Sojitz Corp - plans to sell the gallium to Japan and other countries with demand as an off-taker for the project

Sojitz Corporation has announced plans to serve as an off-taker for gallium produced through a joint development project in Australia, with the intention of selling the mineral to Japan and other countries with growing demand. The initiative is being pursued through a joint venture company, Japan Australia Gallium Associates Pty Ltd (JAGA), established by Sojitz and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). JAGA has entered into a joint development agreement with Alcoa of Australia Limited, the Australian subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, to assess gallium production feasibility as a byproduct at one of Alcoa’s alumina refineries in Western Australia.

Gallium, a critical mineral designated by several governments including Japan, the U.S., and the U.K., is essential for the production of semiconductors, LED technology, and solar photovoltaic cells. The project aims to establish a stable and long-term supply chain for gallium, addressing increasing global demand driven by the semiconductor industry. A final investment decision is expected by the end of 2025, with production potentially commencing in 2026.

Sojitz has a long-standing presence in the alumina refining sector and is actively working to diversify its supply chain for critical minerals. The company aims to contribute to global resource security while supporting emerging technologies and carbon-neutral society.