The Alcoa gallium production plant has reached a final investment decision, with support from the governments of Australia, Japan and the United States. The new facility will be developed at Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia, creating an additional source of gallium for global markets and strengthening supplies of a mineral widely used in advanced technologies.
The project will be designed, constructed and operated by Alcoa, drawing on the company’s alumina refining and mineral processing expertise. Once operational, the facility is expected to increase the availability of gallium used in semiconductors, power electronics and defence applications while contributing to more diversified global supply chains.
Wagerup Refinery To Expand Critical Mineral Production
The Alcoa gallium production plant will recover gallium through the existing alumina refining process at the Wagerup refinery rather than relying on a standalone mining operation. By integrating gallium extraction into current refinery activities, the project aims to improve resource utilisation while adding value to existing operations.
Construction is expected to begin once final site preparations are completed. Alcoa said its role as both construction and operating manager is not expected to have a material impact on the company’s financial position or operating results.
International Partnership Supports Supply Chain Diversification
The Alcoa gallium production plant reflects a collaborative effort between industry and government to strengthen supplies of critical minerals that support advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. The governments of Australia, Japan and the United States are backing the project as part of broader initiatives to improve supply chain resilience for strategically important materials.
William Oplinger, Chief Executive Officer of Alcoa, said the investment demonstrates a shared commitment between governments and industry to develop more secure critical mineral supply chains while reinforcing Western Australia’s role in supplying materials essential to future technologies.
Project Strengthens Gallium Supply For Advanced Industries
Gallium plays an important role in manufacturing semiconductors, high-performance electronics and defence technologies, making it a key material for several industrial sectors. The Alcoa gallium production plant is expected to provide an additional source of supply as manufacturers seek greater supply chain diversity and long-term availability of critical minerals.
The project also supports wider industry efforts to strengthen mineral processing capacity and develop more resilient supply networks for materials that underpin the energy transition, advanced manufacturing and national security applications.