Utilising Emirates Global Aluminium’s (EGA) integrated operations, the companies aim to undertake a feasibility study to assess potential gallium production.

On 16 May, aluminium refiner EGA, aerospace and defence company RTX, and independent government entity Tawazun Council announced an MoU to conduct a feasibility study for a high-purity gallium plant at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery. EGA also operates mining activities in the Republic of Guinea.

The announcement is consistent with increasing global interest in ex-China gallium production. Amid geopolitical tensions, ex-China gallium production has become essential to reduce China’s market dominance. China is estimated to produce more than 98% of gallium globally, increasing its market share since key players, including Ukraine, Germany, and Hungary, halted production.

A production facility in the UAE would support the development of a supply chain independent of Chinese materials for the USA and Europe. Both regions are historically associated with relatively high production costs. Additionally, METLEN and Rio Tinto previously announced intentions to establish gallium refining facilities, with production capacities of up to 50tpy and 40tpy Ga, respectively. METLEN announced it would expand its facilities to include gallium production, without mention of a feasibility study. On 7 May, Rio Tinto revealed that its partnership with Indium Corporation resulted in its first extraction of primary gallium and plans to construct a 3.5tpy Ga demonstration plant in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, supported by the government of Quebec.

While interest in ex-China supply is palpable, long-term supply agreements are required to ensure the sustainability of these facilities to avoid the potential of being undercut by cheaper Chinese material.