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Occurrence
Gallium can be found in low concentrations in a whole range of minerals. However, the technology metal is mainly obtained as a by-product of processing the aluminum ore bauxite. It accumulates particularly strongly there due to its chemical properties. A smaller proportion comes from zinc smelting residues. According to estimates by the United States Geological Survey, primary production in 2025 was around 900 tons worldwide. The largest producer is China, followed at a considerable distance by Russia and Japan.
Extraction
The extraction of gallium is a complex process that requires both chemical expertise and a precise approach. The starting point is primarily bauxite, which contains aluminum minerals. Under high pressure and temperatures of around 150 to 270 °C, these minerals are dissolved in sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), while the insoluble components remain behind as red mud. In addition to aluminum, the resulting sodium aluminate solution also contains gallium, which must be selectively extracted in the next step.
Various methods are used here: cementation, electrolytic processes and extraction with chelating agents, for example by solvent extraction or ion exchange. This is followed by electrolytic purification, which yields raw gallium with a purity of 99.9 to 99.99 %. High-purity gallium can then be further processed, for example for semiconductor applications, LEDs or special alloys.