Albanese Government supports Wagerup critical mineral project
Website search Joint media release with Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State Don Farrell. A major critical minerals project in Western Australia will get underway with Australia, Japan and the United States backing construction of a new gallium production facility at Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery. Confirmation of Final Investment Decision for the project marks a major step in strengthening critical mineral supply chains in partnership with Japan and the United States.
The Wagerup gallium project was identified as a priority under the United States-Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Donald Trump last year. The project will support growing demand for the critical minerals necessary for semiconductors, advanced electronics and defence applications.
Production capacity is anticipated to be 100 tonnes per annum, representing about 10 per cent of global demand for gallium. Australia’s financing is being provided through Export Finance Australia (EFA) under the Critical Minerals Facility (CMF) and delivers on the objectives of the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve. The facility will be constructed and operated by Alcoa, building on its long-standing expertise in alumina refining and existing operations at Wagerup, in Western Australia.
It is the second project for which Government support has enabled a Final Investment Decision following on from the US-Australia framework, with Arafura Rare Earths able to confirm its decision to ramp up operations in May. Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the announcement showed the determination of the Albanese Government to lead on critical minerals and rare earths.
“This project shows how governments and industry can work together to deliver real outcomes, Australian jobs and new export opportunities,” Minister King said. “By unlocking gallium production from existing bauxite and alumina operations, Australia is building supply chains that bolster global technology, defence capability and economic security. “Our national security and the security of our partners is built on the back of our resources sector.” Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said the Government is proud to support projects and attract investment to our critical minerals sector that strengthens Australia’s position as a trusted global supplier of critical minerals.
"This investment marks a major step forward in securing resilient supply chains through working with key partners like Japan and the United States, supporting industries that drive innovation, technology and economic growth,” Minister Farrell said. "By working closely with international partners and industry leaders, we are ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of emerging global supply chains for essential materials like critical minerals.” Construction is expected to commence following final site preparations and regulatory approvals.
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