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Highlights
- Gallium discovered alongside high-grade rare earths at Cummins Range.
- The deposit now positioned as a leading gallium source in Australia.
- Potential market growth for gallium anticipated due to its critical applications.
RareX (ASX:REE) has significantly enhanced the value of its Cummins Range project in Western Australia by discovering gallium during a reassessment of historical drilling data. This addition adds a crucial element to the already rich deposits of rare earth elements and phosphate identified at the site.
The discovery was made through the analysis of previous drillings, where gallium was found in conjunction with high-grade rare earths, phosphate, and scandium. To date, mineralization of rare earth elements has been confirmed to a depth of 700 meters. Depending on shallower findings, further investigations may be launched to explore gallium sources in the fresh rock at these levels.
James Durrant, CEO of RareX, expressed that the gallium findings have provided an unexpected boost to the Cummins Range deposit's potential. The project has undergone extensive preparation for the 2025 drilling season, which includes advanced heritage agreements, environmental studies, and mine planning, thereby de-risking the venture substantially.
“The discovery of gallium not only adds a new dimension to our project but also establishes Cummins Range as the most advanced gallium deposit in Australia," Durrant stated. He further mentioned that upcoming studies would focus on integrating gallium into the development plans for the project's rare earth and phosphate components.
The targeting of gallium stemmed from an assessment of reverse circulation drilling conducted between 2007 and 2012 by Navigator Resources and Kimberley Rare Earths. Out of the 11,487 assays conducted for gallium during that period, 36% showed significant presence, with concentrations around 40 grams per tonne. Although no new gallium assays have been done on the 30,000 meters drilled by RareX, the company is optimistic about assessing the stored pulps quickly due to the critical status of gallium in global markets.
Gallium's importance has risen sharply following China's 2023 decision to implement export controls on the mineral, making it one of the most in-demand rare earth elements globally. This is particularly due to its applications in renewable energy, electric vehicles, advanced materials, and nanotechnology. With the gallium market projected to grow from $2.32 billion in 2024 to around $2.91 billion in 2025, the strategic importance of Cummins Range could not be clearer.
Cummins Range already boasts a substantial resource estimate, with 1.6 million tonnes of total rare earth oxides and 24 million tonnes of phosphate. This project not only holds promise as a significant contributor to the global supply chain of critical minerals but also positions RareX at the forefront of the critical mineral development amid growing market demands.
