Mount Ridley Mines has announced a significant maiden inferred gallium resource of 838.7 million tonnes at its Mt Ridley Project, positioning it among the world’s largest known gallium deposits and reinforcing its multi-element critical minerals strategy.
- Maiden inferred gallium resource of 838.7 million tonnes at 29.3 ppm gallium
- Total contained gallium metal estimated at 24,584 tonnes across three blocks
- Strong association of gallium with heavy rare earth elements and scandium
- Over 70% of the Mt Ridley Project remains untested for gallium and rare earths
- Metallurgical studies underway to explore mixed rare earth and gallium recovery
A Landmark Gallium Discovery
Mount Ridley Mines Limited (ASX, MRD) has delivered a landmark update with the announcement of a maiden inferred gallium mineral resource at its Mt Ridley Project in Western Australia. The resource totals an impressive 838.7 million tonnes at an average grade of 29.3 parts per million (ppm) gallium, equating to 24,584 tonnes of contained gallium metal. This positions Mt Ridley among the world’s largest known gallium deposits, a critical mineral increasingly sought after for its applications in electronics and renewable energy technologies.
The resource estimate, reported under the JORC Code (2012) at a 25 ppm cut-off, spans three distinct geological blocks over a 25-kilometre strike length. These blocks, Central Gallium Zone, Northern Extension, and Mia Prospect & Eastern Area, each exhibit unique mineralogical characteristics and promising associations with heavy rare earth elements (HREE) and scandium, further enhancing the project's multi-element potential.
Strategic Multi-Element Potential
What makes this discovery particularly compelling is the spatial correlation of gallium with other critical minerals. Block 1, the Central Gallium Zone, contains 164 million tonnes at 29.8 ppm gallium and shows a strong correlation with heavy rare earth elements, including a notable HREE prospect with high total rare earth oxide (TREO) grades. Block 2, the Northern Extension, is the largest with 372 million tonnes at 30.3 ppm gallium and is considered the most prospective for combined rare earth, gallium, and scandium expansion. Block 3 includes the Mia Prospect, which already hosts a significant rare earth resource, confirming the potential for an integrated multi-element mineralised system.
Importantly, over 70% of the Mt Ridley Project tenure remains untested for gallium and rare earth mineralisation, suggesting substantial upside for future exploration. The shallow nature of the mineralisation, starting from just four metres below surface and extending to about 60 metres depth, could offer favourable conditions for potential mining operations down the line.
Next Steps, Metallurgy and Market Positioning
Mount Ridley is advancing metallurgical studies to evaluate the feasibility of producing a mixed rare earth carbonate product with gallium and other critical elements as secondary recoveries. The company has initiated engagement with Australian and international research institutions and processing specialists to develop beneficiation and hydrometallurgical techniques, including ion exchange and solvent extraction, tailored to clay-hosted critical mineral systems.
This metallurgical work is crucial to unlocking the economic value of the resource and will inform future development strategies. Meanwhile, the company is also expanding its technical and advisory capabilities, aligning with strategic partnerships such as the U.S.–Australia critical minerals collaboration, to position itself strongly within the global critical minerals supply chain.
Financial and Corporate Overview
On the corporate front, Mount Ridley reported cash reserves of AUD 1.09 million as of 30 September 2025. The company recently completed a capital raising via entitlement and shortfall offers, securing approximately AUD 596,839 before costs, which will support ongoing exploration and development activities. Exploration expenditure for the quarter was AUD 91,343, predominantly focused on the Mt Ridley Project.
No substantive mining production occurred during the quarter, reflecting the company’s current focus on resource definition and technical studies. The relinquishment of some tenements at Mt Ridley signals a strategic consolidation of the project area to concentrate on the most prospective zones.
Broader Implications
This announcement underscores Mount Ridley’s evolution from a nickel and copper explorer to a multi-element critical minerals developer, with gallium and rare earth elements at the core of its strategy. Given the growing global demand for these minerals in high-tech and clean energy applications, the Mt Ridley Project’s scale and multi-element nature could position the company as a significant player in the critical minerals sector.
Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting the results of metallurgical testing and further exploration updates, which will clarify the economic viability and potential scale of future operations.
Bottom Line?
Mount Ridley’s maiden gallium resource cements its place in critical minerals, but metallurgical success will be key to unlocking value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will metallurgical test results impact the economic viability of gallium and rare earth extraction?
- What exploration strategies will Mount Ridley pursue to unlock the 70% of untested project tenure?
- How might global gallium market dynamics influence the project’s development timeline and financing?