Rio Tinto has secured up to C$18.95 million ($13.9 million) in conditional funding from the Government of Canada to advance a gallium extraction project at its Quebec alumina refinery. The non-repayable contribution, approved under Natural Resources Canada's Global Partnerships Initiative, adds to C$7 million previously committed by the Government of Quebec. The miner will build a pilot plant at Complexe Jonquière to validate extraction technology.

Rio Tinto successfully produced its first gallium in partnership with Indium Corporation in May 2025. The company plans to construct a demonstration plant with capacity for up to four tonnes annually. Global primary gallium production currently exceeds 700 metric tonnes per year, all sourced from outside North America. This Canadian project represents a significant step toward regional supply chain development for the critical mineral.

A future commercial-scale plant could produce up to 40 tonnes annually, representing approximately 5% of global output. The project addresses growing demand for gallium in semiconductor manufacturing and other high-tech applications. By establishing North American production capabilities, Rio Tinto aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening the continent's position in critical mineral supply chains.