1 Jan 2022
Processing Expansion for Gallium in China
China increased primary low‑purity gallium production capacity by 100 kg t yr⁻¹ in 2022 to 750 kg t yr⁻¹, expanding output.
Gallium production
Gallium
Gallium is a soft, silvery metal that is often extracted and purified from the processing of bauxite ore or zinc ores. The primary source of gallium is the smelting of aluminum, which accounts for over 80% of global production. Bauxite, a type of rock that contains high concentrations of aluminum hydroxide, is refined into alumina (aluminum oxide) and then smelted to produce pure aluminum. Gallium is present in small amounts within the bauxite ore, making it a by-product of this process. Refined gallium has numerou...
Gallium is a soft, silvery metal that is often extracted and purified from the processing of bauxite ore or zinc ores.
The primary source of gallium is the smelting of aluminum, which accounts for over 80% of global production. Bauxite, a type of rock that contains high concentrations of aluminum hydroxide, is refined into alumina (aluminum oxide) and then smelted to produce pure aluminum. Gallium is present in small amounts within the bauxite ore, making it a by-product of this process.
Refined gallium has numerous applications in high-tech industries, including semiconductors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar panels. Its unique properties make it an essential material for these technologies, allowing for efficient energy conversion and transmission.
Global Production History
Global Production Map
Production by Country
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
1 Jan 2022
Processing Expansion for Gallium in various countries
High‑purity refined gallium production rose 16 % in 2022, reflecting expanded output across Canada, China, Japan, Slovakia, and the United States.
1 Jan 2020
Other for Gallium in China
COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020 caused Chinese gallium producers to slow or shut down operations, reducing supply.
1 Jan 2019
Other for Gallium in Germany
Germany announced plans to eventually restart primary gallium production in 2019, signaling potential future supply.
1 Jan 2019
Regulatory Change for Gallium in China
China imposed environmental restrictions on bauxite production in 2019, increasing gallium extraction costs.
1 Jan 2019
Tariff Change for Gallium in United States
The United States imposed higher import tariffs on gallium from China in 2019, restricting imports and impacting U.S. supply chains.
1 Jan 2019
Tariff Change for Gallium in United States
U.S. imposed higher tariffs on Chinese gallium exports, reducing U.S. imports in 2019.
1 Jan 2018
Mine Closure for Gallium in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom ceased high‑purity refined gallium production in 2018, cutting a key source of refined material.
1 Jan 2018
Other for Gallium in United States
U.S. gallium stockpiling increased in 2018 in anticipation of possible Chinese tariffs, altering inventory levels and market dynamics.
1 Jan 2018
Processing Closure for Gallium in United Kingdom
United Kingdom ceased high‑purity refined gallium production in 2018, reducing global supply.
1 Jan 2016
Mine Closure for Gallium in Germany
Germany ceased primary gallium production in 2016, tightening the global supply chain.
1 Jan 2016
Mine Closure for Gallium in Germany
Germany ceased primary gallium production in 2016, cutting European supply.
1 Jan 2016
Processing Expansion for Gallium in China
China expanded primary low‑grade gallium production capacity to 600 t / yr in 2016, increasing global supply potential.
1 Jan 2015
Mine Closure for Gallium in Hungary
Hungary ceased primary gallium production in 2015, reducing regional output.
2014
Processing Expansion for Gallium in China
China expanded low‑grade gallium production capacity from about 140 t/yr in 2010 to roughly 550 t/yr in 2014, boosting global gallium supply.
2014
Processing Expansion for Gallium in Global
Worldwide LED manufacturing capacity expanded due to government‑instated incentives, increasing gallium demand for LED production.
1 Jan 2013
Mine Closure for Gallium in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan ceased primary gallium production in 2013, reducing regional supply of low‑grade gallium.
1 Jan 2013
Mine Closure for Gallium in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan ceased primary gallium production in 2013, shrinking regional supply.
1 Jan 2013
Ownership Change for Gallium in United Kingdom
IQE plc completed the acquisition of Kopin Wireless’s epiwafer manufacturing division, consolidating its position in the gallium compound supply chain.
1 Jun 2012
Ownership Change for Gallium in Canada
Molycorp Inc. acquired Neo Material Technologies Inc., the largest gallium refiner/recycler in Canada and the United States, expanding its gallium recycling and refining capabilities.
24 Jan 2012
Other for Gallium in Japan
Sumitomo Electric and Soitec announced a joint development of engineered GaN substrates, expanding gallium product offerings.
1 Jan 2012
Processing Startup for Gallium in Canada
Orbite Aluminae Inc. announced near completion of its Cap-Chat plant, which will include a gallium separation facility, expanding domestic gallium refining capacity.
1 Jan 2012
Processing Startup for Gallium in Republic of Korea
Molycorp began commercial operations of its new gallium trichloride plant in the Hyeongok Industrial Zone, Republic of Korea, adding production capacity for gallium compounds.
1 Jan 2012
Regulatory Change for Gallium in China
The Chinese government enacted policies to stimulate LED lighting demand, indirectly increasing gallium consumption in the country.
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