Gallium Exploration Target at Block 3 Estimated up to 14.3 Million Tonnes
Nimy Resources has defined a significant gallium Exploration Target at its Block 3 Prospect in Western Australia, estimating up to 14.3 million tonnes of mineralised material with promising grades. This milestone positions the company at the forefront of gallium exploration amid rising global demand.
- Gallium Exploration Target estimated between 9.6 Mt and 14.3 Mt
- Average gallium grades range from 39ppm to 78ppm with high-grade zones up to 174ppm
- Four mineralised geological domains identified across Block 3 East and West
- Further drilling and metallurgical testing planned to advance towards a Mineral Resource estimate
- Gallium’s critical role in semiconductors and AI technologies underscores strategic importance
Defining a New Frontier in Gallium Exploration
Nimy Resources Limited (ASX:NIM) has announced a major advancement in its gallium exploration efforts with the release of an Exploration Target at the Block 3 Prospect, part of the Mons Project in Western Australia. The target delineates a substantial volume of mineralised material, estimated between 9.6 million and 14.3 million tonnes, with gallium grades averaging from 39ppm to 78ppm. Notably, high-grade zones within the saprock and schist domains reach up to 174ppm, indicating increasing grade with depth.
This announcement marks a significant progression from the initial discovery of gallium at Block 3 in April 2024, positioning Nimy among the few companies globally with a high-grade standalone gallium target. The Block 3 Prospect is divided into two main areas, Block 3 East and Block 3 West, separated by an undrilled corridor, which presents immediate opportunities for expansion through targeted drilling.
Geological Insights and Exploration Strategy
The Exploration Target is supported by detailed geological modelling that identifies four mineralised domains across saprolite, saprock, and bedrock schist zones. The highest gallium grades are found in the Block 3 East saprock and schist domains, with grades exceeding 100ppm and 150ppm respectively. These zones are interpreted to potentially represent the primary source of gallium mineralisation.
Nimy plans a comprehensive drill program commencing in March 2025, combining step-out and infill drilling to expand the target footprint and refine geological understanding. Complementary metallurgical and petrological test work will aim to characterise the mineralisation and assess the viability of resource definition. The company is also undertaking rare earth element assays to explore correlations with gallium mineralisation, which could enhance the project's strategic value.
Gallium’s Growing Strategic Importance
Gallium is a critical metal with limited global supply, predominantly controlled by China, which recently imposed export restrictions affecting availability to key markets such as the United States. This scarcity has driven price spikes and heightened demand, especially for applications in next-generation semiconductors, AI supercomputers, defense technologies, and optoelectronics.
Nimy’s timing aligns with this global trend, as gallium’s role in advanced electronics and renewable energy technologies continues to expand. The company’s ability to define a high-grade target in a Tier 1 jurisdiction like Western Australia adds a compelling dimension to its growth prospects.
Looking Ahead
While the Exploration Target remains conceptual pending further drilling and resource estimation, Nimy Resources has laid a robust foundation for advancing its gallium project. The upcoming drilling campaign and test work will be critical in confirming the resource potential and unlocking value for shareholders.
With gallium’s strategic importance escalating globally, Nimy’s Block 3 Prospect could emerge as a key supplier in a constrained market, underscoring the significance of this exploration milestone.
Bottom Line?
Nimy Resources’ gallium target at Block 3 sets the stage for a potentially transformative resource in a critical metal market.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling confirm continuity and expand the high-grade gallium zones?
- How will metallurgical test results influence the economic viability of gallium extraction?
- What impact could geopolitical supply constraints have on Nimy’s market positioning?