Eclipse Metals (EPM.AX) has released a maiden inferred resource calculation for the past-producing Ivigtut mine in South Greenland, a former cryolite mine providing raw material used in the process to extract aluminum from bauxite. This new resource is located just a short hike west of the existing 208 million tonnes REE deposit, and the key differentiator for Ivigtut is that it adds an interesting hafnium and gallium portion.
The initial resource is small with just under 4.9 milllion tonnes with an average grade of 188 ppm HfO2, 61 ppm Ga2O3 with some yttrium and zirconium values as well. This results in an in-situ resource of 917 tonnes of hafniumdioxide, just under 300 tonnes of Ga2O3 and 714 tonnes of Yttrium. The next phase at Ivigtut will now focus on metallurgical test work to ensure the metals can be extracted economically.
Hafnium is used for alloys with applications in the aerospace industry and nuclear energy sector.
Disclosure: The author has no position in Eclipse Metals. This post is for educational purposes only; be mindful investing in junior mining stocks is risky and you may lose your entire investment if things go wrong. Please read the disclaimer.
