RareX enhances Cummins Range project’s critical mineral potential with gallium discovery

RareX (ASX: REE) has added further value to its Cummins Range rare earth elements and phosphate project in Western Australia with the discovery of valuable gallium at the site.

The gallium was discovered in a re-assessment of historical drill holes, with the critical mineral found to occur alongside high-grade rare earths, phosphate and scandium.

The company has so far confirmed rare earth mineralisation down to 700 metres below surface and, if shallower results warrant further investigation, will test the potential fresh rock gallium source at these depths.

Unexpected boost

Chief executive officer James Durrant said the gallium results were an unexpected boost for the Cummins Range deposit, coming from a deep-dive reassessment of the deposit in readiness for the 2025 drilling season on the near-mine anomalies.

“The Cummins Range deposit has been significantly de-risked through advanced heritage agreements, environmental and infrastructure studies and mine planning,” he said.

“This new aspect to Cummins Range immediately escalates this project to the most advanced gallium deposit in Australia.”

“We look forward to conducting further studies to determine how gallium can be integrated into our rare earth and phosphate development plans.”

Gallium a focus

RareX targeted gallium in its assessment of the reverse circulation drilling conducted by Navigator Resources and Kimberley Rare Earths between 2007 and 2012.

They completed a total of 11,487 assays for gallium, with 36% containing approximately 40 grams per tonne.

While no gallium assays have yet been conducted on the 30,000m of RareX drilling, the company is confident it can quickly and easily assay the pulps stored at its facility.

“Gallium is on the critical minerals list of every major economy, including the United States and Australia, yet there are no significant Western producers,” Mr Durrant said.

Following China’s decision in 2023 to implement export controls on gallium, the critical mineral has become one of the most sought-after rare earths on the planet.

Substantial resource

Cummins Range already hosts a substantial mineral resource, with estimates indicating 1.6 million tonnes of total rare earth oxides and 24Mt of phosphate.

Gallium is experiencing increasing demand for its use in renewable energy applications, electric vehicles, advanced materials and nanotechnology.

Projections are forecasting the gallium market to grow from $2.32 billion in 2024 to an estimated $2.91b in 2025.