Metallium Awarded its First SBIR Contract from Department of Defense to Use the Company's Flash Joule Heating Technology for Domestic Gallium Recovery from LED Scrap and other Gallium-Rich Waste Streams

Core Viewpoint - Metallium Ltd. has secured a Phase I SBIR contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to recover gallium from waste streams, marking a significant step towards enhancing domestic supply chains for critical materials [1][2]. Group 1: Contract Details - The awarded contract is valued at A$100,000 and will utilize Metallium's proprietary Flash Joule Heating process to recover gallium from LED scrap and gallium-rich waste streams [1]. - The project is expected to be completed within six months, with plans for further funding applications following successful completion [2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - Gallium is classified as a critical material for defense, semiconductors, and communications, with current supply largely dependent on non-allied nations, posing national security risks [3]. - The project aims to establish a domestic pathway for gallium recovery while also enabling the recovery of other valuable metals like germanium [3]. Group 3: Technological Innovation - Metallium is leveraging its patented Flash Joule Heating technology, developed at Rice University, to extract high-value materials from various waste streams, including e-waste and refinery scrap [3]. - The company has secured its first commercial site in Texas and has options for two additional sites in Massachusetts and Virginia [3].