Western Australia holds answers to Australia's fertiliser crisis.

What our attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth raw ore can do for your farm — right now, this sowing season.

Hudson Resources Ltd is the owner and operator of one of the largest confirmed attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth mineral reserves in the Southern Hemisphere. Our deposit is located in Western Australia — a freshwater-origin ore body that has been geologically assessed, systematically sampled, and proven to a reserve of 24 million tonnes of attapulgite clay and 3.5 million tonnes of diatomaceous earth.

We mine the ore. We know what it is, what it contains, and what it can do.

The global fertiliser supply crisis created by the Iran war has made what is in the ground at Narngulu directly relevant to what happens in your paddock this sowing season. We are not a fertiliser company. We are a mining company. But the mineral we mine has properties that Australian grain growers need to understand right now.

Attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth from Western Australia help farmers and poultry growers maximise fertiliser efficiency, retain soil moisture, and protect stored grain and feed — all with locally sourced, reliable minerals.

About the Hudson Resources — Hudson Marketing relationship:

Hudson Resources Ltd holds the mineral reserve and mines the raw ore at mine site. Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd is our processing and commercial supply partner — they produce application-grade processed products including AgriFix 102 and AgriFix 103 from our ore.

If you need raw ore supply, speak to Hudson Resources.

If you need a processed, application-ready product for blending, seeding, or agrochemical formulation, Hudson Marketing can supply it.

Email: hudsonresources@hpgl.com.au

Australian domestic urea stocks are projected to run out by mid-April 2026. Urea prices have risen 26 per cent since the conflict began, from $465 to $585 per tonne. At least one major Australian fertiliser retailer has already suspended new orders.

Ammonium sulphate, which Australian growers have been turning to as a urea alternative, is 99 per cent imported from China — which has now restricted its own exports. Phosphate prices are forecast to rise more than 50 per cent if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Australia holds just 34 days of diesel buffer.

You are sowing winter wheat, barley, canola, and oats right now. The input decisions you make this week will determine what you harvest in November. And the inputs you planned to use may not arrive.

Supply situation at a glance — March 2026:

Urea: +26% price rise, mid-April domestic runout projected. Ammonium sulphate: China export restrictions, A$480/tonne, critically low stocks. DAP/MAP phosphate: +50% forecast price rise if Hormuz closure continues. Diesel: 34-day national buffer. At least one major retailer has suspended fertiliser orders.

Our attapulgite clay — what the raw ore is and what it does

Attapulgite clay — also known as Palygorskite and Fuller's Earth — is a magnesium aluminium phyllosilicate mineral. At Narngulu, our ore body formed in a freshwater depositional environment, which gives it properties that distinguish it from the marine-origin attapulgite mined in Spain and the southeastern United States — the grades most commonly imported into Australia.

The defining characteristic of attapulgite is its needle-like or acicular crystal microstructure. Under an electron microscope, attapulgite looks nothing like plate clays such as kaolin or bentonite. Each crystal is a slender rod, typically one to five micrometres long. That structure creates an extraordinarily high specific surface area relative to mass — the foundation of almost every agricultural property the mineral possesses.

Attapulgite clay Raw ore properties — what makes our Narngulu deposit valuable

Property	Raw ore characteristic	What it means in the field
Freshwater-origin geology	Formed in a closed freshwater basin — no marine salt contamination, low swelling index, consistent clay mineral purity	More reliable batch-to-batch performance than marine-origin equivalents; lower swelling index preserves granule integrity in humid storage conditions; higher effective CEC per tonne applied
High cation exchange capacity (CEC)	The raw ore naturally adsorbs positively charged ions (NH4+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) onto the crystal surface at high capacity	Holds nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil matrix and releases them progressively to plant roots — the fundamental mechanism behind fertiliser use efficiency improvement
Acicular (needle-like) crystal habit	Individual crystals are 1–5 micrometres in length; structure is fibrous rather than plate-like	Creates surface area of 150–200 m²/g — far exceeding plate clays. Small application rates deliver large adsorption and retention effects
Natural colloidal stability	Raw ore disperses in water to form a stable colloidal suspension without synthetic dispersants	Uniform distribution through soil solution; essential for even nutrient and moisture distribution across the root zone
High specific surface area	150–200 m²/g measured by BET nitrogen adsorption — among the highest of any clay mineral	Large contact area with soil solution means more nutrient ions, water molecules, and active ingredients adsorbed per kilogram applied
Low swelling index	Does not swell significantly on wetting — unlike smectite clays such as bentonite	Granule and soil structural integrity maintained in variable rainfall conditions; no soil sealing or surface crusting
Thermal stability	Maintains crystal structure and CEC properties to temperatures exceeding 300°C	Ore retains performance through drying and processing; stable in storage under all Australian climatic conditions
Natural pH neutrality	Raw ore pH 7.0–8.0; does not alter soil pH on application	Compatible with all standard fertiliser inputs, herbicides, fungicides, and seed treatments without antagonistic reactions

