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Global and Regional Gallium Recycling Potential and Opportunities: Based on Historical Material Flow Analysis

Author

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  • Lyushui Zuo

    (School of Public Administration, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
    Center for Social Stability Risk Assessment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

  • Zhuo Huang

    (School of Public Administration, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

  • Huiling Song

    (School of Business, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China)

  • Gopal Achari

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • Pengwei He

    (Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

Abstract

Gallium plays a critical role in high-tech industries but faces supply risks. Improving the efficiency of recycling and utilization of secondary resources has become the most reasonable approach to addressing this. This study employs historical material flow analysis (2000–2019) to evaluate global and regional gallium recycling potential. The results indicate that gallium recycling remains underdeveloped, with three key opportunities identified: recycling gallium from primary production, new scraps, and old scraps. During 2000–2019, the cumulative amounts available from these sources were 239,760 tons, 3464 tons, and 955 tons, respectively, yet their recovery rates remain as low as 1.74%, 27.28%, and 0.84%, respectively. Regional analysis shows that the recycling potential and opportunities of gallium varies significantly across China, America, the EU, Japan, and the rest of the world. Current recycling technologies have shown potential for efficiently recovering gallium, but their economic viability relies on economies of scale and policy incentives.

Suggested Citation

  • Lyushui Zuo & Zhuo Huang & Huiling Song & Gopal Achari & Pengwei He, 2025. "Global and Regional Gallium Recycling Potential and Opportunities: Based on Historical Material Flow Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2025:i:1:p:255-:d:1827009
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