Sinomine Resource Group has revealed that its recently acquired Tsumeb Smelter in Namibia contains 746 metric tons of germanium, a critical mineral used in chipmaking, infrared technology, fiber optic cables, and solar cells.
In a filing with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the company also disclosed plans to conduct a feasibility study to upgrade the existing copper smelting production line at the smelter to include germanium and zinc smelting capabilities.
“We plan to conduct a feasibility study on upgrading the existing copper smelting production line at the smelter to add germanium and zinc smelting production lines and achieve commercial production as soon as possible,” the Chinese company said.
Sinomine owns the smelter through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resources, which holds a 98% stake in Tsumeb.
According to a technical report, tailings at the smelter also contain approximately 410 tons of gallium metal and 209,459 tons of zinc metal, the company added.