What attapulgite raw ore does for Australian grain farmers this season

The agricultural value of attapulgite flows directly from these raw ore properties. Here is what that means in practical terms for a grain farmer applying it this sowing season:

Nitrogen retention and fertiliser efficiency: When urea is applied to soil, it hydrolyses to ammonium (NH4+). In sandy soils — the dominant soil type across much of the WA grain belt and SA mallee — ammonium leaches rapidly with the first rain event. Attapulgite's high CEC adsorbs ammonium ions and holds them in the root zone, releasing them progressively as plant roots create demand. In a season where you may only be able to source 70–80 per cent of your normal urea requirement, every kilogram of nitrogen held in the root zone rather than leached below it is critical.

Soil water retention at sowing: The raw ore's high surface area and hygroscopic nature allow it to adsorb and hold water molecules within the crystal matrix. Applied in the seed zone at sowing, attapulgite retains moisture around the germinating seed — directly supporting establishment in the critical first two to three weeks when the seedling has no root system capable of reaching deeper soil moisture. In a dry opening to the season, this can be the difference between a plant and a gap.

Soil structure and root penetration: In heavier soils prone to compaction — red-brown earths, heavy clays, and duplex soils — attapulgite's fibrous crystal structure increases inter-aggregate pore space and improves soil aeration. This directly supports root elongation and early plant vigour. The effect is most pronounced in the first four weeks after sowing when root architecture is being established.

Phosphate availability: While attapulgite is not a source of phosphate, its adsorption properties extend to phosphate ions (H2PO4-). Applied alongside reduced phosphate fertiliser rates, attapulgite adsorbs phosphate ions and releases them into the rhizosphere in response to root demand — reducing fixation losses in high-pH alkaline soils common in southern Australia. Every kilogram of scarce phosphate works harder.

Granule binding without synthetics: The natural adhesive properties of raw attapulgite ore allow it to bind compound and blended fertiliser granules without synthetic polymers or chemical binders. For on-farm or co-operative blending operations working with reduced fertiliser volumes this season, attapulgite improves product integrity and reduces dust and breakdown at application.

Note on processed application-grade product:

The raw ore properties described above are the foundation of all AgriFix application-grade products. If you need a precisely sized, processed, and certified microgranular grade for air-seeder application, fertiliser blending, or agrochemical formulation, Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd processes our ore to specification. AgriFix 102 is the fertiliser and soil conditioner grade. AgriFix 103 is the agrochemical carrier grade, engineered to CIPAC MT 59 specification. Contact Hudson Marketing on (02) 9251 7177 or email: hudson@hpgl.com.au

Our diatomaceous earth — what the raw ore is and what it does

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a sedimentary rock composed of the fossilised silica cell walls — called frustules — of diatoms, which are microscopic aquatic algae. Our Badgingarra deposit is freshwater-origin, meaning the diatom community that formed the ore lived in a freshwater lake environment rather than a marine one. This geological origin has direct consequences for the quality and safety profile of the ore.

Freshwater diatom frustules are predominantly amorphous silica — a form of silica that is chemically and physically distinct from crystalline silica (quartz). Crystalline silica is the form associated with silicosis and occupational lung disease. Amorphous silica, the form that predominates in freshwater DE, carries a significantly lower health risk and is the grade required for food-contact, grain storage, and animal feed applications. This is not a minor distinction — it is the difference between a product that meets food safety standards and one that does not.

