Renegade Uncovers High-Grade Germanium and Gallium at Yukon Andrew Deposit

Discovery of Critical Defence Metals

Renegade Exploration Limited (ASX:RNX) has announced a significant breakthrough at its Andrew Deposit in Yukon, Canada, revealing high-grade concentrations of germanium (Ge) and gallium (Ga), two critical metals essential for advanced electronics and defence applications. This discovery emerged from a detailed review of historic diamond drilling data, which had not previously focused on these elements.

The Andrew Deposit, primarily known for zinc, lead, and silver mineralisation, now gains a new dimension of strategic value with these critical minerals identified in impressive grades. Notably, drill intersections include 45.9 metres grading 43.5 grams per tonne germanium and 12.5 grams per tonne gallium, alongside substantial zinc content. Other highlights include intervals with up to 28.6g/t gallium and 29.9% zinc, underscoring the deposit’s polymetallic richness.

Reassessing Historic Data and Metallurgical Potential

Renegade’s Chairman, Robert Kirtlan, emphasised the importance of this finding, noting that germanium and gallium are rare and highly sought-after materials in the defence sector. The company highlighted that previous assays predominantly used the Aqua Regia method, which is known to under-report germanium concentrations. This suggests that the true grades of germanium in the deposit may be even higher than currently reported.

Supporting the economic potential, flotation metallurgical tests conducted on a composite sample from the Andrew Deposit demonstrated a 71.3% recovery rate of germanium into a concentrate grading 150g/t Ge, a 627% concentration increase. This promising metallurgical response indicates that these critical metals could be efficiently extracted alongside base metals, enhancing project economics.

Strategic Context and Next Steps

The discovery gains further significance given recent substantial investments in nearby projects by the US Department of Defence and the Canadian Government’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund. These investments signal growing geopolitical and economic interest in securing supply chains for critical minerals, positioning Renegade’s Yukon project as a potentially valuable asset in this landscape.

Renegade is currently investigating the availability of stored drill core samples for re-analysis using more accurate methods to better quantify germanium and gallium grades. Discussions with Australian laboratory services aim to identify optimal assay techniques to support this work.

With a JORC-compliant resource of 12.56 million tonnes at 5.3% zinc and 0.9% lead already established, the addition of critical defence metals could materially enhance the project’s profile. Mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike, and the company notes several undrilled soil geochemical anomalies that may warrant further exploration.

Broader Implications for Renegade

This development marks a pivotal moment for Renegade Exploration, potentially transforming the Andrew Deposit from a conventional base metals project into a strategic critical minerals hub. The company’s proactive approach to reassessing historic data and leveraging new government funding trends reflects a nimble strategy in a rapidly evolving market.

Investors will be watching closely as Renegade advances its re-analysis program and explores the full extent of germanium and gallium mineralisation. The intersection of base metals and critical minerals could unlock new pathways for project development and value creation.