Thursday, July 24, 2025

Pentagon Targets Domestic Gallium Recovery After China Export Curbs

The Pentagon plans to award contracts to North American companies by year-end to recover gallium, a critical mineral used in advanced military radar systems, after China imposed export restrictions amid ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Defense officials will use the Defense Production Act to fund projects that extract gallium from existing waste streams, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Jurgensen said. “Recovery, not mining, is the fastest way to make the materials more available in the US,” the statement noted, adding that Defense Production Act funds “have not been awarded for minerals recycling projects” previously.

Gallium is essential for Navy vessel radar used in air and missile defense, as well as Army and Marine Corps ground-based radar that detects rockets, artillery, and aerial threats. China recently announced export controls on both gallium and germanium, two minerals crucial to semiconductor manufacturing and defense applications.

According to a US Geological Survey cited by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, China is either the sole or a leading import source for 25 of 47 critical materials where America imports more than half its supply.

Though gallium represents a relatively small market compared to industrial metals like copper or aluminum, it plays an indispensable role in critical sectors including semiconductors, solar cells, and satellites — areas crucial to both economic and national security interests.


Information for this story was found via Bloomberg, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Tariffs Spark New Race for Critical Metals | Rob McEwen

Antimony Resources: The Bald Hill Project

They Laughed at $3,000 Gold, Now We’re Headed for $4,000! | Sean Roosen – Osisko Development Corp.

Recommended

Three Miners Trapped Underground At Newmont’s Red Chris Mine

Spirit Blockchain Outlines Crypto Strategy For ‘Spirit 2.0’

Related News

Is China Turning Into An Oil Powerhouse?

China, long known for its voracious oil consumption and burgeoning electric vehicle market, is reclaiming...

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 03:05:00 PM

First Cobalt: Rising Chinese Restrictions Could Be A Net Benefit To The Company

China’s recent movements to limit its companies’ abilities to export rare earth materials to the...

Sunday, January 31, 2021, 01:02:00 PM

Taiwan Charges Military Officer For Pledging Allegiance To China, Receiving Payments To Gather Intel

An infantry officer in Taiwan was on Tuesday indicted on charges of pledging allegiance to...

Wednesday, November 23, 2022, 04:36:00 PM

Data Challenges Trump’s Case for Canada Tariffs

Data from US border authorities reveals a stark mismatch between Trump’s proposed tariff policy and...

Saturday, November 30, 2024, 01:14:00 PM

China Approves 10 Nuclear Reactors in $27 Billion Power Push

China has approved construction of 10 nuclear reactors worth nearly $27.4 billion, accelerating the world’s...

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 12:44:00 PM