Raw ore properties — what makes our Narngulu diatomaceous earth valuable

Property	Raw ore characteristic	What it means in the field
Freshwater-origin amorphous silica	Diatom frustules formed in a closed freshwater basin; predominantly amorphous rather than crystalline silica structure	Lower crystalline silica content than marine-origin DE; meets food-contact and grain storage safety requirements; preferred for occupational health compliance
Diatom frustule microstructure	Individual frustules are highly porous, hollow silica shells with complex surface geometry	Extremely high surface area per gram; maximum contact with insect cuticle surface; effective at low application rates
Physical (abrasive) insecticide mechanism	Sharp frustule edges abrade the waxy epicuticle of insects on contact; the insect loses moisture through the damaged cuticle and dies by desiccation	No chemical active ingredient; no mode of action that insects can develop resistance to; no residue on treated grain or livestock
High porosity and absorption capacity	Frustule pores absorb moisture, oils, and volatile compounds from surrounding material	Anti-caking effect in stored grain and fertiliser blends; absorbs surface moisture that would otherwise promote mould or insect activity
Chemically inert silica matrix	Amorphous SiO2 does not react with grain, feed, soil, or livestock tissue under normal conditions	Zero interaction with grain chemistry, seed treatments, or animal feed ingredients; no MRL concerns for domestic or export markets
Natural mineral — no synthesis required	Mined directly from sedimentary deposit; no chemical manufacturing process involved	Eligible for use in certified organic production systems; complies with natural input requirements for premium market access
Consistent particle size distribution	Ore is processed to controlled particle size ranges suited to specific applications	Application rate and coverage can be calculated reliably; predictable performance in grain storage and crop protection use

What diatomaceous earth raw ore does for Australian farmers this season

Grain storage protection — no chemicals, no residue: The most immediate application for Australian grain farmers in the current season. Weevils (Sitophilus granarius, Sitophilus oryzae) and lesser grain borers (Rhyzopertha dominica) are the primary storage pests in Australian grain. Mixed directly into stored grain at rates of 150–300 grams per tonne, diatomaceous earth kills these insects by abrading their cuticle. There is no chemical active ingredient to source, import, or store under chemical regulations. There is no withholding period. There is no MRL implication for any domestic or export market.

No resistance development: Grain storage insects in Australia have developed resistance to several chemical grain protectants — including organophosphates and pyrethroids — through decades of selection pressure. They cannot develop resistance to a physical desiccant. Diatomaceous earth is effective on all populations regardless of chemical resistance history, making it valuable both as a primary protectant and as a rotational tool in resistance management programs.

Anti-caking in stored grain and fertiliser blends: The high porosity and moisture absorption of DE frustules keeps stored grain flowing freely through augers, conveyors, and handling equipment. In a season where fertiliser stocks may be stored for longer than usual, DE can be incorporated into blended fertiliser to improve flowability and reduce caking during storage.

Livestock and poultry pest management: For mixed farming enterprises, our freshwater-origin DE has direct application in livestock and poultry operations — as an environmental treatment in sheds and yards against mites and lice, and as a feed additive for gut health and anti-caking in compound feed. A single domestic input addresses pest management across both the cropping and livestock enterprises.

In-crop insect control: Applied as a dust or incorporated into granular formulations, DE can be used for in-crop control of surface insects and soil-dwelling pests in horticulture and high-value cropping systems. In export-focused cropping operations with strict MRL requirements, its zero-residue profile makes it valuable where chemical options are restricted.

Agronomic note on application rate and timing:

For grain storage protection, mix DE into grain at 150–300 grams per tonne at intake. For best results, ensure grain moisture is below 12% — DE loses efficacy at high grain moisture levels. For soil application, work application rate and timing into your agronomist's program.

Hudson Marketing can advise on processed grade selection and application protocols for specific end uses. Contact (02) 9251 7177.

