Sojitz Begins Joint Development Study for Gallium Production in Australia - Building a New Critical Minerals Supply Chain -

Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”) and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (“JOGMEC”) have established a joint venture company, Japan Australia Gallium Associates Pty Ltd (“JAGA”), to conduct a joint development study for gallium production in Australia. JAGA has signed a joint development agreement with Alcoa of Australia Limited (“Alcoa”), the Australian subsidiary of leading U.S.- based global aluminum producer Alcoa Corporation, to explore the feasibility of producing gallium at one of Alcoa’s Western Australian operating alumina refineries. Moving forward, JAGA and Alcoa will conduct joint feasibility studies and verification, with a final investment decision targeted by the end of 2025. If the project proceeds, the companies are targeting to begin production in 2026 with the aim of establishing a stable supply of gallium. Sojitz plans to sell the gallium produced to Japan and other countries with demand.

Gallium is recognized as one of the world’s critical minerals by the Japanese government, Australia, the U.S., the U.K., and Europe. Gallium has a broad range of applications including LED, solar photovoltaic cells, and compound semiconductor materials. Additionally, rising demand for semiconductors is expected to further drive global demand for gallium.

Gallium does not exist as a free element in nature, but trace amounts can be found in bauxite and zinc ore. Production generally involves separating and extracting gallium as a byproduct in the alumina and zinc refining process. JOGMEC has been working towards securing stable sources for gallium procurement, while Sojitz has worked in the alumina refining business since 1980. The two parties have established joint venture company, JAGA, to jointly investigate with Alcoa the development of facilities for producing gallium as a byproduct at one of Alcoa’s operating alumina refineries in Western Australia with the aim of ensuring a long-term, stable supply.

In the metals and mineral resource fields, Sojitz strives to realize a carbon neutral society, support the development of emerging countries, advance digital technologies, and meet society’s needs such as the growing demand to secure critical minerals and resources for semiconductors and battery materials through the establishment of a new supply system to secure stable resources over the mid- to long-term period.

Sojitz will partner with JOGMEC and Alcoa to develop a new and diversified supply chain for gallium that contributes to the stable supply of this critical mineral.

Contact: Sojitz Corporation Public Relations Dept.　hodo@sojitz.com