Metallium Secures DOD Contract to Advance Domestic Gallium Recovery
[Click image to enlarge]
Metallium’s wholly owned subsidiary Flash Metals USA, has been awarded a phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
The program will apply Metallium’s proprietary flash joule heating process to recover gallium from waste streams, including LED scrap and gallium- rich waste streams. These feedstocks also contain germanium and other valuable metals, broadening the project’s strategic impact.
The program will be executed by Flash Metals Texas as prime contractor, with Rice University’s tour group engaged under a resource and cost-sharing arrangement. Its accelerated timeline reflects the advanced readiness of Metallium’s FJH technology for rapid transition.
“This award is a milestone for Metallium as our first direct contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. More than the initial dollar value, it signals our formal entry into the DOD system and follows the proven SBIR pathway that has enabled other companies to progress from phase I to substantial multi-year, multi-million-dollar contracts,” said Metallium Managing Director and CEO, Michael Walshe.
“By demonstrating our technology for gallium recovery, we are building U.S.-based solutions that reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and directly support national security priorities,” added Walshe.
The phase I program will progress across five key technical workstreams: thermodynamic modelling, chlorination trials and optimization, real-time monitoring and control development, materials characterization and yield analysis, and technoeconomic and environmental assessment. These deliverables will de-risk the transition to phase II and position Metallium for rapid scale-up into pilot and commercial operations.
Metallium is pioneering a low-carbon, high-efficiency approach to recovering critical and precious metals from mineral concentrates and high-grade waste streams. The company’s patented flash joule heating (FJH) technology enables the extraction of high-value materials — including gallium, germanium, antimony, rare earth elements, and gold — from feedstocks such as refinery scrap, e-waste, and monazite. Aligned with U.S. strategic supply chain objectives, Metallium has recently secured its first commercial site in Texas via its wholly owned subsidiary, Flash Metals USA, marking a major step toward near-term production and revenue generation.
Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!
FREE eNews delivery service to your email twice-weekly. With a focus on lead-driven news, our news service will help you develop new business contacts on an on-going basis.
CLICK HERE to register your email address.
Copyright © 2025 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
