Rio Tinto gets C$18.95M in federal funding to launch gallium extraction pilot in Quebec, aiming to boost North America’s critical mineral supply.

Rio Tinto has secured up to C$18.95 million in conditional federal funding to develop a gallium extraction project at its Saguenay, Quebec, refinery, following a C$7 million investment from Québec. The project aims to produce gallium—a critical mineral used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense systems—from alumina refining, with a pilot plant expected to begin operations in 2027. If successful, a commercial facility could yield up to 40 tonnes annually, accounting for about 5% of global output, reducing North America’s reliance on foreign sources amid global supply chain concerns.