Metallium Wins First U.S. DoD SBIR Contract, Unlocking Up to US$1M Funding
Metallium Ltd has won its first U.S. Department of Defense SBIR contract to advance domestic recovery of gallium using its innovative Flash Joule Heating technology. This milestone positions the company for larger future contracts and supports critical mineral supply chain resilience.
- First direct U.S. Department of Defense Phase I SBIR contract awarded
- Focus on gallium recovery from waste streams using proprietary Flash Joule Heating
- Six-month accelerated program with potential for up to US$1 million Phase II funding
- Supports U.S. strategic goals to secure critical minerals supply chains
- Project includes recovery of germanium and other high-value metals
Metallium’s Strategic Entry into U.S. Defense Innovation
Metallium Ltd, an Australian critical minerals recovery company, has marked a significant milestone by securing its first direct contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The award, a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, formally integrates Metallium’s U.S. subsidiary into the DoD’s innovation and funding ecosystem. This initial contract, valued at approximately A$100,000, is the gateway to potentially much larger funding opportunities under subsequent phases.
Advancing Gallium Recovery Technology
The contract focuses on Metallium’s proprietary Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, which aims to recover gallium from gallium-rich waste streams such as LED scrap. Gallium is a critical mineral essential for defence, semiconductors, and communications, with current supplies heavily reliant on non-allied nations. Metallium’s approach not only targets gallium but also the recovery of germanium and other valuable metals, broadening the strategic impact of the project.
Accelerated Timeline and Collaborative Effort
The Phase I program is set for six months, a shorter timeline than typical SBIR projects, reflecting the advanced readiness of Metallium’s technology. Execution will be led by Flash Metals Texas Inc., Metallium’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, with collaboration from Rice University’s Tour Group under a resource-sharing arrangement. The program encompasses thermodynamic modelling, chlorination trials, real-time monitoring, materials characterisation, and technoeconomic assessments to de-risk the transition to pilot-scale deployment.
Pathway to Scale and Commercialisation
Successful completion of Phase I will enable Metallium to apply for Phase II funding of up to US$1 million, aimed at advancing pilot-scale operations at its Chambers County site in Texas. Phase III could see full commercial implementation, reinforcing U.S. supply chain resilience for gallium and other critical metals. This progression mirrors a proven SBIR pathway that has propelled other companies to multi-million-dollar DoD contracts.
Implications for U.S. National Security and Supply Chains
Gallium’s designation as a critical material by the U.S. underscores the national security risks posed by dependence on foreign sources. Metallium’s project aligns closely with U.S. strategic objectives to develop domestic supply chains for defence-critical minerals. By pioneering a low-carbon, high-efficiency recovery method, Metallium is positioning itself at the forefront of a vital sector with growing geopolitical and economic significance.
Bottom Line?
Metallium’s entry into the U.S. defense supply chain signals a promising step toward securing critical mineral independence.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Metallium secure Phase II funding and scale pilot operations successfully?
- How soon can Metallium’s technology impact U.S. gallium supply chain resilience?
- What are the commercial prospects for recovering other critical metals alongside gallium?
