Rio Tinto Gallium Extraction Project Aims to Diversify Supply Chain

Gallium

New North American Gallium Supply Targets China Dependency

Rio Tinto has initiated gallium extraction in partnership with Indium Corporation at a U.S. research facility. This marks the first milestone in Rio Tinto’s plan to establish a North American gallium supply chain. The project will advance toward pilot-scale production and a demonstration plant in Quebec, which could yield 3.5 t/yr of gallium.

Full-Scale Rio Tinto Gallium Extraction Could Reach 40 t/yr

The commercial vision includes up to 40 t/yr of gallium output at Rio Tinto’s Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Canada. This volume represents up to 10% of global gallium production and could significantly reshape global market dynamics. Gallium is vital for semiconductors, LEDs, solar cells, and defense applications.

Geopolitics Driving Urgency in Gallium Diversification

China dominates gallium production, generating 750t in 2024 with capacity nearing 1,000 t/yr. However, recent Chinese export restrictions have disrupted global supply, especially after Beijing banned gallium exports to the U.S. in late 2024. Rio Tinto’s gallium extraction project is a direct response to mitigate this supply risk.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Rio Tinto’s gallium initiative signals a major step toward reshoring critical mineral supply chains. As China tightens export controls, North America must accelerate efforts to build independent capabilities in high-tech materials like gallium and indium.