Kingsland Minerals (ASX:KNG) identifies key gallium host at Leliyn, advancing by-product potential

Kingsland Minerals (ASX:KNG) has achieved a major step forward in its Leliyn Graphite Project in the Northern Territory, with metallurgical test work confirming muscovite mica as the main host of gallium mineralisation.

This discovery strengthens the potential for gallium to be produced as a valuable by-product alongside graphite, at a time when global demand for the metal is high following recent supply restrictions from China.

Managing Director Richard Maddocks answers key investor questions about the latest results, the gallium market, current metallurgical work, and how this opportunity is being progressed in parallel with graphite development.

What is the significance of identifying muscovite mica as the main host for gallium at Leliyn?

“Identifying muscovite mica as the main host for gallium is a very important step forward in our work at Leliyn because it allows us to focus directly on the minerals that contain the highest concentrations of gallium rather than treating all material equally.”

Independent analysis by CSIRO has shown that muscovite contains the majority of gallium mineralisation at Leliyn, with some samples reaching up to 135 ppm Ga, equivalent to 181 ppm Ga₂O₃.

Biotite mica is a secondary host with lower levels, and alkali feldspar contains only minimal amounts.

With this mineralogical clarity, metallurgical programs can now be designed to target the mineral phases most enriched in gallium.

How will the flotation test work help advance gallium production potential?

“Once we have produced a mica concentrate, we can proceed to additional work to assess whether gallium or gallium compounds can be extracted efficiently from it.”

The flotation program now underway is designed to separate muscovite and biotite micas from material previously processed for graphite recovery.

The aim is to create a gallium-rich mica concentrate that can be further tested for extraction viability.

If proven effective, the approach could lead to the inclusion of dedicated mica flotation cells in future plant designs, enabling gallium recovery alongside graphite.

Why is gallium considered a strategic commodity and how does the market context impact Leliyn?

“The strong demand and constrained supply environment make our work on gallium at Leliyn highly relevant, as it aligns with the broader need to diversify supply chains for critical minerals.”

Gallium is essential in applications such as semiconductors, high-speed electronics, 5G technology, LED lighting, solar panels, and satellite communications.

It is generally produced as a by-product of bauxite and zinc ores, with China accounting for about 99% of global supply.

Following China’s December 2024 export ban to the United States, gallium prices have surged, with high-purity material currently valued at USD 1,089/kg (AUD 1,670/kg).

What is the status of the gallium Exploration Target at Leliyn?

Based on the existing graphite Mineral Resource, Leliyn’s gallium Exploration Target is between 190 million and 195 million tonnes at grades of 20 to 25 ppm Ga₂O₃, containing 3,800 to 4,875 tonnes of Ga₂O₃.

This target remains conceptual, as further exploration is required before a Mineral Resource can be estimated. Metallurgical results from the current program will guide progress towards a maiden gallium JORC Resource, scheduled for later in 2025.

Will gallium production be included in the current Leliyn graphite scoping study?

“Gallium production will not be included in the Leliyn graphite scoping study, which is on track for completion later in the September quarter, because the study is focused exclusively on graphite production.”

The gallium program is running separately from the graphite scoping study and remains at the metallurgical testing stage.

Work to produce and analyse a gallium-rich mica concentrate will inform the technical and economic considerations for possible inclusion in future project stages.

Looking Ahead at Leliyn

The confirmation of muscovite mica as the primary gallium host provides a clear technical direction for ongoing metallurgical work.

While gallium will not be part of the current graphite scoping study, Kingsland Minerals is building the process knowledge required to evaluate its recovery as a by-product.

Managing Director Richard Maddocks notes that this staged approach will ensure the company is in a strong position to incorporate gallium production if results and market conditions justify it in future development phases

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