Rimfire’s Scandium Expansion Hinges on Currajong Metallurgical Tests and Further Drilling

A Significant Step Forward for Rimfire’s Scandium Ambitions

Rimfire Pacific Mining has taken a major stride in its quest to establish a globally significant scandium resource with the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Currajong prospect in New South Wales. The announcement reveals an Inferred Mineral Resource of 15.1 million tonnes grading 137 parts per million (ppm) scandium, equivalent to 2,059 tonnes of scandium metal or 3,163 tonnes of scandium oxide.

This maiden estimate lifts Rimfire’s total scandium inventory by 61%, bringing the company’s resource base to 5,449 tonnes of scandium (8,333 tonnes Sc Oxide) across its Fifield district projects, including Melrose and Murga North. The Currajong deposit, located within the Avondale Project, remains open both laterally and vertically, underscoring the potential for further resource growth.

Geological Context and Resource Estimation

Currajong lies within a magnetic ultramafic intrusive complex of Early Silurian age, characterised by two mineralisation types, a higher-grade ferruginous laterite zone and a partially oxidised serpentinised ultramafic zone. The resource estimate, prepared by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd in accordance with the JORC 2012 Code, is based on extensive air core drilling totaling over 10,000 meters and employs robust geostatistical methods including Ordinary Kriging.

The deposit’s flat-lying geometry and consistent grade continuity provide a sound geological model for resource estimation. The mineralisation extends from just below surface to depths of up to 60 meters, with a strike length of approximately 2.75 kilometers and an average thickness of 13 meters.

Next Phases, Drilling and Metallurgical Validation

Rimfire plans to commence air core drilling at the Murga Exploration Target and its 100%-owned Rabbit Trap Project by mid-November 2025. These programs aim to test significant exploration upside in the region and potentially add to the scandium inventory.

While metallurgical test work at Currajong has yet to be conducted, Rimfire expects results similar to those achieved at its nearby Melrose deposit, where acid leaching test work demonstrated scandium recoveries up to 90%. The company is also exploring options for toll treating the ore at nearby facilities, potentially reducing capital expenditure requirements.

Environmental and Mining Considerations

The Currajong deposit is envisaged to be mined via shallow open pit methods with minimal environmental disturbance. The flat semi-arid terrain, combined with agricultural land use, provides suitable conditions for mining infrastructure. Acid leaching is planned to be conducted in sealed tanks with neutralisation of spent acid, addressing environmental management concerns.

Rimfire’s Managing Director, David Hutton, highlighted the strategic importance of the Currajong resource in building a scandium hub at Fifield, Australia’s scandium epicenter. He emphasised the ongoing exploration and development activities aimed at expanding the resource base further.