https://www.proacti veinvestors.com.au/companies/news/1054315/anson-resources-discovers-more-high-grade-high-value-critical-minerals-at-ajana-amid-chinese-export-ban-1054315.html?rel=scroll
#Remove the gap
Gallium's pivotal role in high-tech applicationsGallium, a soft metallic element, is primarily used in semiconductors, blue-ray technology, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), mobile phones and nuclear engineering, owing to its non-toxicity and resistance to neutron radiation and beta decay.
The Chinese export ban prompted a surge in demand for alternative sources, as China had produced 98% of the world's gallium. This is underscored by a 7% price increase year-to-date and heightened demand for gallium nitride energy-saving chips, which are essential for 5G networks, wireless charging in electric vehicles, and efficient solar energy storage systems.
Indium's strategic importance
Similarly, indium's role cannot be overstated, with its uses spanning the aerospace, defence, energy and telecommunications sectors. The USA, a 100% net importer of indium, faces significant vulnerability in its supply chain.
Indium tin oxide, used in flat screen coatings and other electrical applications, constitutes the bulk of its global consumption.
Germanium demand spikes
The demand for germanium has also seen a significant uptick, driven by its applications in fibre optics, infra-red optics, high-brightness LEDs and semiconductors. Its uses in night vision, targeting equipment and solar panels as efficient energy generators further underscore its strategic importance.
Given these developments, American and European semiconductor manufacturers are expected to seek long-term supply contracts with non-Chinese sources, and countries like Australia could become key suppliers in an increasingly geopoliticised resource landscape.
