Alcoa of Australia is set to explore the feasibility of a gallium production project at one of their alumina refineries in Western Australia.
For this project, Alcoa has entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Japan Australia Gallium Associates, a joint venture between Sojitz Corporation and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security.
Alcoa of Australia president, Elsabe Muller, outlined that the JDA partners were assessing the potential for a facility to expand gallium supply as an existing by-product of the alumina refining process.
Muller continued: “This opportunity could deliver additional value from our established operations and further demonstrate how Alcoa’s longstanding mineral processing capabilities can be significant in supporting state, national and global objectives in technology and national defence.”
Australia, the US, and Japan have all recognised as an important mineral due to its role in many industries.
Currently, gallium production is concentrated in China. However, market controls introduced in 2023 have led to increased interest in alternative supply chains.
Subject to further agreements and approvals, the JDA partners are targeting a final investment decision by the end of 2025, and to begin production in 2026.