Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) plans to update the Mary Springs deposit’s lead resource, after finding that gallium and barium were not included in the resource update.
After reviewing the mine plan and database developed in 2009 for the extraction of lead at Mary Springs, assay results of up to 36 parts per million gallium were not included, alongside core and drill samples, which will be re-assayed, for indium and germanium.
Gallium is a soft metallic element used in semiconductors, blue ray technology light emitting diodes (LEDs), mobile phones, and nuclear engineering. Indium, a zinc-sulphide mineral, is widely used in aerospace, defence, energy, and telecommunications sectors.
Germanium is considered an efficient energy generator in solar panels, while barium is a ferroelectric material used in producing capacitors and electronic components.
Anson, which has a market capitalisation of $200 million, says metallurgical results show the presence of galena and sphalerite in the ore deposit, which would provide an opportunity for a multi-mineral development.
Based on the zinc-lead-silver mineralisation within the Ajana Project, an indicator that it may contain concentrations of critical minerals has Anson determined to re-assay the Mary Springs diamond core for all critical minerals.
If identified, the company will include these in the resource estimate.
Anson notes the gallium and barium mineralisation are extensive at Mary Springs, and is continuous down hole and open in all directions.
The company is in the process of undertaking metallurgical testwork to determine the most economic method to extract the lead-zinc-silver along with gallium, indium, germanium, and barium.
Petrological studies of the ore and surrounding rock units will be conducted in parallel with the testwork to determine the association of the sulphide mineralisation with the extensive gallium mineralisation, alongside the concentration of the critical minerals with lead and zinc.
The Mary Springs deposit sits within the Ajana Project which lies in the Mid-West region of Western Australia.
Anson Resources is a global mineral explorer focused on its Paradox Lithium Project in Utah, US, as well as its diverse portfolio of exploration assets in the US and Australia.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Anson Resources
