Significant Discovery of Gallium in High-Grade Zinc Concentrates at Western Alaska Minerals Corp.
Western Alaska Minerals Corp. (WAM) is thrilled to share exciting news from its Illinois Creek Project in western Alaska. The company’s recent first-pass metallurgical test work on mineralized materials from the Waterpump Creek Inferred Resource has identified significant gallium (Ga) values in high-grade zinc concentrates.
The Waterpump Creek Inferred Resource contains approximately 2.38 M tons of high-grade sulfide mineralization, with impressive grades of 279 g/t silver, 11.2% zinc, and 9.8% lead (see Press Release of April 2, 2024). This latest discovery marks WAM’s first report of gallium, a critical mineral of high importance to the United States.
What is Gallium?
Gallium is a rare, silvery-white, elemental metal that is soft enough to be cut with a knife. It has a low melting point and is highly reactive, making it challenging to extract and process. Gallium is not found in nature in its pure form but is primarily obtained as a byproduct from the mining and processing of other metals, such as zinc.
Why is Gallium Considered a Critical Mineral?
Gallium is considered a critical mineral due to its high risk of supply disruption. It is essential for the production of semiconductors, LEDs, and other high-tech devices. Gallium nitride is a widely used material in the semiconductor industry due to its excellent thermal conductivity and high electron mobility. The global demand for gallium is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as the adoption of electronics and renewable energy technologies continues to increase.
Impact on WAM and the Mining Industry
This discovery of gallium in high-grade zinc concentrates at the Illinois Creek Project represents a significant opportunity for WAM. The company plans to continue its metallurgical test work to determine the potential economic viability of extracting gallium as a byproduct from the zinc concentrates. If successful, this could lead to increased revenue streams for WAM and contribute to the global supply of this critical mineral.
Impact on Consumers and the World
The discovery of gallium in high-grade zinc concentrates at the Illinois Creek Project could have far-reaching implications for consumers and the world. An increase in the global supply of gallium could lead to lower prices for semiconductors, LEDs, and other high-tech devices. This could make these technologies more accessible to a broader population, driving innovation and economic growth.
Moreover, the continued reliance on China for the majority of the world’s gallium supply raises concerns about potential supply chain disruptions. Diversifying the sources of gallium production could help reduce these risks and promote greater geopolitical stability.
Conclusion
Western Alaska Minerals Corp.’s discovery of significant gallium values in high-grade zinc concentrates from the Waterpump Creek Inferred Resource is an exciting development for the company and the mining industry as a whole. Gallium is a critical mineral essential for the production of high-tech devices and renewable energy technologies. This discovery could lead to increased revenue streams for WAM and contribute to the global supply of this critical mineral, promoting economic growth and geopolitical stability.
- WAM discovers significant gallium values in high-grade zinc concentrates
- Gallium is a critical mineral due to its high risk of supply disruption
- Gallium is essential for semiconductors, LEDs, and other high-tech devices
- Continued reliance on China for gallium supply raises concerns
- Diversification of gallium production sources could promote economic growth and geopolitical stability
