CSIRO Confirms High-Grade Gallium Mineralogy at Block 3
Nimy Resources (ASX: NIM) has announced significant progress at its Block 3 gallium discovery at Nimy Resources Ltd in Western Australia, with new mineralogy assessments paving the way for critical metallurgical testing. The CSIRO study has confirmed the presence of high-grade gallium mineralisation in chloritised schist, with total gallium concentrations in fresh rock ranging from 100 to 300 ppm.
Key findings revealed that chlorite is the primary host for gallium, with preliminary analyses showing gallium concentrations within chlorite ranging from 400 to 800 ppm. This favourable mineralogy represents a crucial step forward as Nimy prepares for:
- First metallurgical tests at Curtin University
- Resource definition drilling in early May 2025
- Development of a maiden JORC Resource later in 2025
"The mineralogy studies have returned extremely favourable results which augur well for the first round of metallurgical tests about to start," said Nimy Technical Director Christian Price. "We are pushing hard to expedite progress at Block 3 on several fronts at the same time, enabling us to capitalise on the huge worldwide demand for gallium stemming from China's recent export controls on critical minerals."
Curtin University Partnership Accelerates Metallurgical Development
Nimy has formalised a metallurgical test work agreement with Curtin University, building on their gallium-related research memorandum of understanding announced on March 18, 2025. This comprehensive program will include:
- Ore characterisation
- Preliminary gallium recovery analysis
- Technical studies on extraction methods
- Development of flowsheet options for viable gallium extraction
The collaboration is supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, funded by the Department of Education, with work to be conducted at Curtin's Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie.
In parallel, SRK Consultants' technical geology specialists have been appointed to oversee the gallium resource definition process, serving as Competent Person to establish a JORC-compliant gallium resource at Block 3.
Understanding Gallium: A Critical Metal for Advanced Technologies
Gallium is classified as a critical mineral by Australia, USA, EU, India, Japan, Republic of Korea and the UK due to its essential role in semiconductor manufacturing and other high-tech applications. Currently, China controls approximately 98% of the world's gallium supply, and recent export restrictions have created significant supply chain challenges for Western economies.
This rare metal is integral to:
- Next-generation semiconductors used in AI, supercomputers, and data centres
- Defence applications
- Blue and violet light-emitting diodes and diode lasers
- Automotive and optoelectronic sectors
- Healthcare (gallium nitrate for treating hypercalcemia)
- Photovoltaic cells for solar electricity generation
The global commodities market for gallium is projected to grow substantially in the coming years, driven by increased demand across multiple sectors, particularly in advanced computing applications.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang highlighted this importance in January 2025: "AI will be mainstream in every application for every industry. With Project DIGITS, the Grace Blackwell Superchip comes to millions of developers. Placing an AI supercomputer on the desks of every data scientist, AI researcher and student empowers them to engage and shape the age of AI."
Extensive Mineralisation Zone with Growth Potential
Drilling at Block 3 has already outlined high-grade gallium over an area measuring 250m by 150m, with the mineralisation remaining open and the host geology extending for several kilometres. The company is now preparing for its next drilling campaign in early May, which will target potentially high-grade and near-surface mineralisation along strike.
Further work is underway to characterise the saprolite and saprock domains and surrounding lithology. This effort aims to:
- Improve geological understanding of the area
- Determine the geological controls of gallium mineralisation
- Assess the potential to increase the mineralisation footprint at Block 3
The Mons Project: A District-Scale Discovery
The Block 3 gallium discovery at Nimy Resources Ltd is part of the company's broader Mons Project, a district-scale discovery spanning approximately 80km x 30km over 17 tenements with a north/south strike of some 80km of mafic and ultramafic sequences. Covering approximately 3,004km² north of the Forrestania greenstone belt, the Mons Belt represents a new frontier in base metal and gold exploration in Western Australia.
Located 370km northeast of Perth and 140km north-northwest of Southern Cross, the Mons Belt offers multi-commodity potential. In addition to the high-grade gallium at Block 3, Nimy has discovered Masson (Cu, Ni, Co, Au & PGE's) in the northern tenements, while the southern tenements contain significant fertile komatiite sequences similar to those found in the Kambalda region of WA.
Why Investors Should Follow Nimy Resources
Nimy Resources is strategically positioned to capitalise on the growing global demand for gallium, a critical metal facing supply constraints due to China's export controls. With positive mineralogy results now in hand and metallurgical testing set to begin, the company is rapidly advancing toward a maiden JORC Resource for Block 3 in 2025.
Key investment considerations include:
- Favourable mineralogy results confirming high-grade gallium in chloritised schist
- Strategic investments in human capital through partnerships with Curtin University and CSIRO for metallurgical and mineralogical studies
- Active discussions with strategic partners and end-users
- Drilling program commencing in May 2025 to expand the known mineralisation zone
- Critical timing amid global gallium supply constraints and market volatility affecting critical minerals
For investors seeking exposure to critical minerals with strong demand fundamentals, the gallium discovery at Nimy Resources Ltd presents a compelling opportunity at the forefront of Western Australia's newest greenstone belt discovery in the Yilgarn Craton.
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