Chinese Export Curbs Spotlight Rimfire’s Low-Risk Scandium Supply Opportunity
Rimfire Mining has unveiled compelling high-grade scandium assay results from its Currajong Prospect in NSW’s Fifield District, reinforcing its position as a significant scandium opportunity amid tightening global supply.
- Multiple high-grade scandium intercepts in weathered saprolite and fresh pyroxenite
- Notable drill results include 11m at 357ppm Sc and 26m at 344ppm Sc
- Mineral resource estimate targeted for August 2025 following remaining assays
- Strategic importance highlighted by recent Chinese export restrictions on scandium
- Currajong positioned as a low-risk, long-term scandium supplier in a constrained market
Strong Drill Results Confirm Currajong’s Potential
Rimfire Mining (ASX – RIM) has released a fresh batch of assay results from its Currajong Scandium Prospect, located in the Fifield District of New South Wales, Australia. The latest drilling campaign has confirmed multiple high-grade scandium intercepts, with standout results including an 11-metre interval grading 357ppm scandium and a 26-metre intercept at 344ppm scandium. These findings reinforce Currajong as one of the most promising scandium opportunities in Australia’s emerging scandium hub.
Geological Context and Mineralisation
The scandium mineralisation at Currajong occurs predominantly within a weathered saprolite zone developed over ultramafic pyroxenite and other rock types. Notably, significant scandium grades were also intersected in the underlying fresh pyroxenite, which is considered an important primary source of scandium in the region. The mineralisation remains open laterally, particularly within the southern ultramafic zone, suggesting potential for further resource growth as drilling continues.
Strategic Timing Amid Global Supply Constraints
This announcement comes at a critical time for scandium markets. Recent Chinese government restrictions on scandium exports have tightened global supply, with China accounting for approximately two-thirds of primary scandium feedstock worldwide. Rimfire’s Managing Director David Hutton emphasised the strategic importance of developing alternative scandium sources outside China, positioning Currajong as a potentially low-risk, long-term supplier to meet growing demand, especially from the United States and other importers.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Rimfire expects to receive the remaining assay results by late July 2025, ahead of a planned scandium mineral resource estimate targeted for August. While the timing has been delayed slightly due to arbitration processes, laboratory turnaround, and weather conditions, the company remains confident in progressing the project. The resource estimate will be a key milestone, providing a clearer picture of the deposit’s scale and economic potential.
Given the tightening supply dynamics and the strategic nature of scandium in critical technologies, Currajong’s advancement could attract significant market attention. Investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how Rimfire leverages its substantial landholdings in the Fifield District to secure a foothold in this niche but increasingly vital mineral market.
Bottom Line?
Currajong’s promising drill results arrive as global scandium supply tightens, setting the stage for a pivotal resource update.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming mineral resource estimate quantify Currajong’s economic potential?
- What impact will Chinese export restrictions have on global scandium prices and supply chains?
- Can Rimfire scale Currajong to meet anticipated demand from critical industries outside China?