Curtin University project to research sustainable gallium processing

Curtin University has announced a program with Nimy Resources to undertake pioneering research into processing Western Australian gallium, the in-demand critical mineral crucial to the world’s high-tech industries.

Gallium is a key component for semiconductors, smartphones, LED lighting and solar panels, while also playing a vital role in producing compounds necessary for high-performance electronics, high-speed data transfer and energy-efficient power systems.

Currently, domestic and international industries which rely on secure and sustainable supplies of gallium are reliant on a small number of international producers of varying reliability, with no established extraction or refining capability in Australia.

To address this, the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) will contribute $550,000 to the two-year project, which is co-funded by the Nimy and Curtin University-led Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer and will investigate innovative pathways to concentrate, extract and refine gallium ores locally.

Curtin Executive Director Commercialisation Rohan McDougall said Curtin was proud to apply its metallurgical expertise to such a strategically important project.

“Demand for gallium is rising rapidly, so developing local processing capability is critical to ensuring supply chain resilience and supporting the clean energy transition,” he said. “Sustainable gallium processing in Western Australia would not only strengthen Australia’s sovereign supply of critical minerals, but also deliver vital skills, research opportunities and shared knowledge with the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Nimy Resources managing director Luke Hampson said the MRIWA funding was a major step in unlocking the mineral resources at Nimy’s Mons Project in Western Australia.

“By working with Curtin University, we aim to establish Australia’s first gallium processing capability to support global technology supply chains, reduce reliance on international producers and position WA as a global leader in critical minerals innovation,” he said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Alfio Manciagli