London, April 7th (Argus) - Australian metal recycling company Metallium has advanced its plan to recover gallium from complex waste streams after successfully completing the first phase of its contract with the US Department of Defense ahead of schedule.
Metallium is developing a process that utilizes its proprietary rapid joule heating technology to recover gallium from semiconductor waste and electronic waste and other waste streams.
The FJH process is a wet metallurgical recovery method used to extract trace amounts of gallium from steel or alloy waste. The company also plans to use this method to recover germanium and other key minerals in future stages.
Metallium is currently eligible for up to $1 million in second-phase funding to advance pilot-scale production. The company expects to launch full commercial operations at its Texas plant this year.
In addition to government funds, Metallium raised $55 million from investors in June to accelerate the scaling process.
Global producer Glencore will supply 2,400 tons of electronic waste annually, becoming Metallium's main raw material supplier and purchaser.
Metallium signed an agreement last week to supply various metals extracted from its recycling operations in the US to Indium, an American metal refining and manufacturing company.
Due to the importance of gallium in military systems, semiconductors, and optical fields, it has been designated as a key material by the governments of the United States and many other countries. According to data from the US Geological Survey, global supply is highly concentrated, with China almost accounting for all primary gallium production.
China's export control measures implemented since 2023 have intensified competition from non-Chinese supply sources, prompting investment in recycling methods.
Market人士 told Argus that the scrap recovery of gallium is still difficult to scale up because once the metal is integrated into finished products, its content is extremely low. However, higher prices and process improvements have made recycling projects increasingly feasible as niche or strategic supply sources, especially for defense-related demands.
The price of gallium has increased by 175% year-on-year. Due to strong demand and limited supply outside China, the price today is stable at $1,850 - $2,000 per kilogram.
