North America has taken a significant step toward securing a domestic supply of gallium, a critical mineral used in semiconductors, high-performance radar, and next-generation electronics.
Rio Tinto and Indium Corporation have successfully extracted the first primary gallium from bauxite processed at Rio Tinto’s Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Quebec, Canada the only refinery of its kind in the country.
Strategic Importance of Gallium
Gallium is essential in manufacturing smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and advanced military systems.
With global production limited to 600 metric tonnes annually entirely sourced outside North America this initiative marks a critical step toward supply chain independence and industrial resilience.
Industry Leadership and R&D Breakthrough
The initial extraction took place at Indium Corporation’s research and development facility in Rome, New York.
Building on this success, Rio Tinto will assess extraction techniques at pilot scale, followed by a proposed demonstration plant in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, backed by financial support from the Quebec government.
If fully realized, production could scale from 3.5 tonnes annually at pilot level to 40 tonnes per year at commercial scale, contributing between 5-10% of global gallium production a major milestone for the North American mining industry.
Strategic Statements from Industry Leaders
Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto Aluminium: “We are proud to achieve this milestone in our research and development project. Together with Indium Corporation, we are reinforcing the North American supply chain for gallium, ensuring its sustainable production and availability for essential industries.”
Ross Berntson, President & CEO, Indium Corporation: “This achievement underscores our commitment to global industrial needs. By securing a sustainable source of gallium, we are strengthening North America’s position as a leader in critical material supply.”
Implications for the Global Mining Sector
Rio Tinto is actively diversifying its mineral portfolio beyond aluminium, copper, iron ore, and titanium dioxide.
The company already supplies scandium (aluminium alloys), tellurium (solar panels), lithium (EV batteries), and molybdenum (steel alloys).
This gallium initiative is part of a broader strategy to maximize resource efficiency, extract new materials from existing operations, and secure critical mineral production within North America.
Future Outlook
With demand for gallium rising due to technological advancements and geopolitical concerns over supply security, this project is poised to reduce dependence on international suppliers, enhance industrial stability, and create new economic opportunities in Quebec and beyond.
North America is now on track to becoming a key player in gallium production, positioning Rio Tinto and Indium Corporation at the forefront of the global mining sector.
Read Also:Rio Tinto $8.4B Investment Drives World Economic Growth – Jaina News
Rio Tinto $8.4B Investment Drives World Economic Growth – Jaina News
Barrick Gold Rebrands as Barrick Mining Corporation: A Bold Move for Sustainable Growth – Jaina News
