Article

Russian scientists have identified a new source of gallium in corundum deposits in the Southern Urals, with concentrations up to 370 micrograms per gram, significantly higher than average levels found in the Earth's crust. This discovery was made by researchers from a geochemical institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who analyzed trace elements in corundum from the Ilmeny alkaline massif.

Gallium is essential for applications in radio electronics, optoelectronics, and semiconductor manufacturing. The study indicates that gallium's structural similarities to aluminum allow for its accumulation in corundum under specific geological conditions.

Currently, most gallium production in Russia comes from phosphate-bearing ores, which have lower concentrations. The development of extraction methods for gallium from oxide minerals could enhance industrial prospects in the region.