Media release: Clayton Utz advises JAGA on landmark gallium production project in Western Australia

JAGA is a joint venture between Sojitz and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), and was established to pursue a joint study for gallium production in partnership with Alcoa of Australia Limited, the Australian subsidiary of leading U.S.-based global aluminium producer Alcoa Corporation.

The gallium production project is a major international initiative between the governments of Australia, Japan and the United States, who have all identified gallium as essential to national security and advancing technology manufacturing. As an off-take partner for the project, Sojitz will supply gallium to Japan and other key international markets. In May, the project was recognised as one of six priority critical mineral initiatives underpinning Australia–Japan cooperation following the signing of the Australia–Japan Joint Statement on Elevated Critical Minerals Cooperation.

Gallium is a critical mineral widely used in semiconductors, LEDs and solar cells, with growing strategic importance following China's introduction of market controls in 2023.

The Clayton Utz team was led by Japan Practice Co-Head Hiroyuki Kano, with key support from partner Sam Fiddian, special counsel Scott Girdler and Shigeki Yamaura, and overseas qualified practitioner Reona Okazaki (admitted in Japan).

Mr Kano said:

We are proud to have supported Sojitz and JAGA in reaching final investment decision on this landmark project. This milestone marks an important step in advancing a strategically significant project for Australia and Japan, one that will help strengthen global supply chains and support the energy transition.