Tracking the global anthropogenic gallium cycle during 2000–2020

A trade-linked multiregional material flow analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID12263155
AuthorsZiyan Gao (0000-0001-7855-4941, Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Yong Geng (0000-0001-7144-3878, corresponding author), Geng Yong (0000-0002-2284-1375, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, corresponding author), Meng Li (0000-0003-4257-1832, Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Jingjing Liang (0009-0001-7905-5690, Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Jing-Jing Liang, Khaoula Houssini (0009-0009-1479-0203, Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
Year2024
Volume87
Pages102859-102859
Publication date2024-06-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Environmental Change (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-3780 • E-ISSN: 1872-9495
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2024.102859
OpenAlexW4399420254
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited66

A trade-linked MFA model is applied to map the global and regional gallium cycles. • The majority of gallium from global bauxite mining ended up as gallium losses. • The global in-use stock increased rapidly, indicating a potential recycling source. • China has emerged as the largest global gallium resource supplier since 2005. Byproduct metals are essential to global low carbon transition since they are irreplaceable in modern renewable energy technologies. Gallium (Ga) is classified as one critical byproduct metal due to its extensive use in electronic applications and low carbon technologies, as well as its limited resource endowment. It is urgent to uncover the global and regional Ga stocks and flows so that the potential supply risks can be mitigated. This study maps the global and regional Ga cycles for the period of 2000–2020 by employing a trade-linked multiregional material flow analysis (MFA) method. Our results show that 79% of the global Ga co-mined from bauxite ended up in red mud or entered the aluminum cycle as an impurity, indicating a significant recycling potential. Different involved regions have different but complementary roles in the global Ga supply chain. China dominates the global primary Ga production, accounting for 97% of the global total in 2020. Japan and the United States are key players in high-purity Ga refining and rely on Ga to support their electronic devices manufacturing. Unfortunately, Ga recycling practices are still not occurring due to the low Ga concentrations in major applications. Since the global demand for Ga will continue to grow in the near future, it is urgent to initiate collaborative efforts so that Ga recycling can be enhanced. These efforts are critical to ensure the sustainable Ga supply and facilitate the global transition toward low carbon development

Biology · Flow (mathematics · Gallium · Material flow · Material flow analysis · Mechanics · Metallurgy · Physics · Tracking (education · Waste management · Computer Science · Engineering · Environmental Science · Extraction and Separation Processes · Materials Science · Metal Extraction and Bioleaching · Psychology · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques · Ecology

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