Australian metals recycling firm Metallium has advanced plans to recover gallium from complex waste streams after completing the first phase of a contract with the US Department of Defense (DoD) ahead of schedule.
Metallium is developing a process to recover gallium from waste streams, including semiconductor scrap and electronic waste, using its proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) process.
The FJH process is a hydrometallurgical recycling method used to extract trace amounts of gallium from steel or alloy scrap. The company also aims to recover germanium and other critical minerals in future phases with this method.
Metallium can now apply for Phase II funding of up to $1mn to advance pilot-scale operations. It expects to start full commercial operations at its Texas facility this year.
In addition to government funding, Metallium raised $55mn from investors in June to accelerate scaling.
Global producer Glencore will supply 2,400 t/yr of electronic waste, becoming the major feedstock supplier and offtaker for Metallium.
Metallium signed a deal last week to supply US-based metals refiner and manufacturer Indium with several metals recovered from its US recycling operations.
Gallium has been designated as a critical material by the US and other governments because of its importance in military systems, semiconductors and optics. Global supply remains highly concentrated, with China accounting for nearly all primary gallium production, according to the US Geological Survey.
China's export controls, introduced in 2023, have intensified competition for non-Chinese supply, prompting investment in recovery methods.
End-of-life recycling of gallium remains difficult to scale because the metal is present only in very small quantities once integrated into finished products. But higher prices and process improvements are making recovery projects increasingly viable as niche or strategic supply sources, particularly for defence-related demand, market sources told Argus.
Gallium prices have risen by 175pc year on year. Prices remained steady today at $1,850-2,000/kg cif main airport on firm demand and limited supply outside China.
