Japanese trading powerhouse, Sojitz Corporation, has teamed up with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to launch a joint venture aimed at exploring gallium production in Australia. The newly established entity, Japan Australia Gallium Associates (JAGA), will focus on developing the critical mineral, which is vital in semiconductor manufacturing as demand continues to surge globally due to rapid growth in electric vehicles, smartphones and other electronic products.
In a key move to advance the project, JAGA has signed an agreement with U.S. aluminium giant, Alcoa, to assess the feasibility of extracting gallium from Alcoa’s alumina refinery situated in Western Australia. The study is expected to cover technological, economic, and environmental considerations as both parties work towards establishing a commercially viable production framework.
According to Sojitz, the consortium is targeting a final investment decision by the end of 2025, with the intention to commence output in 2026 should feasibility projections prove favourable. Once operational, the refinery is expected to supply gallium both to Japan and other international markets as nations race to secure reliable sources of rare and strategic minerals.
Tokyo’s push into gallium comes amid heightened global concerns over supply chain security for key semiconductor materials, particularly following recent export restrictions by China, a dominant producer in the sector. The Australian initiative is therefore seen as part of Japan’s broader strategy to diversify sourcing while strengthening its technological and industrial resilience.