Rimfire Pacific Mining's initial metallurgical tests at Murga suggest feasible scandium extraction at atmospheric pressure, prompting longer-term trials and a strategic advisory appointment to aid funding and market access.
- Initial 14-day metallurgical tests show 60-90% scandium recovery potential
- Longer 160-180 day bottle roll tests underway to validate extraction rates
- Seismic survey completed over Fifield and Avondale projects, results due August
- UK-based Xcelsior Capital Advisors appointed to support funding and market engagement
- Air core drilling planned at Malamute and Murga scandium prospects in 2027
Encouraging Metallurgical Results at Murga Signal Development Progress
Rimfire Pacific Mining (ASX:RIM) is making headway in its transition from explorer to developer with promising early metallurgical results from its Murga Scandium Deposit in New South Wales. Initial 14-day bottle roll leach tests, conducted at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature, have indicated the potential to recover between 60% and 90% of scandium from Murga’s low iron mineralisation. This is significant given that atmospheric leaching is a simpler and potentially less costly process compared to the high pressure acid leaching typically employed in scandium extraction.
The tests used composite core samples from the deposit’s laterite and saprolite zones and showed a steady rate of scandium recovery with minimal iron extraction, an important factor since iron consumes acid during leaching. Encouraged by these results, Rimfire has commenced longer-term bottle roll tests over 160 to 180 days to better simulate commercial heap leaching conditions and refine recovery estimates. These extended tests will be supplemented by agitated tank leach tests at higher acidity and temperature to explore alternative extraction methods.
Seismic Survey Enhances Geological Understanding in Fifield and Avondale
Complementing metallurgical progress, Rimfire completed a 9-kilometre seismic survey across the central portions of its Fifield and Avondale projects. The survey aims to clarify the geological architecture and structural controls on scandium, gold, and copper mineralisation in the area. Data interpretation is ongoing with results expected by the end of August 2026, which will inform upcoming drilling programs targeting key mineralised zones including the Murga Intrusive Complex and northeast-trending structures associated with localised gold deposits.
Strategic Appointment of Xcelsior Capital Advisors to Boost Funding and Market Reach
In a move to strengthen its financial and market positioning, Rimfire appointed UK-based Xcelsior Capital Advisors during the quarter. Xcelsior, partnered with the Wogen group, an established player in specialist metals markets including scandium, will assist Rimfire in securing potential funding, engaging with governments, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), international financial institutions, and offtake partners. This advisory relationship also provides Rimfire with ongoing market intelligence, positioning the company to capitalise on growing global demand for high-value scandium.
Project Advances and Drilling Plans for Malamute and Murga
Rimfire secured a 60% interest in the Avondale Project following its partner Golden Plains Resources fulfilling earn-in obligations. The company is preparing to commence air core drilling at its 100% owned Malamute Scandium Prospect (Rabbit Trap Project) and plans further drilling at Murga and the Kars prospect within Fifield. The Malamute prospect features a substantial scandium mineralised zone with previous drilling returning significant intercepts, but remains open along multiple directions and near additional magnetic anomalies warranting exploration.
Drilling at Malamute is scheduled to begin post-harvest in January 2027, with an anticipated 2,500 metres of air core drilling planned. Similarly, an equivalent drilling program is proposed to expand Murga’s mineral resource estimate, with a 5,000-metre air core program submitted for approval at Avondale targeting Kars and other prospects.
Financial Position and Ongoing Legal Considerations
At quarter-end, Rimfire held $585,000 in cash alongside $193,000 in Earn-In bank balances, reflecting modest liquidity as the company advances its exploration and development activities. Operating and investing cash outflows were consistent with metallurgical testing and exploration expenditures, while financing activities remain inactive this quarter.
On the legal front, Rimfire continues to engage with Golden Plains Resources and Omeo Gold Pty Ltd regarding a disputed payment claim arising from the Fifield Heads of Agreement. The parties are negotiating in good faith, though unresolved issues may require arbitration as stipulated by the earn-in agreement.
Bottom Line?
Rimfire’s promising metallurgical results and strategic advisory appointment mark key steps towards commercialising its NSW scandium assets, but longer-term test outcomes and funding execution remain critical to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the extended 160-180 day bottle roll tests confirm sustained high scandium recovery rates at Murga?
- How will Xcelsior’s involvement influence Rimfire’s access to funding and offtake agreements in the competitive scandium market?
- What impact could the unresolved arbitration with Golden Plains Resources have on project timelines and joint venture operations?