Alcoa (ASX:AAI) and its partners broke ground on the gallium production plant in Western Australia, marking the start of construction for a new facility co-located at the company's Wagerup alumina refinery, according to a late Monday statement.
Alcoa will construct and operate the gallium project, working alongside government and industry partners in Australia, Japan, and the US.
The gallium production plant is expected to create up to 200 local construction jobs and about 20 permanent roles once it becomes operational, the company said.
Alcoa shares fell nearly 5% in recent Tuesday trade.