Canada-focused multi-asset lithium company Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1) reports the discovery of “significant” rubidium mineralisation at its Seymour Project in Ontario.
This follows a detailed review of historical exploration data and metallurgical test work, culminating in the establishment of a maiden rubidium mineral resource at the North Aubry deposit.
The company is now progressing targeted testwork to better understand rubidium’s recovery potential and to further integrate the opportunity within Green Technology’s broader strategy and government engagement initiatives.
Managing Director Cameron Henry says the discovery of significant rubidium mineralisation at Seymour adds an exciting new dimension to the project’s strategic value.
“As one of the largest high-grade rubidium resources on the ASX and the most substantial in Canada, Seymour is well positioned to play a critical role in the global supply of this high-value specialty metal,” Henry says
“Rubidium’s importance in advanced technologies and its recognition as a critical mineral by the US and Japan highlight the growing demand and strategic relevance of this metal.
By investigating rubidium products as a low-cost byproduct alongside our core lithium operations, we can unlock additional value, enhance project sustainability, and provide diversified exposure for investors.”
The company says as one of the very few lithium projects globally to identify and evaluate rubidium as a byproduct, it is positioned to capitalise on this ‘first-mover advantage’.
Globally, rubidium is recognised as a critical mineral in multiple jurisdictions, including the US and Japan, where it is prioritised for supply chain security.
Only a few rubidium-bearing deposits are known world-wide, including some in Australia. China remains a significant producer of rubidium, mostly as a byproduct of lithium and other mineral processing.
Despite domestic production, China continues to import rubidium, with Canada historically supplying a substantial portion, underscoring Canada’s important role in the global market.
Rubidium is a high-value critical mineral trading at a significant premium to lithium, with high-purity material priced at approximately US$1,060 per kilogram.
Targeted testwork will now be undertaken by Green Technology to map rubidium distribution throughout the processing flowsheet, assess technical and commercial viability, and determine if it can be recovered as a saleable byproduct integrated into existing lithium processing.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Green Technology
