News: Suppliers
19 March 2025
Nimy and Curtin University sign MoU to collaborate on gallium R&D and production
Mining exploration company Nimy Resources Ltd of Perth, Western Australia has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Perth-based Curtin University to collaborate on advancing gallium-related research, development and production. The strategic partnership aligns with Nimy’s aim to become a key supplier in the rapidly expanding global gallium market.
Nimy has prioritized developing its recently discovered Mons Belt, situated 370km northeast of Perth and 140km north-northwest of Southern Cross a tier-1 jurisdiction in Western Australia. Mons Belt represents a district-scale discovery, spanning ~80km x 30km over 17 tenements, providing a new frontier in base metal and gold exploration in Western Australia. Nimy believes that the Mons Belt offers multi-commodity potential, with the initial discovery of Masson (Cu, Ni, Co and platinum-group elements) in addition to the Block 3 east prospect with high-grade gallium (Ga) discovered in the northern tenements.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between Nimy Resources and Curtin University to strengthen Australia’s position in the critical minerals sector, specifically focusing on gallium. The non-binding agreement reflects a shared commitment to leveraging Nimy’s high-grade gallium discovery and Curtin’s research expertise to support secure, allied-controlled supply chains, including for the Australian national security community and US Department of Defense (DoD).
Under the MoU, the parties agree to cooperate to:
- encourage joint research projects in the field of gallium, which may be externally funded domestically or internationally;
- promote collaboration in gallium-related R&D, production, processing, applications and its role within the broader critical minerals sector, with a focus on increasing stakeholder mapping and engagement to secure external funding opportunities, including from US sources;
- encourage and coordinate visits between the parties’ facilities for academics, researchers and other relevant specialists to explore potential areas for collaborative R&D projects; and
- encourage the exchange of staff and students working in the field of gallium between the parties.
Strategic importance
Gallium is listed as a critical mineral across Australia, the EU, the UK, the USA, India, Japan and South Korea due to its unique properties and essential role in semiconductors (gallium arsenide and gallium nitride), optoelectronics, renewable energy technologies, and defence systems. The global market for gallium is projected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.3% to US$22bn by 2034, according to The Business Research Company. Curtin and Nimy reckon that they have a unique opportunity to work together to address the critical gap in the gallium supply chain.
Nimy’s recent drilling results have identified Australia’s highest-grade gallium intervals, including 72m @ 117ppm Ga2O3 and a peak value of 1m @ 495ppm Ga2O3. An Exploration Target is defined between 9.6Mt and 14.3Mt at 39ppm to 78ppm Ga (in accordance with the JORC Code 2012), according to the ASX announcement on 28 January.
Combined with Curtin’s expertise in geosciences and metallurgical research, it is reckoned that the partnership positions Nimy to unlock the potential of its high-grade gallium deposits.
Alignment with US defence and technology priorities
The MoU builds on Nimy’s existing partnership with US-based defence and technology solutions company M2i Global to support a US DoD gallium procurement contract (announced on 3 February). The collaboration with Curtin University enhances these efforts by developing efficient processing techniques and establishing a trusted supply chain for gallium.
Next steps
The parties will work together to identify and pursue joint research opportunities, engage with industry and government stakeholders, and explore funding avenues, including potential Australian and US Government support, or targeted R&D grants and initiatives. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of commercial-scale gallium production and strengthen Australia’s role in the global critical minerals market.
“This MoU with Curtin University marks a significant step forward in our strategy to establish Nimy as a key player in the gallium market,” says Nimy Resources’ technical director Christian Price. “By combining our high-grade gallium discoveries with Curtin’s world-leading research capabilities, we are well-positioned to deliver a secure source of this critical mineral for high-tech and defence applications,” he adds.
“The combination of Curtin’s excellence in minerals research and Nimy’s high-grade Exploration Target is strategically unique, creating a powerful opportunity to build sovereign capabilities and enhance critical minerals security for Australia and its allies,” reckons Gary Hale, director, National Resilience & Security program officer & chief security officer (CSO) at Curtin. “This collaboration aims to position Western Australia as a global leader, ensuring reliable access to gallium for next-generation technologies while strengthening supply chain resilience.”
Nimy’s $1.15m share placement to fund follow-up drilling at gallium discovery
Nimy collaborating with M2i to secure gallium supply for US government and defense industry
