RareX teams with Gega Elements to develop Australian gallium supply chain

RareX will test samples from its projects using Gega Elements’ advanced refining methods to build the first Australian gallium supply chain.

RareX will work with Gega to develop Australia’s first vertically integrated gallium supply chain by developing next-generation refining solutions. Pic: Getty Images

Special Report: RareX is working with technology company Gega Elements to develop Australia’s first vertically integrated gallium supply chain by building local extraction and refining capacity.

• RareX teams with Gega to develop Australia’s first vertically integrated gallium supply chain
• Collaboration will test RareX samples from Cummins Range and Khalessi using Gega’s refining technology
• It seeks to create a cost-effective, environmentally responsible and sovereign-controlled processing pathway

Gega Elements is a materials science innovator focused on developing next-generation gallium refining solutions based on its proprietary research. 

Its approach focuses on creating a cost-effective, environmentally responsible and sovereign-controlled processing pathway.

Under a strategic collaboration agreement, Gega will use its advanced refining methods to test gallium-bearing samples from RareX’s (ASX:REE) Cummins Range and Khaleesi projects in Western Australia.

The aim is to evaluate and ultimately commercialise a fully integrated gallium supply chain that will contribute to Australia’s critical mineral resilience.

Gallium is seeing growing demand due to Chinese export restrictions and its vital use in semiconductors, robotics, LEDs and a range of defence applications.

“This partnership with Gega Elements begins to position RareX as one of a select few large-scale potential gallium developments outside China,” managing director James Durrant said.

“Gallium is critical for semiconductors, 5G and defence — yet almost entirely controlled by a single jurisdiction. 

“Through this collaboration, we’re working to change that, leveraging RareX’s resource scale and Gega’s science-driven approach to build a truly sovereign supply solution.”

Collaboration objectives

The three-year collaboration seeks to provide technical validation of the company’s gallium samples using Gega’s bench-scale refining platform.

Results will be integrated into techno-economic modelling for REE’s broader project assessments while both companies jointly develop bespoke refining flowsheets for their resource characteristics.

Both parties will also coordinate government grant applications and engagement with strategic end-users.

The agreement is also aimed at building a pathway toward a binding commercial agreement upon successful demonstration of the technology.

Cummins Range and Khaleesi

While Cummins Range and Khaleesi are known for their rare earths first, they have also seen considerable attention around their gallium potential.

A deep dive reassessment of Cummins Range identified historical drill holes containing values up to 6826g/t gallium with intercepts including 99m at 106g/t gallium, 0.77% TREO and 160g/t scandium from 1m. 

Only 25% of the historical drilling has been assayed for gallium so far, with none of RareX’s drilling assayed for gallium to date. 

Meanwhile, work at Khaleesi has identified extensive gallium mineralisation with aircore intersections up to 86g/t gallium and rock chips up to 81g/t.

REE has received an Exploration Incentive Scheme co-funded drilling grant of up to $160,000 from the Western Australia Government for between 300m and 1300m of reverse circulation drilling at Khaleesi.

This will cover the drilling of holes with an average depth of 100m to test up to six high-priority targets.

This article was developed in collaboration with RareX, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.