Heavy Rare Earths’ Radium Hill – A Rediscovery of Hidden Value in Uranium, Scandium and Rare Earths
- Noel Ong
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Announcement:
The Radium Hill Project in South Australia has long held historical significance as the site of the country’s first major uranium mine. What was once seen primarily as a uranium deposit is now re-emerging as a polymetallic system rich in scandium and rare earth elements (REEs). With new assays from Heavy Rare Earths Limited (ASX: HRE), this overlooked potential is becoming increasingly apparent—and economically compelling.
Reinterpreting a Historic Mine
Heavy Rare Earths Limited’s recent reconnaissance sampling campaign at Radium Hill has unveiled a more complex and valuable mineral system than previously appreciated. The standout assays include:
Up to 9,068 ppm (20 lb/t) U₃O₈
936 ppm Sc₂O₃
1.89% TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxides)
These grades, especially for scandium, place Radium Hill in competitive territory when compared with leading Australian scandium resources. Even more promising is that high scandium grades appear in zones with low uranium content, hinting at potential decoupling of the mineralisation, which could significantly widen the exploration window.
Figure 1: Location of reconnaissance rock samples showing assays for oxides of U, Sc and REE (source: HRE)
The sampling program, which included grab samples from historical dumps and previously unsampled 1961 drill core, confirmed continuity of high-grade U-Sc-REE mineralisation extending northeast from the historical mine site. This expands the known mineralised corridor to include the Bristowe’s, Radium Hill North, and Bonython prospects.
Airborne Geophysics: A New Lens on Structure
In early April, a high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey added another dimension to HRE’s understanding. Compared to the 1995 dataset, the new survey, flown with 25 m line spacing at just 30 m altitude, offers a sharp resolution of the NE-SW structural corridor, revealing complex folding and shearing zones linked to mineralisation.
Figure 2: Radium Hill airborne survey showing major improvement in magnetic (source: HRE)
These geophysical insights will play a central role in creating a 3D structural model to guide drill targeting. The upcoming H2 2025 drill program will be the first significant test of the Radium Hill lode system in over 60 years.
Radiometrics Point to Untested Ground
The radiometric component of the survey further strengthens the case for systematic exploration. Strong uranium signals not only validate known mineralised areas but also point to additional zones northeast of Bonython Hill that have seen no prior sampling or recorded workings.
Figure 3: Radium Hill U channel radiometric data highlighting elevated readings and exploration targets (source: HRE)
The identification of these “blind” anomalies is particularly important. It suggests that Radium Hill may still hold untapped zones of mineralisation, unexposed at surface and undetected by past campaigns limited to conventional surface prospecting methods.
Samso’s Concluding Comments
The Radium Hill story is a historical part of the South Australian uranium journey. The marketing or shall we say, the new journey for Heavy Rare Earths Limited is tapping into an underexplored polymetallic opportunity by integrating fresh data, legacy drilling, and a targeted sampling strategy. While there is some new news from the multi-commodity angle—uranium, scandium, and REEs—all highly strategic in today’s critical minerals narrative, the angle, from our point of view, is a new start.
This project is a reminder that there is value often left behind in plain sight, especially when market sentiment shifts. With HRE planning drill testing in H2 2025, the next phase of work could prove transformative, not just for the company but for Radium Hill’s long-overdue comeback.
Heavy Rare Earths is wisely taking a layered approach—combining historical data, fresh assays, and modern geophysics. This strategy doesn’t just revisit the past; it reshapes the narrative. The economical implications of the project is still very new so don't get caught up with the investment of hype.
As I have said many times, the investing strategy of this sector is all about taking positions and understanding the journey. The combination of ethical management, the power of management, the technical merits and potential of scale in the projects and LUCK are the key combination of important factors to note.
HRE has a market capitalisation of just under AUD $9M so its got a lot of value to give. A recent rise in share price is a good sign to get yourself on the DYOR journey.
Keep an eye on this one. It’s not just about what has been mined, but what’s still waiting to be discovered.
Happy Investing and remember, always DYOR.
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Disclaimer
The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints.
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