Alcoa flags gallium potential in study with Japanese partners

Alcoa Corp. will investigate production of gallium — a metal used in semiconductors — as a byproduct from existing aluminum operations in Western Australia.

The largest US aluminum maker agreed a partnership with Japan’s Sojitz Corp. and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, to “expand global supply of gallium” from one of Alcoa’s alumina refineries, it said in a statement.

Gallium is a critical component for semiconductors, smart phones, and electric vehicles, but China holds a near monopoly. Beijing introduced broad export controls on gallium in 2023, then banned all direct supplies to US the following year, citing national security concerns. Since then, a trade war led by the Trump administration has heightened the focus on such materials.

“This opportunity could deliver additional value from our established operations,” Alcoa of Australia President Elsabe Muller said. The potential move could show how Alcoa’s mineral processing capabilities can supporting state, national and global objectives in technology and national defense, Muller said.

Alcoa has three refineries in Western Australia, which take bauxite from two mines to the southwest, although its large Kwinana facility was placed into care and maintenance due to market conditions last year. Alumina is the semi-processed form of bauxite, which is then used to make aluminum.

Other commodity companies are also looking to bring on gallium supply. Rio Tinto Group is also assessing scope for gallium production from its alumina operations in Canada, while Emirates Global Aluminium has partnered with US defense company RTX Corp. and the UAE’s Tawazun Council on a project.

Alcoa said it would make a final investment decision on the gallium venture this year, with a view to start gallium production in 2026.

(By Paul-Alain Hunt)