PERTH, Australia, August 24 — Today, the governments and industry partners of Australia, Japan and the United States, together with Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA; ASX: AAI) (“Alcoa”), held a groundbreaking ceremony for the gallium production plant. The ceremony marked the start of construction of the new facility co-located at Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia.
The gallium project, which Alcoa will construct and operate, brings together government and industry partners from Australia, Japan and the United States, demonstrating the global effort to strengthen critical mineral supply chains.
“Alcoa is proud to work alongside our partners in Australia, Japan and the United States to help diversify the global gallium market,” said Alcoa Australia President Elsabe Muller. “We are grateful to have Australian federal Ministers King and Ayres and Western Australian Minister Michael, along with honored guests, be part of today’s event as we showcase Western Australia’s role in delivering essential materials to the world.”
The gallium production plant is expected to create up to 200 local construction jobs and approximately 20 permanent roles once operational.
Today’s groundbreaking is a significant milestone for the joint venture as it assists the world in advancing a new, reliable source of gallium, and recognizes the role of Alcoa’s Western Australia operations in delivering critical materials essential to the global economy.