Alcoa and the governments of Australia, Japan, and the United States will develop a gallium production plant at the company's Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia.
The groups have reached a final investment decision to construct the plant, in order to diversify global supplies of the mineral.
The facility will be built and operated by Alcoa, which will use its alumina refining and mineral processing expertise.
Once operational, the plant is expected to provide a new source of gallium, a material used in semiconductors, power electronics and defense technologies, to reduce reliance on the global supply chain.
Construction is expected to begin after final site preparations are completed.
Alcoa said its participation in the project, including its role as construction and operating manager, is not expected to have a material impact on its financial position or operating results.
