How ABx’s New Tasmanian Licence Could Transform Its Rare Earths Future
ABx Group has secured a new five-year exploration licence in northern Tasmania, expanding its rare earths tenure between key deposits and advancing its high-value rare earth product development.
- New Exploration Licence EL25/2022 granted for 18 km in northern Tasmania
- Licence area located between Rubble Mound and Wind Break deposits
- Resource contains 89 million tonnes averaging 844 ppm total rare earth oxides
- First mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product produced with premium heavy rare earth content
- Assay results from recent T8 discovery drilling expected before year-end
Expanding Rare Earths Territory
ABx Group Limited (ASX, ABX) has taken a significant step forward in its rare earths ambitions by securing Exploration Licence EL25/2022 for an initial five-year term. This new licence covers 18 kilometres of highly prospective land in northern Tasmania, strategically positioned between the company's existing Rubble Mound and Wind Break deposits. These deposits contribute to ABx's substantial resource estimate of 89 million tonnes averaging 844 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides (TREO).
The region is notable for its unusually high concentrations of valuable heavy rare earth elements, including dysprosium and terbium. These elements are critical for advanced technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. ABx's resource boasts the highest proportion of dysprosium and terbium among ionic clay deposits in Australia, and ranks among the highest globally.
Innovative Extraction and Product Development
One of ABx's key differentiators is its ionic rare earths resource, which allows extraction using a salt solution at ambient temperatures and pressures in under 30 minutes. This low-impact method aligns with the company's commitment to environmental stewardship, as reflected in its selective land use policy that excludes high-value agricultural areas.
Recently, ABx collaborated with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to produce its first mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product from a bulk sample taken from the Deep Leads deposit. This MREC contains 4.0% dysprosium and 0.7% terbium as a percentage of total rare earth oxides, more than double the concentration found in peer products. This premium composition translates into a basket price up to 51% higher than comparable MRECs, enhancing ABx's commercial appeal.
Ongoing Exploration and Future Prospects
ABx is actively advancing exploration efforts, with recent drilling campaigns targeting extensions to the high-grade T8 Rare Earths discovery on its eastern tenements. Assay results from this campaign are anticipated before the end of the year and could further expand the company's resource base.
Managing Director and CEO Mark Cooksey highlighted the strategic importance of the new licence and the promising qualities of the MREC product, emphasizing ABx's commitment to expanding its rare earths footprint while maintaining responsible environmental practices.
Beyond rare earths, ABx continues to develop complementary projects, including clean fluorine chemical production from aluminium smelter by-products and near-term bauxite mining operations, positioning the company as a diversified supplier of critical materials for a cleaner future.
Bottom Line?
ABx’s expanded tenure and premium rare earth product set the stage for potential resource growth and stronger market positioning in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming assay results from the T8 discovery reveal about resource expansion?
- How will ABx’s premium MREC product perform in commercial negotiations with prospective customers?
- What environmental and community approvals will be required as ABx advances exploration and development?
