First Development to start first-pass rare-earth element exploration
By Josh White
Date: Wednesday 19 Nov 2025
(Sharecast News) - First Development Resources said on Wednesday that it would begin first-pass rare-earth element exploration at its Selta Project in Australia's Northern Territory in early December, following detailed desktop studies that have identified two priority target zones.
The AIM-traded explorer said the initial fieldwork would focus on stream-sediment sampling and reconnaissance mapping to validate historical anomalies and generate new targets for follow-up work.
It had defined the Ingallan and West Nintabrinna areas as priority REE targets, both showing elevated historical total rare-earth element (TREE) results.
The one-week programme aimed to replicate and expand on earlier data collected by the former ASX-listed Crossland Uranium, with samples to be processed and analysed in January.
Future exploration could include detailed mapping, follow-up sampling and test auger drilling to assess ionic clay potential, particularly at West Nintabrinna.
Chief executive Tristan Pottas said the decision to fast-track exploration reflects shifting geopolitical priorities around critical mineral supply chains.
"Last month we stated our intention to fast-track REE exploration at Selta," he said.
"The decision to accelerate this work was in response to a shift in geo-political policy to secure the supply and processing of critical minerals and REEs.
"I am pleased to report that a team will be on the ground at Selta in early December to conduct this important first phase of targeted REE exploration."
Pottas added that the work aims "to advance our understanding of elevated surface geochemical responses associated with the underlying lithological and structural features, and to identify potential zones of mineralisation for follow-up exploration."
At Ingallan, where historical sampling identified two elevated TREE results, FDR was planning 22 stream-sediment sample sites to test the REE potential of a gneissic granite that has seen little direct exploration.
The granite body was thought to extend beneath weathered cover and could host primary pegmatite-related REE mineralisation.
At West Nintabrinna, 23 sample sites will target watersheds that previously returned highly elevated TREE values.
The underlying granite was considered fertile due to nearby tungsten and tin occurrences and a high uranium-to-thorium ratio, a characteristic often associated with evolved magmatic systems enriched in REE, lithium and tantalum.
Sampling had been planned to avoid restricted heritage areas, focusing on catchments considered most prospective.
FDR said rare-earth exploration is becoming increasingly important for the company, citing the recently announced United States-Australia Critical Minerals Framework, which included a joint $1bn funding commitment aimed at accelerating development of critical mineral projects and streamlining approvals for junior explorers.
At 1308 GMT, shares in First Development Resource were down 1.85% at 2.65p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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