Why our freshwater-origin deposit is different from what you may have used before

Most attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth currently imported into Australia originates from Spain (Tolsa Group attapulgite), the southeastern United States (Georgia), or marine-origin DE deposits in Europe and North America. Our Narngulu deposit is different in ways that matter to the end user.

Characteristic	Imported grades (Spain / US / marine)	Hudson Resources — Narngulu, WA
Ore origin	Marine or mixed depositional environment	Freshwater closed-basin — no marine contamination
Swelling index	Higher — marine minerals tend to swell more on wetting	Low — freshwater origin; granule integrity maintained in variable rainfall
Crystalline silica content (DE)	Higher in marine-origin DE — more health and safety risk	Lower — amorphous silica predominates; food-contact and grain-safe
Batch consistency	Variable — long supply chains, multiple mine sources	Consistent — single deposit, controlled mining and processing
Supply chain	12–16 weeks ship time from Europe or US; USD/EUR pricing; geopolitical and freight risk	Domestic — FOB Geraldton; AUD pricing; no import dependency
Reserve size	Supplier-dependent; not disclosed or assured	24M tonnes attapulgite; 3.5M tonnes DE — multi-decade security
Carbon footprint	High — transoceanic shipping from northern hemisphere	Low — domestic supply chain, short freight to Australian ports
Currency exposure	USD or EUR denominated	AUD only — no foreign exchange risk

How to access our ore — raw supply and processed product

Hudson Resources Ltd is the mine owner and ore producer. We make the raw mineral available directly for industrial and large-volume agricultural users who process ore themselves, and through our processing partner Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd for application-ready agricultural and agrochemical grades.

	Raw ore	AgriFix processed grade	Contact
Attapulgite clay	Available from Hudson Resources Ltd, Narngulu — bulk quantities for processors, manufacturers, and direct industrial use	AgriFix 102 (fertiliser / soil conditioner grade) and AgriFix 103 (CIPAC MT 59 agchem carrier grade) — processed by Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd	Raw ore: hudsonresources.com.au — Processed: (02) 9251 7177 or hudsonmarketing.com.au
Diatomaceous earth	Available from Hudson Resources Ltd, Narngulu — bulk quantities for grain handlers, feed manufacturers, and industrial users	Application-grade DE for grain storage, in-crop use, and livestock applications — processed by Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd	Raw ore: hudsonresources.com.au — Processed: (02) 9251 7177 or hudsonmarketing.com.au

Full agronomic and supply advisory

For a complete guide to how AgriFix attapulgite clay and diatomaceous earth processed grades can be applied in your farming operation this sowing season — including application rates, blending guides, and substitution recommendations for scarce fertiliser inputs — see the full grower advisory:

For AgriFix application-grade product enquiries: Your fertiliser is running out. Australia has an answer — attapulgite clay & diatomaceous earth

The full advisory covers specific application guidance for AgriFix 102 and AgriFix 103 processed grades, including how to blend with urea, ammonium sulphate, and MAP; application through standard air-seeder equipment; recommended rates for soil conditioning and nitrogen retention; and how to apply diatomaceous earth for grain storage protection.

A final word from Hudson Resources

Security of mineral supply with 24 million tonnes of attapulgite clay and 3.5 million tonnes of diatomaceous earth. The agricultural applications are not new — these minerals have been used in farming globally for decades.

What is new is the urgency?

Australian farmers are sowing crops right now into a season where the imported inputs they depend on are unavailable, unaffordable, or both. The mineral that solves a significant part of that problem is in the ground 400 kilometres north of Perth, being mined today.

We are a Western Australian mining company. The ore we produce is part of the answer to a crisis that is affecting every Australian farmer's paddock right now. We think that is worth saying directly.

Hudson Resources Ltd

24 million tonnes of attapulgite clay. 3.5 million tonnes of diatomaceous earth. Freshwater-origin. Mined and available in Western Australia.

Raw ore supply enquiries: Hudson Resources Ltd  |  www.hudsonresources.com.au | Email: hudsonresources@hpgl.com.au

Application-grade processed product: Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd  |  (02) 9251 7177  |  Email: hudson@hpgl.com.au

Full AgriFix grower advisory: Your fertiliser is running out. Australia has an answer — attapulgite clay & diatomaceous earth