Rio Tinto (Rio) has successfully extracted primary gallium from its bauxite refining process at the Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Canada with its partner, Indium Corporation.

This milestone aligns with Rio’s plans to produce critical materials from materials already in its operations, helping to diversify and strengthen North America’s critical mineral supply chain.

The company started production of scandium from titanium dioxide production waste at its Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, in 2022.

The potential for commercial production of gallium in North America is significant. China is by far the largest producer of gallium feedstock, holding a 99% market share in terms of primary output in 2024. Outside China, Project Blue believes only three countries (Japan, Russia, and South Korea) contributed to production in 2024, all at very low levels.

China’s dominance is particularly significant given the prevalent geopolitical context. China placed export restrictions on gallium in 2023 and introduced a complete ban on gallium exports to the USA in December 2024.

The impacts of these trade measures have been significant, with trade flows becoming distorted and Western and Chinese prices diverging. Relatively high prices in the West (coupled with fears over Chinese dominance of a material critical to integrated circuits, LEDs, NdFeB magnets, and photovoltaics) have prompted a keen interest in exploring the viability of ex-China gallium recovery. However, whether any companies can produce cost-competitive material outside China remains to be seen.