Battery Age Unlocks Drilling at Europe’s High-Grade Bleiberg Germanium Project
Battery Age Minerals has secured its first drilling permit for the Bleiberg Zinc-Germanium Project in Austria, setting the stage for exploration at one of Europe’s richest germanium sources amid tightening global supply.
- Maiden drilling permit approved for Bleiberg Zinc-Germanium Project, Austria
- Drilling to test multiple high-priority targets along a 10km mineralised corridor
- Historic germanium grades up to 1,500 g/t confirmed, well above global averages
- Project located within EU, offering strategic supply chain advantages
- Milestone follows 18 months of stakeholder engagement and regulatory approvals
A Strategic Milestone for Battery Age
Battery Age Minerals Ltd (ASX, BM8) has reached a pivotal moment with the formal approval of its maiden drilling permit at the Bleiberg Zinc-Germanium Project in Carinthia, Austria. This approval, granted after a public hearing with strong community and regulatory backing, unlocks the company’s ability to commence exploration drilling imminently. The project is situated in a historically significant mining district with over 700 years of production history, notably ranking as the world’s sixth-largest germanium producer at the time of its closure in the early 1990s.
Exploring a High-Grade Germanium Corridor
The upcoming drilling program will focus on a 10-kilometre corridor known for its rich polymetallic mineralisation, including zinc, lead, and germanium. Battery Age plans to test multiple high-priority targets identified through integrated geological and geophysical data, including zones near Erlach, Germaniumgugel, and Carditascholle. Historic data reveals exceptional germanium concentrate grades reaching up to 1,500 grams per tonne, far exceeding typical global production grades of 100 to 300 grams per tonne. This suggests the potential for direct-to-refinery processing, which could streamline operations and reduce environmental impact.
Positioned Amid Global Supply Chain Shifts
Germanium is a critical mineral essential for advanced technologies such as semiconductors, infrared optics, and solar energy systems. With China imposing export controls on germanium and gallium in 2024, global supply chains face increasing disruption. The European Union’s designation of germanium as a critical raw material under its Critical Raw Materials Act underscores the urgency of securing domestic sources. Battery Age’s Bleiberg Project, located within the EU’s internal market, offers direct access to European infrastructure and refining pathways, positioning it as a strategic asset in reshaping Europe’s critical minerals landscape.
Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship
The drilling permit follows over 18 months of sustained engagement with local stakeholders, government authorities, and environmental agencies. Battery Age has emphasized transparency and collaboration, designing its drilling program to minimize surface disturbance by using existing clearings and avoiding vegetation clearing. This approach reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable exploration practices and maintaining strong community relations.
Looking Ahead
With drilling set to begin immediately, Battery Age aims to advance metallurgical testing of historical tailings alongside exploration activities, potentially accelerating the development of a near-term germanium concentrate product. Early engagement with potential downstream partners across Europe is also underway, targeting specialty chemical processors and semiconductor material suppliers. CEO Nigel Broomham highlighted the project’s potential to become a cornerstone of Europe’s critical technology metals supply chain, especially as germanium’s strategic importance reaches new heights.
Bottom Line?
As drilling kicks off, Battery Age stands at the forefront of Europe’s critical minerals race, but assay results and commercial viability remain key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the scale and grade of mineralisation?
- How quickly can metallurgical testing translate into a viable germanium concentrate product?
- Which downstream partners will Battery Age secure to advance commercialisation within Europe?
