ReElement Technologies, a subsidiary of American Resources Corporation, has established commercial protocols for the extraction of ultra-high-purity germanium from both recycled materials and ore-based feedstocks.
This initiative is intended to address the rising demand for germanium in various sectors including commercial and defence applications.
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The company reports achieving purity levels greater than 99.9%, with its processes tailored to meet the specific market needs for germanium products that require purities ranging from 99.9% to 99.999%.
Germanium is predominantly used in the electronics industry as a semiconductor and is also integral to optical devices, especially those designed for infrared applications.
Its utility extends to fibre-optics, solar technology and as a catalyst in the manufacturing of various materials.
Due to its ability to transmit infrared radiation, germanium is well-suited for use in lenses and windows for infrared imaging and sensing technologies such as night vision and thermal imaging systems.
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By GlobalDataIn fibre-optics, it is used to enhance the performance of optical fibres, improving their capacity to transmit data and light signals.
Furthermore, germanium is employed as a substrate in solar cells, particularly in multi-junction configurations, where it is often combined with silicon.
Germanium compounds are utilised as catalysts in the production of plastics and other industrial materials, highlighting its diverse applications across multiple fields.
ReElement Technologies CEO Mark Jensen said: “The demand for germanium in both the commercial and defence industries is significant and growing. In recent months, we have received numerous recycled and ore-based feedstocks, which we have leveraged to develop commercial flow sheets aimed at partnering with feedstock providers and customers who need this refined material today.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team’s ability to establish these processing parameters using our industry-leading technology here in the US. Over the past few years, our focus has been on developing technical flow sheets for a wide range of critical material inputs while scaling our existing production.
“Our innovative refining platform continues to demonstrate unmatched versatility and efficiency, enabling a truly independent critical mineral supply chain. Over the next year, we will be focused on scaling production not only at our Marion facility but also at partner facilities worldwide through our collaborative, partnership-based model.”
