Fireweed Includes Germanium and Gallium Byproducts in Macpass Resource Update

For the first time, Fireweed Metals has incorporated germanium and gallium byproducts into its latest resource estimate for the MacMillan Pass (Macpass) zinc-lead-silver project in eastern Yukon. The updated resource estimate reports a total of 614,800 kg of germanium and 412,900 kg of gallium, highlighting the project's potential beyond its primary zinc, lead, and silver outputs.

This resource estimate includes figures from the Tom and Jason deposits, as well as the first-ever estimates for the Boundary and End zones. Collectively, these deposits contribute to an indicated resource of 56 million tonnes with a grading of 7.27% zinc equivalent and an inferred resource of 48.5 million tonnes grading 7.48% zinc equivalent.

Breaking these figures down, the indicated resource contains 5.50% zinc, translating to 6.78 billion pounds of zinc, 1.58% lead (1.92 billion pounds), and 24.2 grams per tonne (g/t) silver, amounting to 43.5 million ounces of silver. Additionally, it includes 10.98 g/t germanium, equal to 614,800 kg, and 7.38 g/t gallium, amounting to 412,900 kg. On the inferred side, the resource contains 5.15% zinc, or 5.5 billion pounds, 2.08% lead (2.2 billion pounds), and 25.3 g/t silver, equivalent to 39.4 million ounces. It also includes 8.14 g/t germanium (394,400 kg) and 5.82 g/t gallium (282,100 kg).

Fireweed Metals’ CEO, Peter Hemstead, expressed enthusiasm over the inclusion of these critical byproducts. “We are excited to be able to demonstrate the presence of significant quantities of byproduct elements germanium and gallium, propelling Macpass to a premier spot on the world stage of critical mineral districts,” he said. Hemstead also emphasized the project's strategic importance to North America. “The mix of such large accumulations of critical minerals, including zinc, tungsten, germanium, and gallium on one property, represents a strategic asset for North America and offers a tremendous economic opportunity for northern Canada,” he added.

Fireweed Metals recently concluded its 2024 exploration program at Macpass, completing 16,013 metres of drilling across 49 holes. Assays for most of these holes are still pending. In addition to drilling, the company conducted a large regional exploration effort, which included extensive ground gravity surveys, prospecting, soil sampling, and airborne geophysical surveys such as LiDAR and VTEM-magnetics. These efforts aim to further define the resource potential of the Macpass project, reinforcing its position as a significant source of both traditional and critical minerals.

With this updated resource estimate and the ongoing exploration work, Macpass continues to be a promising project, offering substantial value not only for its zinc, lead, and silver but also for its growing portfolio of critical byproducts such as germanium and gallium.