Ares Strategic Mining Discovers Germanium in Utah Fluorspar Ore, Bolstering U.S. Critical Mineral Supply

Ares Strategic Mining Inc. has confirmed the presence of germanium in addition to gallium within fluorspar ore samples from its Spor Mountain Project in Utah, representing a significant development for domestic critical mineral supply. Germanium is vital for semiconductors, fiber optics, infrared optics, and solar cells, with global production dominated by China, making this discovery strategically important for reducing U.S. reliance on foreign sources.

Under the guidance of Iowa State University professors, seven separate fluorite samples were finely ground and washed to remove surface impurities, with germanium detected in two samples at concentrations of 0.15% and 0.05% confirmed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. James Walker, CEO of Ares Strategic Mining, stated that the presence of both germanium and gallium within their fluorspar ores opens an exciting new strategic pathway that aligns with their vision to unlock additional critical mineral value from their deposits.

With proof-of-concept testing complete, Ares will continue advanced laboratory characterization to quantify full germanium and gallium concentrations across additional batches, investigate commercial pathways to extract and recover these materials alongside fluorspar, and evaluate potential economic co-products and vertical integration opportunities. This initiative forms part of Ares' broader commitment to maximizing the value of its resource and contributing to domestic supply chain resiliency for critical materials in the United States.

The company's Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project in Delta, Utah comprises 5,982 acres with 353 claims located in the Spor Mountain area, approximately 214 km southwest of Salt Lake City. The fully permitted project has an NI 43-101 Technical Report that identified extensive high-grade fluorspar with low levels of impurities, with mining plans approved by the Bureau of Land Management. View the original release on www.newmediawire.com for additional details about this strategic mineral discovery.