Ares Strategic Mining Discovers Germanium in Utah Fluorspar Ore, Bolstering U.S. Critical Mineral Supply
TL;DR
Ares Strategic Mining gains a competitive edge by discovering germanium and gallium in its Utah fluorspar ore, positioning it as a North American leader in critical mineral supply.
Ares used ICP-OES analysis on seven samples, detecting germanium at 0.15% and 0.05% concentrations with low error margins, confirming strategic mineral presence.
This discovery enhances U.S. supply chain resiliency for critical minerals, supporting domestic technology infrastructure and reducing reliance on foreign sources like China.
Germanium is extremely rare and vital for semiconductors and solar cells, making this find a significant breakthrough in mineral exploration.
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Ares Strategic Mining Inc. has reported the discovery of germanium in addition to gallium within fluorspar ore samples from its Spor Mountain Project in Utah, following advanced analytical testing conducted in partnership with Iowa State University and Ames National Laboratory. Germanium, vital for semiconductors, fiber optics, infrared optics, and solar cells, is extremely rare with global production dominated by China, making this finding significant for U.S. mineral independence and supply chain security.
Under the guidance of professors at Iowa State University, multiple batches of fluorite material were finely ground and washed to remove surface impurities. Germanium was detected in two samples at concentrations of 0.15% and 0.05%, with low error margins, confirmed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). This breakthrough aligns with the company's vision to unlock additional critical mineral value from its deposits, as both germanium and gallium are on the U.S. supply risk list.
James Walker, CEO of Ares Strategic Mining, emphasized the strategic importance of this discovery, stating it opens a new pathway for the company and differentiates it as a leader in North America's mineral independence. The initiative is part of Ares' broader commitment to maximizing resource value and contributing to domestic supply chain resiliency for critical materials. The Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project in Utah, fully permitted and with an approved mining plan, spans 5,982 acres and has been identified with extensive high-grade fluorspar and low impurities.
With proof-of-concept testing complete, Ares will continue advanced laboratory characterization to quantify full germanium and gallium concentrations across additional batches, investigate commercial pathways for extraction and recovery alongside fluorspar, and evaluate potential economic co-products and vertical integration opportunities. This development could reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals, supporting industries vital to modern technology and infrastructure, and potentially impacting global supply dynamics for these strategic resources.
Curated from NewMediaWire
