Is the Metal of the Future Running Out?

Key Takeaways

• The global gallium market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.5% from 2022 to 2032.
• The main drivers of the gallium market are the increasing demand for gallium-based semiconductors and LEDs.
• The main challenges facing the gallium market are the limited supply of gallium and the high cost of production.

Gallium is a rare metal that is used in a variety of applications, including semiconductors, LEDs, and lasers. As these technologies continue to advance and thrive, the demand for gallium is poised to experience significant growth in the coming years.

Despite its versatility, there is a looming concern surrounding the future supply of gallium. This is because gallium is a byproduct of the mining of other metals, such as bauxite and zinc. With the demand for these metals in various sectors, the availability of gallium is likely decrease.

If the demand for gallium continues to grow and the supply remains limited, then the price of gallium could skyrocket. This could make gallium too expensive for many applications and could lead to shortages in the supply of these technologies.

Some experts voiced their concern that gallium could become unobtainable in the future. This means that it would be so scarce and expensive that it would be unavailable for most applications. If this happens, it could have a significant impact on a variety of industries, including electronics, telecommunications, and healthcare.

There are viable strategies that can be pursued to safeguard its availability. One approach involves the development of innovative methods for extracting gallium from alternative sources. Additionally, exploring and expanding the range of applications for gallium could help create a surge in demand, thus ensuring its continued accessibility.

The future of gallium hangs in the balance, bearing both promise and uncertainty. As the demand for gallium-based semiconductors and LEDs continues to surge, it is likely to exert upward pressure on the price of gallium. If the supply fails to keep pace with this demand, the risk of gallium becoming unprocurable looms.