Jaen has been found to be sitting on a potential goldmine of rare earth elements.
The province in northern Andalucia, once a global mining powerhouse in the 19th century, is now back in the spotlight amid a surge in demand for minerals for smartphones, tablets, solar panels and more.
Among the most active companies carrying out research in the area is Australian firm Osmond Resources.
The company is currently exploring north of the former Avellanar mine across an area of roughly 228 square kilometres, spanning Aldeaquemada, Montizon and Venta de los Santos.
Ongoing evaluation and drilling work has not only identified several types of mineral deposits but has also confirmed the presence of rare earths – resources fiercely sought after by major global economies.
In its latest technical update, the company reported that initial drilling has suggested high concentrations of titanium (rutile), zirconium, and rare earth minerals such as monazite.
These early findings indicate a potentially significant deposit, with the company highlighting the unusually strong grades of titanium and zirconium recorded so far.
To date, Osmond has completed five drill holes totalling just over 1,302 metres, with two more currently in progress.
All have intersected the targeted quartzite formations of the Pochico Formation. A further 10 drill holes are planned, and samples from the main mineralised layers have been sent to independent laboratories. Results are expected within the next two to three weeks.
The exploration programme received authorisation from the Junta de Andalucia in May and is aligned with the EU’s objective of identifying new domestic sources of strategic minerals.
In light of the unusually high titanium and zirconium levels already observed at surface outcrops, the company says it prepared specific quality-control standards for the geochemical assessment stage.
Work is focused on what are believed to be three main zones containing high-grade layers of rutile, zircon and monazite.
The region has a previous history of exploration for thorium and uranium in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as a small galena (lead) mine that operated in the 1970s.
Economic and strategic implications
The company says the early laboratory results place the Orion Project among the world’s strongest prospects in terms of mineral concentration, especially for titanium and zirconium.
These two materials are in high demand for industrial and renewable-energy applications. The potential presence of valuable rare-earth oxides further increases the commercial and strategic interest.
Osmond plans to accelerate development through additional drilling, resource estimates, metallurgical studies and analysis of the continuity of the mineralised layers.
The company aims to complete these technical stages by the first half of 2026, taking advantage of strong EU regulatory support for increasing internal supplies of critical minerals.
All exploration data has been verified by Fernando Palero, chief geologist at Iberian Critical Minerals Pty Ltd. Palero is a qualified professional under Spain’s geological standards and a registered member of the European Federation of Geologists, satisfying JORC Code requirements for reporting to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Once the scoping study is completed, Osmond is expected to hold an 80% stake in 95% of the Orión EU Critical Minerals Project, located in northern Jaén.
The geological system being explored is described as siliciclastic, containing several layers rich in critical minerals including rutile, zirconium, hafnium and rare earth elements.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
