Focus: Gallium
Class: Tier 2 Urgency – Semiconductor & Energy Supply Chain
⛓️ What’s Happening
On July 22, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a renewed restriction on gallium exports, citing national security. This builds on the 2023 restrictions and underscores gallium’s importance to next-gen tech.
What is Gallium?
A soft metal used in:
Semiconductors
5G systems
LEDs
High-efficiency solar panels
It’s not mined directly — it's a byproduct of bauxite (aluminum) and zinc production.
🔍 Strategic Takeaways
The U.S. Department of Commerce and CHIPS Act Phase II are prioritizing material independence, including gallium sourcing.
Canada may extend support for gallium via tailings and e-waste recovery.
Europe is expanding critical raw material stockpiling, with gallium in its updated CRM list.
🔭 Companies to Watch
1. Ucore Rare Metals (TSXV: UCU)
🇺🇸 Gallium recovery research supported by U.S. gov
🔗 https://ucore.com/
2. Geomega Resources (TSXV: GMA)
🇨🇦 Separation tech applicable to gallium, REEs
🔗 https://www.geomega.ca/
3. Critical Elements Lithium (TSXV: CRE)
🇨🇦 Expanding into advanced materials
🔗 https://www.cecorp.ca/
🏛️ Key Government & Policy Links
USGS Gallium Overview (2023):
https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2023/mcs2023-gallium.pdfChina MOFCOM – July 2025 Export Statement:
http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/article/newsrelease/significantnews/202507/20250703447928.shtmlEuropean Commission Critical Raw Materials Portal:
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/raw-materials/areas-specific-interest/critical-raw-materials_en
✅ Action Points
Add gallium to your Critical Tier 2 Watchlist
Monitor North American e-waste and tailings processors
Track policy shifts in U.S. CHIPS Act and Canada’s critical strategy update