Construction has started on the Alcoa-Sojitz gallium recovery project at the Wagerup Alumina Refinery in Western Australia, marking a step forward for the nation’s critical minerals sector and international supply chain security.
The project will help establish Australia as a global producer of gallium, a high-value critical mineral integral to semiconductor production, defence applications, and advanced green technologies.
Once fully operational, the Wagerup facility is slated to produce up to 10 per cent of the world’s gallium supply, positioning Australia as an indispensable player in the global technology ecosystem.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King noted the importance of the venture, emphasising how international alignment is driving domestic industrial growth.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important step forward for Australia’s critical minerals industry,” King said.
“This is a real example of how Australia, together with trusted partners, is stepping up to lead on critical minerals and rare earths globally.”
The initiative aligns directly with the federal government’s broader economic framework aimed at processing resources domestically to create high-value onshore industries.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres reinforced that the refinery project reflects the government’s commitment to building a “Future Made in Australia”.
“Investments like the Alcoa-Sojitz Gallium Recovery Project are about building Australia’s industrial strength,” Ayres said.
“By partnering with trusted allies and investing in capability here at home, we’re creating a more resilient economy and securing Australia’s place in the industries of the future.”
By extracting gallium directly from alumina refining byproducts, the facility offers a sustainable approach to resource recovery while diversifying global supply chains away from single-source dependencies.
The joint venture demonstrates how leveraging local mining infrastructure can secure crucial tech inputs for allied nations worldwide.
