Abu Dhabi: RTX has partnered with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium to explore gallium extraction at Al Taweelah refinery, aiming to position the UAE as a top gallium producer essential for advanced defence, semiconductor, and telecom industries amid growing global supply concerns.
RTX has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore the production of gallium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative aims to establish gallium extraction and refining capabilities at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery, which could propel the UAE to become the world’s second-largest producer of gallium. The strategic significance of gallium cannot be overstated; it is essential in numerous industries, including semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices, and telecommunications infrastructure. Notably, gallium plays a critical role in the defence sector, serving as a vital component in advanced radar systems and various military applications.
Through this agreement, both RTX and EGA aim to ensure a stable supply of this crucial mineral, which is essential for technological advancements and military capabilities. Paolo Dal Cin, RTX’s Senior Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain, underscored the importance of a dependable supply chain for rare earth elements within the aerospace and defence sectors. He stated, “Today’s agreement puts us on a path towards a reliable supply of gallium, needed for production of critical aerospace and defence solutions.”
EGA and RTX plan to further solidify their collaboration by assessing the feasibility of developing a high-purity gallium plant at the Al Taweelah site. This refinery, which processes bauxite ore into alumina, also contains trace amounts of gallium, thus presenting a unique opportunity to enhance the UAE’s position in the global gallium market. As gallium often exists as an impurity in aluminium, managing its levels is crucial for high-stakes applications, particularly in defence technologies.
This partnership aligns with broader trends in the global market, where countries are increasingly seeking to secure supplies of strategic minerals to bolster their manufacturing and technological capabilities. Critical minerals like gallium are at the forefront of this movement, given their rising demand in sectors pivotal for future economic growth and national security.
RTX, previously known as Raytheon, has a robust portfolio that includes jet engines, aircraft parts, and the production of the Patriot missile defence systems. In its recent reporting, RTX highlighted its significant revenue, amounting to $20.3 billion for the quarter ended 31 March 2025, with projected annual sales ranging between $83 billion and $84 billion. However, the company has also expressed concerns regarding potential impacts from US tariffs imposed by the Biden administration, estimated to reduce profits by approximately $850 million for the year. The impending consequences of these tariffs are expected to manifest more significantly in the latter half of 2025, as existing inventories are sold.
In conclusion, the MoU between RTX, Tawazun Council, and EGA marks a significant step towards bolstering gallium production capabilities in the UAE and facilitates access to this essential mineral for various high-tech industries, including defence. As the global landscape for strategic minerals evolves, partnerships like these may prove indispensable in addressing the challenges posed by material shortages and geopolitical tensions.
Reference Map
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/rtx-tawazun-gallium/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/rtx-tawazun-gallium/ – RTX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore gallium production in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The MoU aims to establish gallium extraction and refining capabilities at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery, potentially making the UAE the world’s second-largest producer of gallium. This critical mineral is essential in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices, and telecom infrastructure, with significant applications in advanced radars and military products. The agreement seeks to secure a stable supply of gallium for companies, including RTX.
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/rtx-tawazun-gallium/ – RTX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore gallium production in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The MoU aims to establish gallium extraction and refining capabilities at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery, potentially making the UAE the world’s second-largest producer of gallium. This critical mineral is essential in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices, and telecom infrastructure, with significant applications in advanced radars and military products. The agreement seeks to secure a stable supply of gallium for companies, including RTX.
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/rtx-tawazun-gallium/ – RTX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore gallium production in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The MoU aims to establish gallium extraction and refining capabilities at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery, potentially making the UAE the world’s second-largest producer of gallium. This critical mineral is essential in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices, and telecom infrastructure, with significant applications in advanced radars and military products. The agreement seeks to secure a stable supply of gallium for companies, including RTX.
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/rtx-tawazun-gallium/ – RTX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore gallium production in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The MoU aims to establish gallium extraction and refining capabilities at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery, potentially making the UAE the world’s second-largest producer of gallium. This critical mineral is essential in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices, and telecom infrastructure, with significant applications in advanced radars and military products. The agreement seeks to secure a stable supply of gallium for companies, including RTX.
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/rtx-tawazun-gallium/ – RTX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore gallium production in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The MoU aims to establish gallium extraction and refining capabilities at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery, potentially making the UAE the world’s second-largest producer of gallium. This critical mineral is essential in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices, and telecom infrastructure, with significant applications in advanced radars and military products. The agreement seeks to secure a stable supply of gallium for companies, including RTX.
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/rtx-tawazun-gallium/ – RTX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tawazun Council and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to explore gallium production in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The MoU aims to establish gallium extraction and refining capabilities at EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery, potentially making the UAE the world’s second-largest producer of gallium. This critical mineral is essential in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles, medical devices, and telecom infrastructure, with significant applications in advanced radars and military products. The agreement seeks to secure a stable supply of gallium for companies, including RTX.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions RTX’s recent revenue and projected annual sales, indicating it is current as of the first quarter of 2025. However, the lack of specific dates for the memorandum of understanding slightly reduces the freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
Paolo Dal Cin, RTX’s Senior Vice President, is quoted without reference to an original source or date. This quote could be original or sourced from another recent publication.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Air Force Technology, a specialized publication in the aerospace and defence sector, which is generally reliable but not as widely known as major news outlets like BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about gallium production and partnerships are plausible given the strategic importance of critical minerals like gallium for technological advancements and national security.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current with relevant financial and strategic information. The quotes and source reliability are generally acceptable, though the quote’s originality is uncertain. The plausibility of the partnership and gallium production initiative is high, given the strategic context.
