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Highlights:
Victory Metals has updated the mineral resource estimate at its North Stanmore rare earths project in Western Australia
Gallium oxide is now included in the resource, adding to the project’s strategic significance
The project includes a range of rare earth and strategic elements used in advanced technologies
The mining industry in Western Australia remains a central player in the global supply of rare earth elements and technology-critical minerals. The region’s mineral-rich deposits are essential to emerging technologies and geopolitical supply chain strategies. Among recent developments, Victory Metals has reported a new milestone at its North Stanmore project, located in the midwest region of the state.
Resource Estimate Update Adds Gallium Oxide
Victory Metals (ASX:VTM) has updated the mineral resource estimate at North Stanmore, now including gallium oxide alongside its rare earth elements. The revised estimate outlines a significant resource base containing total rare earth oxide and a newly declared amount of gallium oxide. This addition elevates the project’s strategic importance, particularly due to gallium's status as a key element in advanced manufacturing and defense systems.
Gallium's Role in Advanced Technology
Gallium is widely used across various high-tech sectors. It is a necessary component in semiconductors, artificial intelligence hardware, LED technologies, defense electronics, solar systems, and quantum computing infrastructure. The global gallium market is tightly controlled, with most of the supply dominated by China. The inclusion of gallium oxide in a Western Australian project presents a rare instance of local sourcing outside dominant supply regions. Victory Metals has reported that gallium can be recovered without requiring separate processing, contributing to streamlined operations and efficient output.
Diverse Range of Strategic Elements at North Stanmore
The North Stanmore project comprises a broad suite of rare earth elements categorized as both light and heavy. These include elements used in magnets, batteries, and energy transition technologies. Key inclusions are gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium, and lutetium. In addition to rare earths, the project contains scandium and gallium, both of which are sought after for their use in aerospace and electronics applications. These elements are currently subject to export regulations in some producing regions, increasing the importance of alternative sources.
Corporate Direction on Project Development
Victory Metals has expressed that its primary objective is to develop a world-class heavy rare earth project, with the gallium component adding strategic depth. The company has highlighted the relevance of gallium as a critical material and acknowledged its growing significance across global technology supply chains. The inclusion of gallium in the mineral resource estimate reflects a broader strategy to align project outputs with emerging industrial demand across sectors such as defense, energy, and electronics.
Market Attention and Sector Standing
Victory Metals has drawn attention in Australia’s mining market following the announcement. The development has sparked ongoing discussions within the sector regarding the project’s implications for downstream engagement and strategic partnerships. By including gallium alongside a robust suite of rare earths, the company has positioned itself within a niche segment of the mining industry focused on securing long-term access to high-value, high-tech materials.
