Germanium
About Germanium
Germanium is a critical technology metal essential for fiber optic networks, infrared optics, and advanced solar cells. It is transparent to infrared radiation, making it irreplaceable in military night vision and thermal imaging systems. China's dominant production position and recent export controls on germanium have elevated global supply concerns.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Ge
- Atomic Number
- 32
- Category
- Technology Metal
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Germanium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Germanium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Germanium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Germanium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Germanium is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Germanium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Germanium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Germanium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Germanium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Germanium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Germanium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Germanium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Germanium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.