Mining Stock Daily Western Alaska Minerals show Promising Gallium Mineralization at Waterpump Creek
Apr 10, 2025
Kit Marrs, CEO of Western Alaska Minerals, sheds light on the promising gallium mineralization at Waterpump Creek. He explores the significance of gallium as a critical mineral and its potential economic impact, especially amidst current political dynamics. The conversation covers processing challenges and the necessity for enhanced domestic capabilities. Marrs also discusses future exploration plans, innovative drilling techniques, and how recent survey data will inform the journey ahead in the evolving U.S. mining landscape.
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Gallium in Waterpump Creek Zinc
- Waterpump Creek is a high-grade silver, zinc, and lead deposit with promising gallium mineralization in the zinc concentrate.
- Gallium is a critical mineral occurring in sphalerite and could become an important additional credit to the deposit's economics.
Gallium Grade and Processing Challenge
- Gallium grades at Waterpump Creek range from about 63 to 116 ppm, which is considered very good compared to other deposits.
- No known gallium extraction process exists currently in North America, creating a supply chain challenge mostly dominated by Chinese processes.
Assay for Gallium and Trace Elements
- Companies exploring carbon replacement deposits should assay for gallium and other trace elements like indium.
- These trace elements are often not included in standard geochemical assays, so labs must be specifically instructed to test for them.