Pioneer Minerals (ASX:PMM) has returned ‘high-grade’ gallium from rock chip sampling at its Springfield prospect within the North Pine Project in Idaho.
The recent sampling campaign returned values up to 128.7 parts per million (ppm) gallium oxide.
Rock chip samples returned multiple values exceeding 60ppm gallium oxide, which the company says defines a coherent anomalous footprint at the prospect.
CEO Michael Beven says the widespread gallium identified at Springfield represents an “important development” for North Pine.
“These results highlight the presence of a broader multi-commodity system, with gallium occurring in a separate mineral phase and potentially offering an additional recoverable product stream,” Beven says.
“As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, Springfield is emerging as a strategically positioned project aligned with US supply chain priorities.
“Our next phase of work will focus on defining gallium deportment and evaluating practical recovery pathways alongside our tungsten development strategy.”
Gallium mineralisation is present separate from tungsten beneficiation pathways, indicating a previously unrecognised host phase within the system.
Peak rock chip results include 128.7ppm gallium oxide, 94.8ppm gallium oxide, and 94.5ppm gallium oxide, with at least 10 additional samples returning values above 40ppm gallium oxide.
The company says the results confirm a multi-commodity critical mineral system comprising tungsten, gallium, and precious metals at Springfield.
Assays also returned up to 2.98% tungsten oxide, along with gold values up to 7.75 grams per tonne.
Pioneer will conduct geochemical and mineralogical studies to assess gallium deportment and potential recovery pathways for the prospect, while also targeting tungsten concentrate production.
The company will also pursue critical minerals funding initiatives from the US Government while advancing Springfield towards near-term tungsten production.
Final Bureau of Land Management is pending confirmation for the 212 staked lode claims at North Pine.
Pioneer Minerals is a North American critical minerals explorer, advancing a portfolio of tungsten, antimony, uranium, and lithium projects.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Pioneer Minerals
