase of drilling to commence shortly.
Promising Geological Setting
The Orión EU Critical Minerals Project sits within the Central Iberian Zone of the Iberian Massif, an area rich in sedimentary rocks dating back to the Ordovician period. Three main formations occur in the project area:
Table 1: AV-01 Drill Hole Information
- Armorican Quartzite, a thick quartz-rich sandstone deposited in shallow marine
- Pochico Formation, the key target, is made up of quartzites, sandstones, and siltstones known to contain layers enriched in heavy minerals.
- Rio Black Slates, homogeneous slates with sporadic sandstone layers and a lower interval of siltstones.
Within the Pochico Formation, three internal layers are recognised. The Middle Member, where AV-01 made its intersection, contains sandstones and quartzite beds that often show enrichment in heavy minerals, making it a prime exploration focus.
Strong Heavy Mineral Potential
Earlier mapping and sampling by Osmond have confirmed at least three mineralised zones across the project area, with heavy mineral concentrations reaching around 33% in surface samples.
Key minerals identified include rutile (titanium), zirconium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Representative bulk samples previously reported from the project area recorded:
Table 2: Rare Earth Elements Bulk Samples from the Project Area
These results highlight the project’s potential to contribute to Europe’s growing demand for critical and strategic minerals.
Why This Matters
The global transition to clean energy and low-carbon technologies is driving unprecedented demand for critical minerals. Titanium, zirconium, and rare earth elements are key components in wind turbines, electric vehicle motors, robotics, battery systems, and high- performance electronics.
Osmond’s confirmation of prospective stratigraphy and heavy mineral enrichment at Orión positions the project as a strategically important asset in Europe, which is actively seeking reliable domestic sources of these critical minerals. This milestone demonstrates tangible progress establishing a project capable of securing supply for industries that underpin the continent’s energy transition and technological growth.
Progress of Drill Hole AV-01
Table 3: Drill Hole AV-01 Geological Settling
Drill hole AV-01 was designed to test the Pochico Formation’s mineralised horizons and spudded in the upper member, intersecting sandstone and slate sequences consistent with known outcrops. The hole encountered the main prospective quartzite layer at a depth of 108.3 metres, with a true thickness of approximately 3.4 metres.
Samples collected across the entire Pochico interval have been prioritised for assay analysis. These results will provide further clarity on the grade and distribution of heavy minerals within the formation, guiding the next stages of exploration.
Market Response
As of October 7, 2025, the company’s shares showed strong performance, reflecting positive market momentum.
- Share Price (ASX): AUD 0.98, up 3.7%
- 52-Week Range: AUD 0.280 – AUD 1.10
- Market Capitalisation: AUD 121.36 million
- 52-Week Performance: +216.13%
- Volume: 164,706 shares traded (4-week average: 94,303)
- Turnover: AUD 161,800
Outlook and Next Steps
With the first target successfully intersected, Osmond Resources is advancing with momentum. The company’s 15-hole drilling program is now well underway, supported by the imminent arrival of a second drill rig. Assay results expected by late October 2025 will provide crucial insights into the project’s resource potential and inform future exploration and development strategies.
