Alcoa of Australia Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, has announced a Joint Development Agreement with Japan Australia Gallium Associates Pty Ltd to explore the feasibility of gallium production at one of its alumina refineries in Western Australia.
The agreement involves Japan Australia Gallium Associates, a joint venture between Sojitz Corporation and the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), and aims to assess the viability of establishing a facility co-located with Alcoa’s existing refining operations.
The proposed project would seek to extract gallium, a by-product of the alumina refining process, to help diversify the global supply of the critical mineral, Alcoa said in a news release.
According to the ASX-listed company, gallium is used in a range of applications, particularly in semiconductors and defence technologies. It has been designated as a critical mineral by the governments of Australia and the United States, while Japan has identified it among 35 minerals essential to national security.
Alcoa of Australia President Elsabe Muller said the project could strengthen supply chains and contribute to broader strategic goals.
“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.
She added that Alcoa welcomed collaboration with its Japanese partners, noting Sojitz’s established links with midstream gallium refiners and manufacturers, and its role as a potential offtake customer.
Sojitz Metals, Resources and Recycling Divisional Chief Operating Officer Osamu Matsuura said the venture could support Japan’s semiconductor production and global manufacturing networks.
Subject to regulatory approvals and final commercial arrangements, the project partners are aiming for a final investment decision by the end of 2025, with production targeted to commence in 2026.
Alcoa stated that its involvement in the project is not expected to materially affect its financial performance.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Alcoa of Australia Limited. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Alcoa. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
