Gallium, a critical mineral used in technologies such as semiconductors, integrated circuits, high-performance radar, smartphones, electric vehicles, and laptops, is currently produced in limited quantities worldwide. This partnership is working to create a reliable and sustainable supply of this essential material to meet growing global demand for advanced technologies.
A collaborative process driving results
“This milestone is a major step forward in our joint efforts to create a new and robust supply of gallium,” commented Ross Berntson, President and CEO of Indium Corporation. He added: “[We] believe that materials science changes the world. Through this collaboration, we have demonstrated the viability of gallium extraction and laid the groundwork for commercial production to benefit industries worldwide.”
Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive at Rio Tinto Aluminium, added: “We are very proud to announce this significant milestone in our important research and development project to extract and valorize gallium from our aluminum operations in Quebec. Together, [we aim] to strengthen the North American supply chain for gallium, a critical and strategic mineral.”
The partners will continue to develop the extraction process. They aim to meet the planned commercial scalability needs for a 3.5-ton demonstration plant that would be located in Saguenay, Quebec, and eventually commercial-scale capacity of 40 tons annually, addressing an estimated five to 10% of global gallium supply.
