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Occurrence
The annual production volume of primary germanium, i.e. material refined from natural deposits, is very limited at an estimated 140 tons. The actual quantity is difficult to determine as the technology metal is mainly extracted as a by-product from zinc, silver, tin and copper ores. In addition, manufacturers in this comparatively small market treat their data confidentially. Fly ash, which is produced when coal is burned, also often contains germanium and can be used as a source. China has by far the largest share of germanium production worldwide, followed by Russia.
Extraction
The extraction of germanium is complex and requires numerous processes. The starting material, which comes from ores or fly ash, is first processed into a lye using acids. The addition of chlorine, a final distillation and purification result in germanium tetrachloride. This liquid is of great importance for the production of glass fiber cables. Hydrolysis turns this intermediate product into solid germanium dioxide. This can be used for the production of optical lenses and, for example, as a catalyst for the production of PET bottles. Germanium as a metal powder requires the subsequent reduction of germanium dioxide with hydrogen. Ingots can be cast from this, which are freed from impurities by melting and cooling. Only then can they be used for electronic applications. Crystals can also be grown from high-purity germanium. This highly complex process provides the starting material for semiconductors and special lenses.
The global demand for germanium is increasing. In view of the high concentration of extraction and further processing, recycling is becoming increasingly important as a source of this raw material. This also applies to the processing of scrap from the production of germanium-containing products. In Europe, the Critical Raw Materials Act stipulates that 25 percent of the demand for strategic raw materials must be obtained through recycling by 2030. Germanium is one of these materials. Alongside others, the raw materials trader TRADIUM is already working at national and international level to exploit the potential of this raw material source.
