Nimy Resources kicks off Block 3 gallium scoping study

The discovery hosts a resource of 2,700t of contained gallium and is shaping up as a significant alternative supply to Western markets trying to source non-Chinese gallium.

Notably, Nimy Resources (ASX:NIM) shipped the first gallium test material from the deposit to US critical minerals partner M2i Global earlier this month.

M2i Global is a US-based company specialising in the development and execution of a complete global value supply chain for critical minerals.

The scoping study will be carried out in parallel with the testwork underway in the US, where the aim is to supply US military and other advanced technology users.

This study will assess mining, processing and metallurgical aspects of the gallium and rare earths resource.

It will also assess capital and process operating costs, product marketing and pricing, and financial modelling to provide a preliminary view of the project’s economic outlook.

Perth-based consultants Strategic Metallurgy are conducting the study, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.

Currently Strategic Metallurgy is undertaking metallurgical testwork on Block 3 material, with results to feed into the study.

“The work underway at Strategic Metallurgy in producing a commercial grade gallium concentrate will flow into the scoping study and is another key milestone on the path to becoming an important gallium supplier to the U.S.,” MD Luke Hampson said.

“Strategic Metallurgy are a leading metallurgical consulting group based in Perth and we are very pleased to have such a very capable and high-quality partner carrying out this very important work.

“We now have several work streams occurring in parallel, with metallurgical tests being done in Perth and the U.S.”

Hampson said the test results would provide vital information about the optimum processing routes in order to process the concentrate into high purity gallium so sought after in the US.

Strategic Metallurgy chairman Gary Johnson said the company was delighted to be selected by Nimy to apply its critical minerals expertise in what they believe to be an exciting and unique gallium and associated total rare earths resource project.

“We believe Block 3 has the potential to be a world-class development opportunity and we look forward to progressing the metallurgical test work to support the next steps in the company’s development journey,” he said.