Indium Corporation wins $3.2M DOE grant to revive domestic gallium production for first time since 1987

Indium Corporation has secured a $3.2 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop a domestic method for recovering high-purity gallium from manufacturing by-products. This funding comes as part of the DOE’s TRACE-Ga initiative, which aims to foster innovative technologies for extracting gallium from US metal processing feedstocks. The project will be carried out at Indium’s facility in Rome, New York, employing electrochemical and advanced purification techniques to transform gallium-containing production scraps into high-purity metallic gallium. The initiative is structured in two phases: the first focuses on designing and validating a prototype recovery system, while the second aims to scale production to at least one metric ton of 99.99% pure gallium annually. This development is particularly significant given the United States has not produced gallium domestically since 1987 and currently relies entirely on imports. Gallium is a critical material used in various advanced technologies, including gallium nitride power semiconductors essential for electric vehicle chargers and inverters, as well as gallium arsenide devices for radar and radio frequency applications. Ross Berntson, President and CEO of Indium Corporation, highlighted the project’s importance in re-establishing domestic gallium production after nearly four decades. He emphasised that the work will support the commercialisation of new technologies, bolster critical minerals production within the US, and enhance supply chain resilience. The TRACE-Ga programme, managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with the DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization, reflects a broader strategic push to reduce dependence on foreign sources for vital materials. The revival of domestic gallium production has far-reaching implications for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors, where gallium-based components are increasingly crucial. By developing a reliable local supply, the US could mitigate risks associated with global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. As demand for gallium-containing technologies grows, the successful scale-up of this recovery process may position the country as a key player in the critical minerals market once again.