ABx Group Delivers Outstanding Rare Earth Purity at Deep Leads in Larger-Scale Testing

ABx Group (ASX: ABX) has reported outstanding impurity removal results from larger-scale metallurgical testing at its Deep Leads ionic adsorption clay rare earth project in northern Tasmania.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) program confirmed retention of more than 98% of total rare earths while achieving full removal of key impurities such as aluminium.

Managing director Dr Mark Cooksey said the results demonstrate the potential for ABx to produce high-purity mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) products at low cost using simple, environmentally benign processing conditions.

High Rare Earth Retention

ANSTO identified a “sweet spot” at around pH 6 where impurities fully precipitate without significant loss of rare earths to the solid phase.

Dr Cooksey said achieving high recoveries at ambient temperature and pressure under mildly acidic conditions reinforces ABx’s process advantage, and sets Deep Leads apart from other clay-hosted rare earth deposits.

The tests form part of a broader program to produce an MREC product sample for potential customers by the December quarter.

ANSTO will now finalise impurity removal parameters before producing the first MREC sample for evaluation.

Dr Cooksey said that with high magnet rare earth content and minimal impurities, ABx expects its product to attract strong interest from refineries and manufacturers seeking secure, non-China supply chains.

Favourable Market Dynamics

ABx is positioning Deep Leads to meet the growing demand for dysprosium and terbium—essential in high-performance magnets for EVs, wind turbines, and defence technologies.

Benchmark Minerals Intelligence recently quoted terbium oxide at nearly US$1,000 per kilogram, with prices for magnet rare earths in Europe currently trading at more than triple those in China, highlighting the premium for Western-sourced material.

ANSTO remains on schedule to produce the MREC sample later this year, after which ABx will distribute samples and results to potential offtake partners.

The company already holds a memorandum of understanding with North American processor Ucore Rare Metals and continues to engage additional downstream partners.

Dr Cooksey said the next phase will be pivotal in converting Deep Leads from a research-stage project into a commercial production opportunity, regarding the successful removal of impurities at scale as another step toward establishing Tasmania as a new source of high-value, heavy rare earths.