MTM Critical Metals (ASX: MTM) has achieved a significant advancement in the recovery of gallium from semiconductor and LED scrap via Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology.
This lab-scale breakthrough places MTM at the forefront of efforts to resolve the critical supply chain challenges surrounding gallium - a metal that is indispensable to high-tech and defence industries.
The testing was conducted by researchers at Rice University in the USA. MTM holds an exclusive global license from Rice University for the commercialisation of FJH technology, enabling the recovery and processing of all metallic minerals and ores, excluding graphene.
The global supply of gallium (Ga) has been severely disrupted due to escalating geopolitical tensions and China’s recent export restrictions, which have caused prices to soar dramatically. With China controlling 98% of the world’s gallium supply, the successful demonstration of recovery of this metal is a strategically significant development that offers a potential solution to the escalating supply crisis affecting the USA and its allies.
Why This Breakthrough Matters: FJH technology has proven capable of efficiently recovering gallium from e- scrap, offering a pivotal and timely solution to the global gallium supply crisis. Demonstrating that this critical metal can be sourced outside of China's supply dominance enhances its security and availability for high-tech and defence industries.
This also positions MTM to capitalise on significant commercial opportunities, with the potential for near-term, high-margin production.
“The breakthrough in gallium recovery from e-scrap using Flash Joule Heating technology marks a pivotal advancement, with similar potential for germanium,” MTM Chief Executive Officer, Michael Walshe, said.
Amid limited Western gallium supply options, escalating geopolitical tensions, and recent price surges, our ability to extract this strategic metal from waste streams offers both significant commercial promise and a strategic solution for the U.S. and its allies.
“ We eagerly anticipate the upcoming bench-scale tests and are optimistic about our potential to transform the gallium supply chain”.
Method for Gallium Recovery using FJH
Gallium was selectively recovered from electronic scrap in the Rice University lab by heating the mixture to a precise temperature, allowing the gallium compound to vaporise and be separated from other metals and materials present. The process was highly efficient and produced gallium with both high purity and yield.
Next Steps
- Bench-Scale Testing: Initiate testing on the FJH prototype reactor to scale up the recovery process.
- Commercial-Scale Facility: Finalise the design and operational plans for the 1-ton per day facility,
targeting full-scale production in the next year.
- Strategic Partnerships: Continue discussions with international partners and pursue funding opportunities to support the development and commercialisation of this technology.
The company will continue its test work to demonstrate the scalability and effectiveness of the FJH & chlorination-enhanced FJH technology with a focus on maximising lithium and other critical metal recovery and minimising energy consumption.
iscussions with industry partners, academia and government agencies are ongoing to support the development and commercial deployment of this revolutionary technology.
Additionally, test work is completed, underway or planned on a range of additional sample streams including: refractory minerals such as spodumene (lithium), monazite (rare earths), and pyrochlore (niobium); precious metal recovery from e-waste; and alumina and titanium recycling from ‘red mud’.
