Deep Leads' First MREC Achievement Highlights Australia's Rare Earth Carbonate Potential

ABx Group has achieved a significant milestone with the production of its inaugural mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) sample from the Deep Leads resource, marking a breakthrough in Australia’s rare earth extraction capabilities. The sample, processed by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), demonstrates exceptional composition with dysprosium content reaching 4 percent and terbium at 0.7 percent—concentrations that substantially exceed industry benchmarks.

Superior Product Specifications and Market Positioning

The MREC composition derived from Deep Leads positions the resource at a considerable competitive advantage. The dysprosium and terbium levels are more than double what competing ionic rare earth operations produce, translating into a carbonate basket price premium of 17 to 51 percent above existing market alternatives. This differentiation reflects not only the quality of the raw material but also the potential for enhanced margins in downstream processing and sales.

ABx emphasizes that this result represents the first commercial-scale rare earth carbonate achievement from Tasmania, establishing the state as an emerging source for high-grade rare earth products outside the established Chinese supply chains.

Resource Base and Commercial Viability

Deep Leads is underpinned by a JORC-compliant mineral resource of 89 million tonnes distributed across the Rubble Mound and Wind Break deposits. The scale, combined with the superior carbonate quality, creates compelling commercial prospects for potential offtake partners seeking materials with elevated dysprosium and terbium concentrations while maintaining low uranium and thorium levels—a profile increasingly valued in specialized applications.

Managing Director and CEO Mark Cooksey highlighted that the confirmation of MREC product quality, combined with the resource’s dimensions and geographic accessibility, has generated substantial investor momentum and customer inquiries.

Next Phase Development

ABx is advancing engagement with potential offtake partners to present the MREC composition and samples for evaluation. Concurrent column leach testing on bulk samples from Deep Leads is underway, with results anticipated before year-end. These near-term developments will provide further evidence of the project’s technical and economic viability.