Alcoa, along with the governments of Australia, Japan, and the U.S., has made a final investment decision to construct a gallium production plant at Alcoa's Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia. The facility, to be built and operated by Alcoa, aims to establish a new supply of gallium, a vital mineral essential for semiconductors and defense technologies.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the partner governments to diversify critical mineral supply chains. Construction is slated to commence following the completion of site preparations. Alcoa Chief Executive William Oplinger emphasized that the project represents a collaborative endeavor between governments and industry to bolster critical mineral supply chains, underscoring the strategic significance of Alcoa's Western Australian operations.