Could Mt Chalmers Host Gallium and Germanium Too?

China's recent decision to ban exports of critical materials like gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), and others with high-tech and military significance has intensified the global focus on strategic mineral security. These materials are vital for semiconductors, optics, and advanced technology applications. This geopolitical shift raises an important question: could Mt Chalmers, contribute to the supply of these strategic elements?

With its significant zinc content, Mt Chalmers warrants exploration for by-products like Ga and Ge. These elements are often associated with zinc deposits, but their potential remains underexplored mainly due to historically uneconomic concentrations. However, as global demand and geopolitical factors push these materials into the spotlight, revisiting their potential could unlock new opportunities.

What We Know About Ga and Ge:

• Germanium (Ge): Primarily occurs as a substitution in sphalerite and is found in SEDEX/MVT and Kipushi-type deposits. While the U.S. has limited domestic reserves, major occurrences include MVT deposits in Tennessee and by-products from mines in Utah, Washington, and Alaska.
• Gallium (Ga): Extracted mainly as a by-product of alumina processing or from zinc residues. Known primary deposits include the Cordero deposit in Nevada and the Apex mine in Utah.

Why Consider Mt Chalmers?

• Mt Chalmers' zinc content aligns with the geochemical characteristics of VMS deposits, which share traits with SEDEX and MVT systems. Hydrothermal fluids form these deposit types, host economically significant sulphides like sphalerite (zinc sulphide), and often contain strategic elements as by-products.
• The similarities in the hydrothermal processes of VMS, SEDEX, and MVT systems provide a strong basis for investigating Mt Chalmers' potential for Ga and Ge.

Opportunity for Strategic Minerals

As the world recalibrates its supply chains, exploring Mt Chalmers for Ga and Ge could position Australia as a key player in critical mineral production. With China's export controls heightening the need for alternative sources, now is the time to assess the untapped potential of our domestic resources.

Do you think Mt Chalmers holds the key to Australia's future in critical minerals? Let's explore this untapped potential together.