MTM’s move to recover high-value metals such as gallium and germanium from scrap could reduce US reliance on foreign supplies. Pic: Getty Images
MTM and Indium team up to develop US critical mineral supply chains from scrap
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- MTM Critical Metals reaches strategic MoU with Indium Corporation to recover high-value metals such as gallium, and germanium from scrap
- Company is already processing ultra-high value scrap to develop advanced recovery methods using its FJH technology
- Indium has also provided MTM with letter of support for US Department of Energy grant
Special Report: MTM Critical Metals has formed a strategic partnership with specialty technology metals supplier Indium Corporation to reduce US reliance on foreign metal sources by creating a local processing solution.
Central to this agreement is MTM Critical Metals’ (ASX:MTM) innovative Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, an advanced electrothermal process to recover high-value metals such as gallium, germanium, indium, and tin by rapidly heating scrap material in a controlled atmosphere using less energy and reagents while generating less waste.
Establishing an onshore processing capability will address strategic vulnerabilities in the US supply chain by reducing reliance on imports from China which currently dominates global supply and processing of these metals, which are used for critical, high-tech applications.
Gallium and germanium are both used in semiconductors with the former also used for LED lighting, thermal imaging devices and high-powered lasers for targeting and range-finding while the latter is primarily used in fibre optics, infrared optics, and solar cells.
Indium is used in touchscreens and various display technologies and is also valued as a solder in aerospace and military electronics due to its reliability under extreme temperatures.
Advanced recovery methods
Under the companies’ memorandum of understanding, MTM will process ultra-high value scrap provided by Indium that contains up to 20% indium, 15% gallium and 18% germanium with a focus on developing advanced recovery methods using FJH technology.
Testing on Indium-supplied feedstocks is already underway at MTM’s Texas-based engineering partner’s laboratory, advancing the development of this sustainable and innovative recovery solution.
This aligns with US efforts to establish secure domestic supply of critical materials with the incoming Trump administration having already announced policy initiatives emphasising the onshoring of critical metal supply chains, imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, and providing incentives for domestic manufacturing.
Indium has also provided the company with a letter of support for a US Department of Energy grant pertaining to “Advancing Technology Development for Securing a Domestic Supply of Critical Minerals and Materials”.
“We are thrilled to partner with Indium, a global leader in critical technology metals, to secure a US-based supply of metals essential to the defence, semiconductor and high-tech industries,” MTM chief executive officer Michael Walshe said.
“This collaboration represents a significant milestone for our company, providing strong external validation of our technology.
“Together, we are tackling supply chain vulnerabilities with an innovative approach to efficiently recover critical metals domestically, advancing US efforts towards critical metal independence.”
Indium global business unit manager Markus Roas said the partnership aligned with its commitment to enhance US-based supply chains for critical metals essential to modern technologies.
“FJH technology offers a novel and sustainable solution to recover these vital elements from waste materials, ensuring reliable access without relying on external sources,” he added.
This article was developed in collaboration with MTM Critical Metals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
