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There are deposits of high-grade gallium at a site in Montana “that are higher than any” known in the U.S. (Newsfile Corp.). 
 
What’s going on: The findings of substantial levels of gallium—an element with a wide array of applications in the communications and defense sectors—were reported Wednesday at the close of the first phase of a research and development agreement between Idaho National Laboratory and rare earths development company U.S. Critical Materials. 

• “INL had a team of scientists, engineers, lab technicians and critical mineral experts begin to explore ways to create a separation and process system for the Sheep Creek ore,” according to the press release. “U.S. Critical Materials can confirm that INL measured grades of gallium from 180 parts per million to 385 ppm and up to 18% total rare earth elements.”
• The study now begins its next phase—of “continued development of multiple separation and processing technologies”—which will last two years.  

Why it’s important: No gallium is produced in the U.S., though it is critical for producing semiconductors, advanced military technologies and LCD and LED displays.

• Earlier this week, China announced a ban on exports to the U.S. of several critical minerals, including gallium.  
• The United States’ total reliance on imported gallium means the element is “consistently listed as one of the top supply risks related to U.S. national security.”