Block 3 Gallium Mineralisation Confirmed: Drilling and Metallurgy to Define Maiden JORC Resource

Nimy Resources has reported highly favourable mineralogy results from its Block 3 gallium discovery in Western Australia, setting the stage for critical metallurgical testing and maiden resource definition amid tightening global gallium supply.

  • CSIRO confirms high-grade gallium mineralisation in chloritised schists at Block 3
  • Metallurgical test work commencing at Curtin University to develop extraction methods
  • Drilling scheduled for early May to expand high-grade, near-surface gallium zones
  • Maiden JORC Resource expected in 2025 supported by drilling and metallurgy results
  • Strategic importance heightened by Chinese gallium export restrictions and rising demand
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Favourable Mineralogy Validates Gallium Potential

Nimy Resources (ASX: NIM) has taken a significant step forward in developing its Block 3 gallium discovery within the Mons Project in Western Australia. Recent mineralogical studies conducted by CSIRO have confirmed the presence of high-grade gallium mineralisation hosted predominantly in chloritised schists. Assay concentrations in fresh rock samples ranged impressively between 100 to 300 ppm gallium, with chlorite identified as the primary host mineral containing up to 800 ppm gallium.

This relatively simple mineralogical composition bodes well for downstream processing, as it suggests fewer complexities in ore treatment and extraction. The results provide a robust foundation for the imminent metallurgical test program, which is critical for validating the economic viability of the deposit.

Curtin University Partnership to Unlock Extraction Pathways

Building on a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year, Nimy has engaged Curtin University to undertake comprehensive metallurgical testing. This program will encompass ore characterisation, gallium recovery analysis, extraction method evaluation, and flowsheet development. The collaboration is supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer initiative, underscoring the strategic importance of gallium as a critical mineral.

The metallurgical work will be conducted at Curtin’s Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie, leveraging advanced research capabilities to accelerate the path toward a maiden JORC-compliant resource estimate.

Drilling Campaign to Expand Resource Footprint

Complementing the metallurgical efforts, Nimy plans to commence a new drilling campaign in early May targeting high-grade, near-surface mineralisation along strike at Block 3. Previous drilling has delineated a mineralised zone measuring approximately 250 by 150 metres, with mineralisation remaining open along strike and at depth. The host geology extends over several kilometres, indicating significant exploration upside.

SRK Consultants have been appointed as Competent Persons to oversee the resource definition process, ensuring compliance with JORC 2012 standards. The integration of drilling and metallurgical data will underpin the maiden resource expected later this year.

Strategic Timing Amid Global Gallium Supply Constraints

The timing of Nimy’s progress is particularly noteworthy given the tightening global gallium market. China, which supplies approximately 98% of the world’s gallium, recently imposed export restrictions, severely limiting availability to key markets such as the United States. This has triggered price spikes and heightened scarcity concerns.

Gallium’s critical role in next-generation semiconductors, AI technologies, defense applications, optoelectronics, and renewable energy sectors underscores the strategic value of Nimy’s discovery. Industry leaders like NVIDIA have highlighted gallium’s importance in powering AI supercomputers and advanced electronics, further amplifying demand.

Outlook and Market Implications

Nimy Resources is advancing multiple fronts simultaneously, mineralogy validation, metallurgical testing, and drilling, to rapidly progress the Block 3 prospect. The company is also engaging with strategic partners and end-users to position itself within the critical minerals supply chain. While the maiden resource and metallurgical results remain pending, the current trajectory suggests Nimy is well placed to capitalise on gallium’s rising global demand and constrained supply.

Investors and industry watchers will be closely monitoring the upcoming drilling results and metallurgical outcomes, which will be pivotal in confirming the deposit’s scale and economic potential.

Bottom Line?

Nimy’s Block 3 gallium discovery is poised to become a critical new source amid global supply disruptions—next steps will determine its market impact.

Questions in the middle?

  • What will the metallurgical test results reveal about gallium recovery rates and processing costs?
  • How extensive is the gallium mineralisation beyond the currently drilled 250m by 150m zone?
  • Which strategic partners or end-users might Nimy secure to support development and off-take?