Chatham Rock Phosphate hunts for germanium at Korella South

Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited (NZX:CRP) announced today the initiation of a search for Germanium within its Korella South exploration lease EPM28187, conducted through its Australian subsidiary, Pacific Rare Earths Pty Ltd. The program will involve collecting soil and plant samples for analysis in the southeast of the lease during the dry season. While the Korella South lease is primarily known for phosphate and rare earth element (REE) exploration, it also encompasses the historic Noranside Lead-zinc mine, with the zinc ore, sphalerite, identified as a potential source of Germanium. Samples will be collected within a one-kilometer radius of the Noranside Mine, located on the Pilgrim Fault. The company also plans to apply for a Collaborative Exploration Initiative grant to further the search. Germanium is used in specialized semiconductor, fiber-optic, infrared optics, solar cell and light-emitting diode applications.