A Game-Changer for Critical Metals Supply

The global semiconductor and defence industries are facing a critical supply chain challenge, with key materials like gallium (Ga) and germanium (Ge) largely controlled by Chinese exports. MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) has taken a major step towards addressing this issue, achieving high recovery rates of these metals from semiconductor waste using its proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology.

MTM Managing Director and CEO, Michael Walshe, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough: “Ga and Ge are indispensable to semiconductors and defence applications, yet their supply chains remain highly vulnerable due to overwhelming dependence on imports—particularly from China.”

High Recovery, Low Impact

The company’s testing delivered impressive results, recovering approximately 90% of gallium and 80% of germanium from waste materials. These rates meet or exceed traditional methods but with several key advantages.

“MTM’s proprietary process offers a commercially viable, environmentally friendly solution to secure domestic supplies of these strategic materials, creating a major economic opportunity for the company,” Walshe added.

Unlike traditional methods that require acid leaching and solvent extraction, MTM’s FJH process eliminates hazardous chemicals, significantly reducing waste and energy costs while accelerating recovery times.

Addressing a Critical Supply Chain Gap

MTM’s success comes at a pivotal time, with China tightening export restrictions on gallium and germanium. The U.S. and other Western nations, heavily reliant on Chinese supply, are urgently seeking independent and scalable solutions.

“This breakthrough could be an industry game-changer for the recycling of critical technology metals,” said Indium Corporation’s Business Unit Manager, Markus Roas. “The ability to recover gallium and germanium from waste streams represents an important opportunity to establish a circular supply chain for materials essential to semiconductors, defence, and renewable energy industries.”

A Multi-Billion-Dollar Market Opportunity

With demand surging and supply chain risks mounting, the market for gallium and germanium is growing rapidly. MTM has secured access to ultra-high-value semiconductor scrap containing up to 15% gallium and 18% germanium, providing a strong foundation for commercialisation.

The company is now in discussions with industry partners to scale its technology and optimise value recovery, positioning itself at the forefront of a multi-billion-dollar market for sustainable critical metals supply.

Next Steps for Commercialisation

MTM plans to build on its successful test results by:

• Expanding trials to include additional waste feedstocks such as indium and bismuth-rich materials.
• Optimising process efficiency to enhance metal purity and economic viability.
• Pursuing strategic partnerships with semiconductor and recycling industry stakeholders.
• Scaling for industrial application, with a focus on high-throughput processing.

With geopolitical uncertainty driving demand for secure, domestic supplies of critical metals, MTM’s technology presents a compelling opportunity for investors and industry stakeholders alike. The company’s next phase of development could redefine how key technology metals are sourced, securing a strategic position in the global supply chain for years to come.