New Frontier Minerals (ASX:NFM) has discovered a promising new prospect named “Paddington” at their highly prospective Harts Range Project.
Located just 200 metres west of the Bobs Prospect, Paddington was identified during a recent field campaign aimed at investigating 46 priority targets generated from airborne geophysical surveys.
Sample assays pending
The geological team has already completed surface sampling at Paddington, with assays now pending. Early field inspections revealed a pegmatite outcrop rich in plagioclase and mica minerals, which could indicate the presence of heavy rare earths.
Rock chip samples were collected and submitted to Intertek Laboratories for multi-element testing, and the company expects results within the next one to two weeks.
At the same time, New Frontier is expanding its footprint at Harts Range, applying for two new tenements EL34109 and EL34110, adjacent to its existing holdings.
HREE supply chains vital
Adding urgency to New Frontier’s exploration push is the broader global context due to the recent China and US trade war. China’s restrictions on the export of heavy rare earth elements are expected to create upward pressure on prices, providing strong incentives for companies that are developing new supply chains in stable jurisdictions such as Australia.
The company’s recent assays from nearby Cusp and Bobs Prospects already indicated a dominance of high-value HREEs, including up to 11.75% Dysprosium Oxide and 1.87% Terbium Oxide within the TREO mix.
Management comments
New Frontier Chairman Ged Hall highlighted the importance of the airborne geophysical data. “The recent discovery of the Paddington Prospect located 200 metres to the west of Bobs has highlighted the value of the airborne geophysics as a regional exploration tool. The team has conducted mapping and surface sampling at Paddington, and we eagerly await the assay results, which will provide further insights into the prospectivity of this area for Heavy Rare Earths.
“In addition, New Frontier Minerals has expanded its footprint by applying for new tenure at Harts Range. This expansion reflects our commitment to exploring and developing high-value critical mineral resources in the region.”
The fieldwork conducted in April 2025 marks the continuation of a systematic exploration strategy that has seen New Frontier progress through initial surveying, target generation, and now field validation.
With rock chip assays imminent and preparations underway for drill testing the highest-priority targets, New Frontier Minerals is entering an exciting phase of its exploration journey at Harts Range.
