Magnetite Mines has initiated air core drilling at its fully owned Ironback Hill rare earth element (REE) project in north-east South Australia.
This comes after delays due to significant rain and flooding that restricted site access.
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Located 12km south of the Razorback Iron Ore Project, the project aims to explore the extent and geological characteristics of near-surface, clay-hosted REE mineralisation identified from previously analysed drill samples.
The focus is on extending drilling along key creek and drainage areas, where the company’s model suggests mineralisation could expand both downstream and laterally beyond previously drilled areas.
The programme includes up to 2,000m of air core drilling, following a structured, cost-effective exploration strategy.
It aims initially to assess the spatial extent, thickness and continuity of the clay horizons containing REEs.
Additionally, it will generate samples for preliminary mineralogical and metallurgical evaluation.
The findings will be used to refine the company’s geological model and inform future exploration activities.
In August 2025, Magnetite Mines discovered near-surface, clay-hosted REE mineralisation at Ironback Hill by reassessing archived reverse circulation drill samples from iron ore drilling conducted in 2011–12.
Additional findings were reported in November 2025.
The Ironback Hill REE site, situated within EL 6126 in the Braemar Iron Region, lies around 250km north-east of Adelaide.
The mineralisation is located near the Ironback Hill magnetite iron ore deposit on tenements owned by Ironback, a subsidiary of Magnetite Mines.
The REE mineralisation is found in shallow, oxidised clay and silt layers above a weathered basement, commonly following local creek and drainage systems.
Magnetite Mines managing director Tim Dobson said: “While mobilisation and site access were temporarily impacted by significant rainfall and flooding in the region, we are pleased to now have site access restored and drilling under way.
“Commencing drilling at Ironback Hill is an important step in advancing this emerging REE prospect. This relatively small, phased programme is designed to test the spatial extent of the clay-hosted mineralisation and the geological controls that influence its occurrence, while also generating additional samples to support geological modelling and ongoing mineralogical and metallurgical assessment.”
In February 2026, the company secured all required permits and approvals, along with heritage clearances, for the initial phase of drilling at Ironback Hill.
