Quantum Critical Metals Corp. has reported a 93% gallium recovery rate from preliminary bench-scale metallurgical test work on mica samples from its 100% owned NMX East Project in Québec's James Bay region. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in critical metals extraction, as gallium has traditionally been recovered as a byproduct of bauxite or zinc processing rather than through direct recovery from mica sources.
The achievement positions Quantum as one of the first companies to successfully demonstrate direct gallium recovery from mica, potentially establishing a new source for this critical metal. Gallium serves essential functions in semiconductor manufacturing, 5G technology infrastructure, defense systems, and renewable energy applications, making secure supply chains crucial for Western technological and national security interests.
This development comes at a critical time when global gallium supplies face disruption due to China's export controls on the metal. The successful recovery process strengthens Canada's strategic role in securing Western access to essential materials and could help reduce North American dependence on Chinese exports. Quantum's early focus on metallurgical optimization and critical metal extraction demonstrates the company's positioning as a front-runner in developing domestic gallium supply capabilities.
Marcy Kiesman, CEO of Quantum Critical Metals Corp., emphasized the strategic significance of the 93% recovery rate, noting that the next important step involves validating the process at scale to establish Canada as a domestic gallium supplier for North America. A reliable domestic gallium supply would not only reduce reliance on Chinese exports but also position Quantum as a key player in the critical metals value chain, contributing to strengthened Western national security.
The NMX East project, historically explored for lithium potential in pegmatites, has recently been the focus of Quantum's studies on gallium association within the pegmatite formations. The company's research objective has centered on determining the feasibility of extracting gallium from these geological formations. The project's strategic location near Power Metallic Mines Inc., which announced an expanded land position near its Nisk-Lion-Tiger polymetallic discoveries, underscores the broader area's potential for polymetallic exploration. Additional regional development was highlighted by Power Metallic's acquisition of 167 km² from Li-FT Power Ltd. on June 9th, 2025, expanding the Nisk-Lion polymetallic project area by over 300%.
George M. Yordanov, P.Geo., a consultant to the Company, served as the Qualified Person who reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release. Quantum Critical Metals Corp. maintains additional information through its corporate website at https://www.quantumcriticalmetals.com and regulatory filings available at https://www.sedarplus.com.
The implications of this technological breakthrough extend beyond Quantum's corporate success to broader industrial and geopolitical significance. As gallium becomes increasingly vital for advanced technologies including 5G networks, defense applications, and renewable energy systems, establishing alternative supply sources outside Chinese control becomes strategically imperative. The successful demonstration of high recovery rates from mica could potentially reshape global gallium markets and supply chain dynamics while supporting North American technological independence and security interests.
