Extraction Processes for Gallium and Germanium

Abstract

Abstract The present article provides information on uses, mineral resources and production methods of gallium and germanium. Both of these metals are used in advanced technology. Gallium is mainly used in the production of high-speed computer chips (integrated circuits) and optoelectronic devices. Germanium is employed as semiconductor in electronics and infrared optic industries. They occur in nature in widely dispersed forms and are associated principally with aluminum and zinc minerals. Gallium is present in bauxite in isomorphous substitution with aluminum, and germanium is contained in significant amounts in sphalerite. In southwestern Utah, at the Apex Mine, gallium and germanium were found to be concentrated in jarosite and geothite, respectively. Gallium is conventionally obtained as a byproduct of aluminum, and germanium as byproduct of zinc processing. An exception to this rule is the Apex Mine ore which has served as the only primary source in the world for direct production of gallium and germanium. In addition, the solvent extraction and bioleaching possibilities of these metals are reviewed and discussed. Additional informationNotes on contributorsARPAD E. TORMA Present Address: INEL, EG&G Idaho, Inc., P.O. Box 1625, MS 2203, Idaho Falls, ID 83415