Australia is at the front of the pack, looking to extract gallium from its alumina mining operations. This important move will help position our country to be more competitive in the international semiconductor space. The plan hopes to use this key driver – which is the backbone to many of the nation’s most advanced manufacturing, high-tech products – to its fullest potential.
Gallium, usually shown next to germanium on the periodic table, is key to producing compound semiconductors. For example, Australia is working on improving the extraction efficiency of gallium as part of the alumina mining process. This comes as global demand for high-tech components, such as semiconductors, continues to skyrocket. Alumina, a key material in aluminum production, is now being studied as a source for gallium extraction.
That would mean the new potential project could start production of gallium as soon as next year. That’s assuming all assessments, tests and preparations go as planned. This initiative couldn’t be a better match with Australia’s larger plan. The country wants to build on its abundant mineral assets and see itself become the leading global supplier of critical materials for new, advanced technology.
Beyond gallium, germanium is the other element that is crucially important to electronics and telecommunications. Collectively, these features have been instrumental in the look, feel and performance of the latest electronic gadgetry. Australia is zeroing in on gallium extraction, with the goal of satisfying its domestic needs. This initiative is intended to develop the most competitive global supply chain supporting semiconductor manufacturing.
According to experts, an alumina mining-based approach to accessing gallium reserves can offer a more sustainable and efficient method of production. The Australian government is currently engaging with industry stakeholders to assess the feasibility and environmental impacts of such an initiative.
As the world moves towards more high-tech alternatives, gallium is being identified as a more important resource. The value-added processing of materials from alumina illuminates Australia’s strategic priorities. It’s a clear signal of the growing global competition for the resources that will underpin tomorrow’s breakthroughs.