In a landmark step towards strengthening North America’s critical minerals supply chain, Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Indium Corporation have successfully extracted primary gallium from Rio Tinto’s alumina refining process.
The gallium was recovered from bauxite processed at Rio Tinto’s Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Québec — the only alumina refinery in Canada — and refined further at Indium Corporation’s R&D facility in Rome, New York. This marks the first time gallium has been extracted from this process in North America.
Also Read: ANZ Delivers $3.41 Billion Half-Year Profit Amid Market Pressures
Government-Backed Project Aims for Commercial-Scale Production
The project is being supported financially by the Government of Quebec, underscoring the strategic importance of establishing a domestic gallium supply. With pilot-scale extraction tests up next, Rio Tinto plans to build a demonstration plant in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean capable of producing up to 3.5 tonnes of gallium per year.
If successful, the project will transition to a commercial-scale plant targeting annual production of 40 tonnes, accounting for between 5 and 10 per cent of current global gallium output.
“Together, through this innovative partnership, Rio Tinto and Indium Corporation strive to strengthen the North American supply chain for gallium, a critical and strategic mineral,” said Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Aluminium.
A Critical Mineral for Future Technologies
Gallium plays a crucial role in the production of high-performance technologies, including semiconductors, radar systems, electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops. Despite its importance, global production is limited to around 600 tonnes annually, with no current production in North America.
The metal is typically recovered as a by-product of bauxite or zinc refining, with most supply originating in Asia. With demand on the rise — and the gallium market forecast to grow from US$2.45 billion in 2024 to over US$21.5 billion by 2034 — the need for secure and diversified sources has become increasingly urgent.
“This achievement is a major milestone,” said Ross Berntson, President and CEO of Indium Corporation.
“Our joint efforts with Rio Tinto are positioning North America as a leader in critical material production.”
Aligning with North America’s Strategic Minerals Push
The gallium project is part of a broader effort across North America to develop self-sufficient, resilient critical minerals supply chains. In recent years, both the US and Canadian governments have prioritised the identification, funding, and fast-tracking of projects involving materials crucial to defence, clean energy, and advanced technology.
In particular, the United States has advanced policies and executive orders aimed at boosting domestic production of key minerals, while Québec has become a hub for sustainable and strategic mining initiatives.
Building on Rio Tinto’s Critical Minerals Portfolio
This gallium initiative builds on Rio Tinto’s existing production of critical minerals in North America, including scandium, tellurium, lithium, and molybdenum. The company continues to invest in R&D projects that explore the potential to extract additional valuable elements from its current operations.
By integrating resource recovery into existing refining infrastructure, Rio Tinto is contributing to a more sustainable, circular approach to mineral production.
A Model for Innovation and Sustainability
This breakthrough represents a model for innovation in the mining and refining sector. Rather than sourcing new ores or opening new mines, the project leverages material already present in bauxite to extract gallium — unlocking new value from existing processes.
“We are very proud to announce this significant milestone in our important research and development project to extract gallium from our aluminium operations in Quebec,” said Mr Pécresse.
Investor’s Outlook: Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO)
Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) remains a heavyweight in the global mining sector, with a market capitalisation of $43.03 billion and a strategic focus on critical minerals, including its recent breakthrough in gallium extraction.
Despite a slight dip of -0.08% over the past week and a year-to-date decline of -0.38%, Rio has shown short-term momentum with a +7.94% gain over the past month, buoyed by positive project news and growing interest in strategic minerals.
However, on a 12-month basis, RIO shares are down -10.13%, underperforming the ASX 200 by 15.19%. This suggests investor caution amid global market volatility and commodity price fluctuations, despite the company outperforming its sector slightly (+0.43% YoY).
The recent gallium milestone, backed by the Québec Government, signals Rio Tinto’s pivot toward future-facing minerals critical to semiconductors, EVs, and renewable technologies — a forward-looking move that could reignite investor confidence.
With increased government backing, a diversified critical minerals portfolio, and expanding R&D efforts, Rio Tinto may be positioning itself for a medium- to long-term recovery and growth phase.
