Including vehicle microchip manufacturing. Here’s an overview of their sources and production:

Gallium

Sources:

• Gallium is primarily obtained as a by-product of aluminium (bauxite) and zinc ore processing.
• The major producers of gallium include China, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.

Production:

• World primary production of gallium is relatively small compared to other metals, with estimates around 300 tonnes per year.
• China’s output is the largest, contributing over 80% of the global production.
• The secondary production from recycling of scrap gallium is also significant, adding another 200-250 tonnes annually.

Germanium

Sources:

• Germanium is mainly recovered as a by-product of zinc ore processing and, to a lesser extent, from coal fly ash and recycled materials.
• Key producing countries include China, Canada, Russia, and the United States.

Production:

• The global production of germanium is approximately 130-150 tonnes per year.
• China is the leading producer, contributing around 70-80% of the global supply.

Summary:

• Gallium: Primary production ~300 tonnes/year; significant secondary production from recycling.
• Germanium: Total production ~130-150 tonnes/year.

Both metals are strategically important, and their production is closely monitored to meet the demands of high-tech industries, including the automotive sector for microchip manufacturing.