Zinc of Ireland is poised to capitalize on new opportunities following the discovery of ‘elevated’ levels of germanium at its Kildare zinc-lead project in Ireland. The company recently identified concentrations up to 433 grams per tonne in drillcore samples from the 11.3 million tonne deposit.
Germanium, classified as a critical mineral by the US Geological Survey, is in high demand for applications in fiber optics, infrared optics, LEDs, semiconductors, and solar panels. China’s recent ban on germanium exports underscores the global importance of securing local sources.
The findings, derived from pXRF analysis of 906 sample sites, corroborate earlier studies on energy critical elements conducted by BRG and commissioned by the Geological Survey of Ireland. Remarkably, prior to Zinc of Ireland’s recent tests, none of the 50,000 meters of drillcore from Kildare had been assayed for germanium.
While the full extent of germanium resources at Kildare is still being assessed, the promising pXRF data suggests substantial potential. This discovery could significantly bolster the prospectivity of the entire Rathdowney Trend, positioning Zinc of Ireland for strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in the burgeoning market for critical minerals.