MTM Critical Metals, an Australian mining company, is preparing to launch a cutting-edge gallium recycling facility in the United States. Set to commence operations next year, this plant will handle 1 ton of gallium daily, recovered from electronic waste like semiconductors and LEDs through their advanced Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology.
Revolutionary Technology and Market Implications
Rice University in Texas has validated the FJH technology’s effectiveness in extracting high-purity gallium from LED waste. This technique involves heating the waste in a controlled chlorine environment, converting gallium nitride (GaN) into a volatile form, which allows for efficient recovery.
With China's export restrictions impacting over 95% of global gallium production, the market is experiencing supply constraints and rising prices. Gallium's growing applications in semiconductors, LEDs, solar panels, and defense technologies are intensifying demand.
MTM is progressing with prototype testing in Houston and seeking collaborations for financing and off-take agreements. Their technology may also extend to recovering germanium, another restricted metal. MTM’s research encompasses a range of metals and rare earth elements.
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