1 Feb 2023
Mine Restart for Germanium in Congo (Kinshasa)
Ivanhoe Mines announced the reopening of the Kipushi zinc‑copper mine in Haut‑Katanga, Congo, after years of care‑and‑maintenance.
Germanium trade
Germanium Oxide
Rare earth elements (REEs) have a wide range of industrial applications due to their unique properties. They are used in the production of high-performance glass and ceramics for optics, including telescopes, lasers, and solar panels. Additionally, REEs serve as essential components in electronics such as smartphones, computers, and televisions.
Rare earth elements (REEs) have a wide range of industrial applications due to their unique properties. They are used in the production of high-performance glass and ceramics for optics, including telescopes, lasers, and solar panels. Additionally, REEs serve as essential components in electronics such as smartphones, computers, and televisions.
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Relevant Events
1 Jan 2023
Processing Expansion for Germanium in China
Yunnan Chihong announced plans to expand downstream germanium product manufacturing, targeting increased output for infrared and fiber‑optic markets.
1 Sep 2022
Other for Germanium in Congo (Kinshasa)
Ivanhoe Mines began construction of a new processing plant at Kipushi in September 2022, targeting production start in Q3 2024.
1 Sep 2022
Processing Shutdown for Germanium in Canada
Teck completed major planned maintenance at its Trail metallurgical complex, taking large sections offline from September to December 2022, reducing production of germanium byproducts.
30 Aug 2022
Processing Startup for Germanium in United States
Corning announced a new cable manufacturing facility in Gilbert, AZ, expected to open in 2024, expanding domestic capacity for germanium dioxide production.
1 Jun 2022
Processing Startup for Germanium in China
Yunnan Chihong began producing optical‑fiber‑grade germanium tetrachloride in June 2022, marking the start of a new downstream product line.
16 May 2022
Processing Expansion for Germanium in United States
Prysmian Group invested $30 million to expand capacity at its Jackson, TN cable plant, boosting production of germanium-containing optical fibers.
15 Feb 2022
Ownership Change for Germanium in United States
Intel announced its acquisition of Tower Semiconductor for $5.4 billion, consolidating ownership of a key germanium semiconductor supplier.
20 Jan 2022
Other for Germanium in Canada
Teck launched a pilot program with DLT Labs to use blockchain technology for traceability of germanium supply chain from Red Dog Mine to Trail processing.
1 Nov 2021
Merger Acquisition for Germanium in Germany
5N Plus Inc. acquired AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH, a producer of multijunction solar cells that use germanium substrates, expanding the company’s germanium‑related portfolio.
1 Nov 2021
Mine Restart for Germanium in Congo (Kinshasa)
Ivanhoe Mines announced a feasibility study to reopen the Kipushi zinc‑copper mine, which had produced germanium as a by‑product, potentially restoring a source of germanium.
1 Nov 2021
Regulatory Change for Germanium in United States
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law in November 2021, allocating funds for broadband infrastructure that will increase demand for germanium-based fiber‑optic glass.
1 Oct 2021
Ownership Change for Germanium in China
The Yunnan Provincial government auctioned 4,660 kg of germanium stocks to Anhui Guangzhi Technology Co. Ltd., transferring ownership of the material.
1 Sep 2021
Processing Expansion for Germanium in United States
Corning invested $150 million to expand its fiber‑optic cable facility in Hickory, NC, which will boost the use of germanium in fiber‑optic glass.
1 Aug 2021
Processing Startup for Germanium in China
Yunnan Kaiyu Optoelectronic Technology Co. began germanium metal production, adding capacity to China’s domestic supply.
1 May 2021
Merger Acquisition for Germanium in United States
Teledyne Technologies announced the acquisition of FLIR Systems, a leading manufacturer of thermal‑imaging cameras that rely on germanium optics, potentially increasing U.S. demand for germanium.
1 Jan 2021
Processing Shutdown for Germanium in China
Xinlingol Mengdong Germanium Technology Co. announced the permanent shutdown of its germanium metal production due to high costs.
Oct 2019
Other for Germanium in China
In October 2019, Kunming Rongke New Material purchased 92,310 kg of germanium from the collapsed Fanya Metal Exchange via auction, temporarily boosting its inventory and influencing supply dynamics.
Jul 2019
Mine Closure for Germanium in United States
Teck placed its Pend Oreille zinc‑and‑lead mine on care-and-maintenance status in July 2019 after reserves were exhausted, suspending germanium by‑product supply from that mine.
1 Dec 2018
Processing Expansion for Germanium in Australia
Completion of Nyrstar’s Hobart smelter upgrade was projected by year‑end 2018, expanding germanium production capacity.
1 Dec 2017
Other for Germanium in China
In December 2017, reports indicated FME metal stocks could be actioned off in 2018 following a legal case, potentially impacting germanium availability.
1 Dec 2017
Processing Expansion for Germanium in Australia
Construction of the Hobart side‑leach plant progressed in 2017 and was projected to be completed by year‑end 2018, expanding germanium output capacity.
1 Dec 2017
Processing Expansion for Germanium in China
Yunnan Germanium completed an expansion project in 2017, increasing its germanium tetrachloride production capacity.
1 Dec 2017
Regulatory Change for Germanium in China
Stricter environmental protection requirements in China limited domestic raw‑material sources for germanium producers, affecting supply.
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