Quantum Critical Metals Achieves 93% Gallium Recovery from Mica, Offering New Domestic Supply Source

Quantum Critical Metals Corp. has reported a 93% gallium recovery rate from preliminary bench-scale metallurgical test work on mica samples from its NMX East Project in Québec's James Bay region. This breakthrough indicates mica could become a significant new source of gallium, a critical metal essential for semiconductors, 5G technology, defense systems, and renewable energy applications. Traditionally, gallium is recovered as a byproduct of bauxite or zinc processing, making Quantum one of the first companies to demonstrate successful direct recovery from mica.

The discovery strengthens Canada's strategic role in securing Western access to essential materials amid global supply disruptions caused by China's export controls on gallium. While mica-hosted gallium represents an unconventional source, recent studies have shown recovery potential through acid baking and leaching of flotation concentrations, as demonstrated by Quantum's successful testing. The company's early focus on metallurgical optimization and critical metal extraction positions it as a front-runner in developing domestic gallium supply.

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 domestic gallium supply would reduce reliance on Chinese exports and position Quantum as a key player in the critical metals value chain to strengthen Western national security. The NMX East project, historically explored for lithium potential in pegmatites, has recently been studied for gallium association within the pegmatite to determine extraction feasibility.

The regional development potential is underscored by nearby activities, including Power Metallic Mines Inc.'s expanded land position near its Nisk-Lion-Tiger polymetallic discoveries and a significant land acquisition from Li-FT Power Ltd. documented at https://www.sedarplus.com. Quantum's growing portfolio includes multiple critical metals projects strategically positioned to support the West's transition to a secure and sustainable critical metals supply chain, with additional information available through regulatory filings at https://www.quantumcriticalmetals.com.