Alcoa explores gallium production feasibility in Western Australia

Alcoa of Australia Limited announced a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Japan Australia Gallium Associates Pty Ltd (JAGA) to explore feasibility of co-located gallium production at an Alcoa alumina refinery in Western Australia.

• Main action: Alcoa entered a JDA with JAGA (Sojitz + JOGMEC) to assess a co-located gallium recovery facility as an alumina refining by-product in Western Australia; partners are targeting a final investment decision (FID) by end of 2025 and to begin production in 2026, subject to further commercial agreements and regulatory approvals. Alcoa stated its participation is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
• Background & partners: Gallium is identified as a critical mineral by Australia, the United States and Japan; current production is concentrated in China with market controls introduced in 2023. Sojitz is noted as having connections with midstream gallium refiners and would act as an offtake customer if the project proceeds.