The positive final investment decision by Alcoa and the Australian, US and Japanese Governments on a gallium critical mineral project co-located at Alcoa’s Wagerup Alumina Refinery near Perth in Western Australia is a significant step forward in building a secure, diversified and resilient gallium supply chain.
The project – also supported by the Western Australian Government – will add value in Australia, forge new cross-border alliances and strengthen existing partnerships, showing that Australia can remain competitive in critical minerals on the global stage through government and industry alignment.
Australia’s rich geology, strong mining and processing capabilities and reputation for reliability and transparency make us a trusted global supplier for critical minerals including gallium, and we are well-positioned to meet the needs of long-standing strategic partners in Asia, the US and the EU.
Gallium is a soft, silvery metal essential for semiconductors, radar systems, high-performance electronics, radiotherapy and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Its critical role in advanced and emerging technologies, combined with limited production, make it a critical mineral.
China produces around 98% of the world’s gallium, creating concentrated supply chains for industries supplying critical electronics and semiconductors.
Australia has significant gallium potential, particularly in northern and Western Australia, and can leverage its bauxite to develop gallium processing and refining and semiconductor grade production to supply high-value markets.
The Alcoa gallium plant – with gallium extracted during the alumina refining process without needing new mining or site infrastructure – will create up to 200 construction jobs and around 20 direct full-time jobs once operational.
