Ausmon Resources Launches Rare Earth Exploration at Turkey Hill

About Ausmon Resources Limited

Ausmon Resources Limited (ASX: AOA), an Australian exploration company, has commenced initial field-based exploration for rare earth elements (REE) at its newly granted Turkey Hill project in central Queensland. The tenement, EPM 29075, spans 320 square kilometres within the Drummond Basin and lies approximately 165 kilometres southwest of Mackay and 34 kilometres northwest of Moranbah. The area is easily accessible via the Peak Downs Highway followed by all-weather unsealed roads, supporting efficient on-ground exploration.

Growth Pipeline and Operations

The company’s exploration efforts are focused on a surficial layer of clays and iron-manganese-rich pisolites and nodules, forming part of a tropically weathered sedimentary basin of Tertiary age. These formations are mostly unconsolidated and rich in clay, with minor inclusions of sand and gravel. The basin lies over and adjacent to alkali granitic rocks, which have historically been a source of significant tin and tungsten mineralisation and are known to be enriched in rare earth elements. These granitic rocks are considered a possible source of the REEs being targeted in this program.

Ausmon’s geological hypothesis centres on the possibility that REE mineralisation has occurred within the weathered profile, where elements such as those in the monazite group may have been dissolved and subsequently adsorbed or colloidally bonded to fine aluminosilicate clay particles, including kaolinite. This type of clay-hosted REE deposit is increasingly being explored worldwide, given its relatively low-cost extraction potential and growing demand for critical minerals in clean energy technologies.

To investigate this potential, the company is conducting portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) scanning on rock and soil samples using in-house Vanta equipment. This approach allows for rapid, non-destructive elemental analysis in the field. Samples showing positive indications from the pXRF scans will be sent to ALS Laboratory for full assay analysis. The laboratory results, once available, will inform the scale and direction of future exploration activities within the tenement.

The commencement of work at Turkey Hill reflects Ausmon Resources’ strategy of broadening its exploration footprint, particularly in the field of critical minerals. The company already maintains an active presence in New South Wales, where it holds tenements targeting cobalt, copper, lead, zinc, and silver. Recent renewals have extended licences EL 8745 and EL 8747 for a further six years, allowing continued exploration work in these regions. In addition, Ausmon holds a significant portfolio in South Australia covering more than 4,300 square kilometres across the Murray and Otway Basins, which are also prospective for rare earth elements hosted in the Loxton/Parilla Sands and Padthaway Formation.

This multi-state diversification reduces geological and operational risk while positioning the company to capitalise on increasing demand for minerals vital to emerging technologies. Rare earth elements, in particular, are essential in the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and various high-performance electronics. As the global energy transition accelerates, the strategic importance of REE exploration projects in stable jurisdictions like Australia has become even more pronounced.

Turkey Hill is well placed in this context, with its geological profile offering the potential for ionic clay-hosted REE deposits—a type increasingly prioritised due to its more environmentally sustainable extraction methods compared to traditional hard rock mining. Should laboratory assay results confirm the presence of economically viable concentrations of rare earth elements, Ausmon could move swiftly into more detailed exploration and resource definition phases, including potential drilling programs.

The company also acknowledges the importance of environmental stewardship and local engagement. As exploration continues, Ausmon is committed to upholding best practices in environmental management and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders.

Looking Ahead

In a competitive global landscape, Ausmon Resources is positioning itself as a nimble and forward-focused player in Australia’s critical minerals sector. The Turkey Hill project, still in its early stages, holds promising potential to deliver long-term value for the company and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s critical mineral supply chain.