Alcoa said Tuesday it and the governments of Australia, Japan and the U.S. have reached a final investment decision to build a gallium production plant at the company's Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia.

The facility will be constructed and operated by Alcoa and is intended to create a new source of gallium, a critical mineral used in semiconductors and defense applications, as the partner governments seek to diversify supply chains.

Construction is expected to begin after final site preparations are completed.

Alcoa Chief Executive William Oplinger said the project reflects a joint effort by governments and industry to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and highlights the strategic importance of the company's operations in Western Australia.

Alcoa said its participation in the joint venture, including serving as construction and operating manager, isn't expected to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Write to Anvee Bhutani at anvee.bhutani@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 14, 2026 16:58 ET (20:58 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.