News: Suppliers
22 October 2025
USA and Australian governments supporting Alcoa’s gallium critical mineral development project in Western Australia
Alcoa Corp (which provides bauxite, alumina and aluminium products) has welcomed the announcement of the USA and Australian governments to advance the development of a gallium plant to be co-located at its Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia.
This follows support for the project from Japan Australia Gallium Associates Pty Ltd (JAGA) — a Perth-based joint venture formed in March between Sojitz Corp and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) — through a joint development agreement (JDA) with Alcoa announced in August. Following completion of feasibility assessments, Alcoa expects that a joint US, Australia and Alcoa special purpose vehicle (SPV) would enter into the joint venture with JAGA to construct a gallium plant. Operated by Alcoa, the plant is expected to produce 100 metric tons of gallium annually.
Under the terms of the non-binding agreement, the US and Australian governments and Alcoa would provide capital to the SPV and receive gallium offtake in proportion to their interests. Among other purposes, the capital would be used for the preparation of final feasibility studies, and the development and construction of the project. Definitive agreements for the gallium joint venture will be prepared between the governments of the USA, Australia and Japan, and Alcoa and Sojitz.
Gallium is recognized by the USA, Australia and Japan as being vital to national security. Globally, gallium production is concentrated from a single source, and market controls have heightened interest in establishing and securing alternate supply chains.
“Alcoa has been a strong contributor to both the American and Australian economies and welcomes the opportunity to support both nations in progressing a new source of gallium,” says the firm’s president & CEO William F. Oplinger. “The investment support from the US and Australian governments underscores Alcoa’s role in supporting the development of the critical mineral supply chain, and the importance of our Australian operations not only to the aluminium industry but also as key to manufacturing, technology and defense industries.”
Alcoa says that it will continue to work cooperatively with the Western Australian Government to progress the project under the State Agreement and approvals framework. The parties are targeting 2026 for final investment decision and production.
Alcoa exploring feasibility of gallium production in Western Australia by 2026
