Anson Resources expands Ajana critical minerals potential with...

Anson Resources expands Ajana critical minerals potential with large adjacent tenement pegged


Last updated: 09:55 11 Jun 2024 AEST, First published: 09:43 11 Jun 2024 AEST



Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN, OTCQB:ANSNF) has snapped up a strategic piece of land that expands its Ajana Project in the Mid-West region of Western Australia by a whopping 175%.

The newly pegged tenement, ELA66/131, spans 127.75 square kilometres and adjoins the existing Ajana Project, enhancing the potential for the company to preside over additional critical minerals, including gallium, zinc, lead and silver.




Recent drilling adds value

Recent drilling at Ajana led to the discovery of critical minerals including gallium, indium, germanium and barium, adding economic value and portfolio diversity to the anticipated zinc-lead-silver resource.

Government surface geo-chemical sampling identified anomalies in the additional area that point to the potential for these critical minerals.

The WACHEM dataset from the WA Government’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety (DMIRS) revealed gallium and barium assays within the new tenement area.

Historical exploration data has identified numerous prospective targets for follow-up with the aim of defining multiple zinc-lead-silver JORC mineral resources.

Critical mineral potential


A VTEM geophysical survey previously conducted highlighted numerous drill targets within the Ajana Project, indicating the extensive potential for critical mineral deposits.

Historical soil sampling and geological mapping programs have further defined these targets, providing a basis for upcoming drilling programs focused on analysing the critical minerals present.

Mary Springs prospect within the Ajana Project has shown continuous gallium mineralisation, prompting additional downhole sampling.

The presence of gallium-indium-germanium in zinc sulphide mineralisation suggests significant exploration potential across the project.

Anson’s strategic tenement acquisition and its discovery of critical minerals underscore Ajana’s potential to deliver supply of the essential elements required for advanced technologies and industries.

Strategic importance of critical minerals


China's recent export restrictions on gallium and germanium underscore the strategic importance of securing alternative supplies.

The USA and European semiconductor industries will be seeking to divest from Chinese suppliers and partner with reliable alternative sources.

The company says the following minerals are in demand for a range of reasons:

• Gallium - Used in semiconductors, LEDs, mobile phones and nuclear engineering, the demand for gallium is driven by applications in 5G networks, wireless charging for electric vehicles and energy-saving chips. China, which produces 98% of the world’s gallium, halted exports on August 1, 2023, emphasising the need for alternative sources.
• Indium - Primarily recovered from sphalerite, indium is used in aerospace, defence, energy and telecommunications sectors. The US is a 100% net importer of indium, which is critical for thin-film coatings, night vision equipment, aerospace alloys and solar cells.
• Germanium - The demand for germanium is increasing due to its use in fibre optics, infra-red optics, high-brightness LEDs, semiconductors, night vision equipment and solar panels.
• Barium - Barium is essential in producing capacitors and electronic components, and its sulphate form is used as a contrast agent in medical imaging, including X-rays and CT scans.