Battery Age Minerals study reveals rare high-grade germanium at Bleiberg mine in Austria

Battery Age Minerals (ASX: BM8) believes its Bleiberg project in Austria is ideally placed to become a cornerstone asset for Europe’s critical minerals future after positive results from an historical government-initiated study of the zinc-lead-germanium mine.

Chief executive officer Nigel Broomham said the mine’s germanium content in particular had set in place a pathway for secure, ESG-aligned and scalable production from an asset with a proven track record, high grades and substantial growth potential.

The positive Bleiberg study results, which came from a review of a previously unpublished report, included detailed sampling and laboratory analysis of historical concentrates and ore material from the Bleiberg mine complex and surrounding deposits.

High germanium grades

The report confirmed the presence of exceptionally high germanium grades of up to 1,500 grams per tonne.

Mr Broomham said the results would enhance the strategic potential of the Bleiberg project at a time when supply chain pressures around this critical mineral are intensifying globally.

“We now have independent, historic lab data indicating that Bleiberg produced some of the highest-grade germanium concentrates recorded during its final phase of operation—grades that were not the focus at the time and which remain largely untapped today.”

‘Exciting technical breakthrough’

“Concentrate samples grading 1,200 to 1,500g/t germanium are exceptionally rare,” Mr Broomham said.

“These grades are potentially sufficient for direct chemical refining by European refiners, which could allow the material to bypass conventional zinc smelting.”

“If confirmed, this would represent a meaningful advantage in terms of ESG performance and project economics—particularly given current market conditions and geopolitical dynamics.”

Strategic relevance

Germanium is a critical component of modern technology, enabling semiconductors, optical fibres, infrared sensors, solar cells and military-grade photonics.

Mr Broomham said that, with China sanctioning germanium exports to the USA in 2024, Bleiberg presents a truly unique EU-based opportunity to secure long-term supply of this critical material.

Battery Age is preparing to undertake tailings sampling and metallurgical test work, while engaging with potential strategic European downstream partners to accelerate Bleiberg’s development.