MTM Critical Metals on track to develop gallium tech in US demonstration plant

MTM Critical Metals is on track to complete process and mechanical design for its US gallium technology demonstration plant by end February.

MTM Critical Metals is tracking well in its development of a US demonstration plant that will showcase its Flash Joule Heating tech. Pic: Getty Images

• MTM on track to complete process and mechanical design for US demonstration plant by end of February

• Planned 1tpd plant will produce critical metals such as gallium from scrap material

• In line with US critical minerals reshoring to support supply security

Special Report: MTM Critical Metals is making excellent progress on a potentially game-changing demonstration plant in the US with process and mechanical design on track for completion by the end of February.

The planned facility seeks to produce 1t of critical metals such as gallium each day from scrap material using the company’s Flash Joule Heating technology – an advanced electrothermal process that uses less energy and reagents than traditional methods.

Being able to achieve this will be hugely supportive of efforts by the US to reshore critical minerals production given recent Chinese export restrictions of metals such as gallium – critical for the manufacturing of semi-conductors.

MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) adds that besides the progress on process and mechanical design with key engineering milestones achieved to advance towards long-lead equipment procurement, an extensive search is underway across the US Gulf Coast for a suitable commercial premises.

It has already shortlisted several areas and initiatives to secure an existing industrial site to expedite timelines.

Start-up of the inaugural plant remains on track for Q4 2025.

Further supporting this program, the company has a strategic memorandum of understanding in place with Indium Corporation that could see the latter provide MTM with ultra-high value scrap for processing.

Demonstrating commercial scalability

“The demonstration plant is a key enabler for several strategic partnerships that MTM is actively pursuing, and for advancing our ambition to re-shore metals like gallium, back to America,” managing director Michael Walshe said.

“It will greatly enhance our ability to demonstrate the commercial scalability of our technology, reinforcing our position as a preferred partner for feedstock supply and offtake agreements.

“We are actively engaging with technology parks and development authorities across several Gulf Coast states to explore opportunities for leveraging pre-existing facilities and securing incentive funding support.

“These efforts align with the region’s strong focus on advanced manufacturing and STEM job creation, fostering greater support for initiatives like ours and potentially accelerating the plant’s development and operational success.

“The US ‘onshoring of manufacturing’ movement continues to gain traction, with anticipated strong support from the Trump Administration for critical and strategic technology metals, including gallium, germanium, indium, and rare earth elements (REEs).”

Conceptual artist’s impression of the FJH demonstration plant. Pic: MTM

MTM is also actively evaluating US government funding programs designed to accelerate the reshoring of critical minerals and advanced manufacturing to support domestic supply chain security and innovation.

This includes the Department of Energy’s recent $725m initiative to enhance domestic processing and manufacturing of battery-critical materials, along with the Department of Defense’s use of the Defense Production Act to fortify critical supply chains.

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.

Originally published as MTM Critical Metals on track to develop gallium tech in US demonstration plant