Gallium
Projects
Major Gallium Projects Worldwide
The development pipeline for Gallium projects spans exploration through production across multiple jurisdictions. We track 3 key projects that will shape the future supply landscape for this technology metal.
Current Production
740
tonnes
Top Producer
China
98% share
Projects Tracked
3
Reserves
Not independently estimated (byproduct of bauxite/zinc)
Gallium Project Pipeline
The following projects represent the most significant Gallium operations and development-stage assets worldwide:
Neo Performance Materials gallium recycling
Neo Performance Materials
Recovers and refines gallium from semiconductor manufacturing scrap
Ucore Rare Metals gallium recovery
Ucore Rare Metals
Developing gallium recovery capabilities as part of critical mineral processing
Various European alumina refineries
Multiple operators
Post-2023 export controls, European and non-Chinese alumina refineries are evaluating gallium extraction from Bayer liquor streams that currently go unrecovered
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic importance of Gallium, governments in major consuming nations have launched programs to support project development. These include direct financing, loan guarantees, streamlined permitting, and bilateral resource partnerships. As a USGS-listed critical mineral, Gallium projects are eligible for various U.S. government support mechanisms including the Defense Production Act Title III program. EU Critical Raw Materials Act provisions enable fast-track permitting and financing support for Gallium projects within the EU and partner nations.
Key Industry Developments
Recent developments affecting the Gallium project landscape:
China imposed export controls on gallium and germanium effective August 1, 2023, requiring export licenses; triggered price doubling from ~$300/kg to $600/kg and global supply chain panic
Chinese gallium exports dropped ~75% in the months following export controls, forcing downstream consumers to draw down inventories
Non-Chinese gallium production efforts accelerated; Japan, Canada, and European nations announced programs to extract gallium from alumina refineries
China tightened gallium export controls further in December 2024, effectively banning exports to the United States
Gallium prices remained elevated at $500-600/kg; Western nations scrambled to establish alternative supply from alumina refinery waste streams that had previously been discarded
More on Gallium
Explore other aspects of the Gallium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Explore uses & applications for Gallium.
Supply Chain
Explore supply chain for Gallium.
Mining & Processing
Explore mining & processing for Gallium.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore refining & grade specs for Gallium.
Recycling
Explore recycling for Gallium.
Substitutes
Explore substitutes for Gallium.
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