Battery Age (BM8) Uncovers High Germanium Grades at Bleiberg Amid Rising Strategic Demand

Battery Age Minerals (ASX: BM8) has reported breakthrough germanium grades of up to 1,500 grams per tonne (g/t) from historical concentrate samples at its Bleiberg Zinc-Lead-Germanium project in Carinthia, Austria.

The announcement follows the review of an unpublished government-commissioned technical study from 1991, which included detailed sampling across the Bleiberg-Kreuth mining district. The report confirms that concentrate grades across several zones—including Erlach, Germaniumgugel and Carditascholle—ranged from 500 g/t to 1,500 g/t germanium, with zinc consistently above 58%.

Potential for Direct to Refinery Concentrates

“These grades are potentially sufficient for direct chemical refining by European refiners, which could allow the material to bypass conventional zinc smelting,” said Battery Age CEO Nigel Broomham in the announcement. “If confirmed, this would represent a meaningful advantage in terms of ESG performance and project economics—particularly given current market conditions and geopolitical dynamics.”

Germanium, which occurs within the zinc mineral sphalerite (ZnS), is vital for semiconductors, optical fibres, infrared optics, solar panels, and defence applications. China’s 2024 imposition of export controls on germanium has intensified supply concerns, prompting the European Union to designate the element under its Critical Raw Materials Act.

Battery Age’s findings highlight the potential for direct-to-refinery processing—offering significant cost and environmental benefits. The grades far exceed typical recovery levels seen in zinc operations, which generally report 100–300 g/t in concentrates.

“We now have independent, historic lab data indicating that Bleiberg produced some of the highest-grade germanium concentrates recorded during its final phase of operation—grades that were not the focus at the time and which remain largely untapped today,” Broomham said.

The company now plans to begin tailings sampling and modern metallurgical testwork, alongside drill planning. Battery Age also holds 140 km² of contiguous tenure at Bleiberg and 290 km² at its Hochobir Project, establishing it as one of Europe’s largest holders of germanium-prospective ground.

“We believe Bleiberg is ideally placed to become a cornerstone asset for Europe’s critical minerals future—particularly germanium. We are building the pathway for secure, ESG-aligned, and scalable production from an asset with a proven track record, high grades, and substantial growth potential,” Broomham added.