Resource Upgrade Raises Stakes for Browns Range Rare Earths Project Development
Northern Minerals has reported a 15% increase in the total rare earth oxides (TREO) at its Wolverine deposit, with a striking 75% rise in Measured and Indicated TREO tonnes, underpinning the next phase of its Browns Range project development.
- 15% increase in total TREO tonnes to 70,500 t at Wolverine deposit
- 75% rise in Measured and Indicated TREO tonnes to 55,400 t
- Extensive 23,000 m infill diamond drilling program completed
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate to inform Browns Range Feasibility Study
- Strong focus on dysprosium and terbium critical for clean energy magnets
Significant Resource Upgrade at Wolverine
Northern Minerals (ASX: NTU) has announced a substantial upgrade to the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its flagship Wolverine deposit within the Browns Range Heavy Rare Earths Project in Western Australia's East Kimberley region. The updated MRE reveals a 15% increase in total contained rare earth oxides (TREO), now estimated at 70,500 tonnes, with the resource tonnage rising to 7.3 million tonnes at 0.96% TREO.
More notably, the confidence in the resource has improved dramatically, with Measured and Indicated categories expanding by 75% to 55,400 tonnes of TREO, reflecting both a 47% increase in tonnage and a 20% uplift in grade to 1.13% TREO. This shift from Inferred to higher-confidence resource categories is a critical milestone for advancing the project towards commercial viability.
Robust Drilling Campaign and Geological Modelling
The resource upgrade is underpinned by an extensive infill drilling program comprising 58 diamond holes totaling over 23,000 metres completed between late 2022 and mid-2024. This drilling has refined the geological model, incorporating detailed breccia domain classifications and structural fault interpretations, which have enhanced the accuracy of grade interpolation and resource classification.
Advanced geostatistical methods, including Ordinary Kriging and hierarchical indicator modelling, were employed to estimate rare earth element distributions within the deposit. The geological interpretation benefits from a comprehensive understanding of the hydrothermal xenotime mineralisation style unique to Browns Range, with mineralisation controlled by key fault structures and breccia intensity.
Strategic Importance of Dysprosium and Terbium
Wolverine is distinguished by its high grades of dysprosium and terbium, heavy rare earth elements essential for manufacturing high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence technologies. Northern Minerals’ focus on these critical minerals aligns with global supply chain diversification efforts, particularly as the company progresses discussions on funding and partnerships, including its collaboration with Iluka Resources to supply a rare earth refinery.
Pathway to Feasibility and Production
The updated MRE will serve as the foundation for the forthcoming Feasibility Study (FS) update, incorporating revised mine planning and production scheduling. Previous metallurgical and mining studies have confirmed the deposit’s amenability to a combination of open pit and underground mining methods, with beneficiation processes well established through pilot plant operations.
CEO Shane Hartwig highlighted the significance of the upgrade, noting the enhanced confidence in the deposit and the critical role this plays in advancing Browns Range towards commercial-scale production. The Federal Government’s Critical Minerals Development Fund partly supported the infill drilling, underscoring the strategic importance of the project.
Looking Ahead
With the resource upgrade now complete, Northern Minerals is positioned to refine its economic models and finalize the FS, setting the stage for potential development decisions. The company’s ability to secure funding and navigate market dynamics for rare earth elements will be pivotal in translating this resource growth into operational success.
Bottom Line?
Northern Minerals’ upgraded Wolverine resource strengthens its rare earths credentials, but the next feasibility milestones will be crucial for unlocking value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated resource impact the economics and timeline of the Browns Range Feasibility Study?
- What funding or partnership arrangements will Northern Minerals pursue to advance development?
- How might global rare earth market conditions influence the project's commercial viability?
