Pentagon to Invest $174 Million in New Gallium Facility in Australia

The Department of War is investing $174 million to establish a new gallium production facility in Australia, aiming to secure the supply chain for this crucial strategic metal. This investment will be made through equity financing at Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia. The facility is expected to produce 100 metric tons of gallium metal annually and will be operated by Alcoa of Australia.

• The Department of War will invest an estimated $174 million in a new gallium production facility in Australia.
• The investment aims to secure the supply chain for the strategic metal gallium.
• The facility will be located at Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia.
• Alcoa of Australia will operate the facility, expected to produce 100 metric tons of gallium metal per year.
• Gallium is critical for modern defense technologies like semiconductors, advanced radar, and missile guidance sensors.