Alcoa partners with Japanese firms to explore gallium production in Western Australia

Alcoa of Australia has signed a joint development agreement with Japan Australia Gallium Associates to explore establishing gallium production at one of its Western Australian alumina refineries, according to an announcement on Sunday.

The partnership with Japan Australia Gallium Associates, a joint venture between Sojitz Corporation and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, aims to develop alternative supply chains for the critical mineral currently dominated by Chinese production.

Alcoa of Australia President Elsabe Muller said the co-located facility would expand global gallium supply as a by-product of existing alumina refining processes. “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,” Muller said on Sunday.

Gallium supports semiconductor and defence industries, with Australia, the United States and Japan all recognising it as critical to national security. China introduced market controls on gallium production in 2023, heightening global interest in alternative sources.

The partners are targeting a final investment decision by the end of 2025 and production beginning in 2026, subject to commercial agreements and regulatory approvals.

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