Altona Rare Earths has announced a significant discovery of high-grade gallium at its Monte Muambe project in Mozambique, with concentrations reaching 232 grams per tonne (g/t). The find, located in the Fluorite Zone and Target 6 areas, includes a continuous intercept of 77 g/t gallium over 100 meters in drill hole MM039, with a high-grade section of 14.89 meters at 141 g/t. This discovery challenges China’s dominance in gallium production, a metal critical for semiconductors and advanced electronics.
Gallium, currently priced at $250 per kilogram, surged to $585/kg in December 2024 after China restricted exports to the U.S. The metal’s strategic importance has grown amid global efforts to diversify supply chains for critical minerals. Altona’s findings at Monte Muambe—a carbonatite-hosted project also rich in rare earths and fluorspar—could enhance the site’s economic viability by adding gallium as a by-product. The discovery underscores Mozambique’s potential as a key player in the critical minerals sector.
Concurrently, Altona is advancing its fluorspar scoping study. Samples from Monte Muambe’s Fluorite Zone, averaging 88.03% calcium fluoride (CaF₂), have been sent to Zimbabwe’s Peacocke & Simpson laboratory for metallurgical testing. Results, delayed due to post-election logistical challenges in Mozambique, are expected this month. Successful tests could pave the way for short-term fluorspar production of 15,000–20,000 tons annually.
CEO Cedric Simonet emphasized the project’s multi-mineral potential: “Monte Muambe continues to reveal its value, combining rare earths, fluorspar, and now gallium. We’re assessing how to integrate gallium recovery into our operations to maximize returns.” The company plans further fieldwork to map gallium’s extent and mineralogy, which remains unconfirmed.
