Annual world production (2022)
Germanium
A metalloid as a rising superstarWhat is germanium?
Germanium is a metalloid, not unlike silicon, with a rare density anomaly. When heated above its melting point, its density increases by 4%; when it solidifies, its volume expands by 6%. Interestingly, its conductivity also changes when heated, making germanium a sought-after semiconductor material. Germanium ranks 53rd on the list of the most abundant elements. In this respect, the metalloid is not a truly rare element. Nevertheless, germanium is on the EU list of critical commodities worldwide because it is essential for key technologies.
Price curve
Supply chains have largely recovered, and the expansion of 4G, 5G, and very soon likely 6G is progressing accordingly. Since germanium is not only used for fiber optic cables but is also important for defense as part of night vision devices and radar systems, excellent investment opportunities will remain for at least 8 to 10 years.
Main areas of application
- Energy storage technology
- Fiber optic cables
- Infrared optics
- Polymerization catalysts for plastic production
- Quantum dot solar cells
- Medical sector
- Semiconductors
Facts about germanium
Estimated share of our inventory in the AWP
Estimated increase in demand
Global reserves 2020
Where is germanium found?
The availability of germanium is scarce. Due to its relatively uniform concentration in the ground (average content in the Earth’s crust approx. 1.5 grams/tonne), it can only be mined economically in a few places in the world.
The richest deposits of germanium are found in Russia and China, with 70% of the necessary processing also taking place in the latter. Germanium occurs naturally in sulfite; higher concentrations are mostly found as a companion in copper and zinc ores.
How will germanium be extracted in the future?
Phytomining (mining with plants) is intended to be one solution for addressing future raw material shortages. Germanium is present in minute traces almost everywhere in the soil. Certain plants have the ability to accumulate this substance within their biomass. Pure metal can then be regenerated from the harvested biomass using various chemical processes.
What is germanium mainly used for?
Germanium is of crucial importance in various growth markets. It enables autonomous driving through optical components for radar sensors, infrared cameras, and lasers, which allow the vehicle to “see.” Furthermore, it plays a key role in internet development through the production of optical fibers for high-speed light transmission. In energy storage technology, germanium-based solid electrolytes are replacing conventional battery electrolytes, which increases safety and boosts the sales of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
Germanium also shows promising applications for efficient energy conversion and more powerful computers in quantum dot solar cells and data storage technology. Germanium-tin transistors, for example, are currently replacing those made of silicon and form the basis for high-performance chips and quantum computers. Germanium is also used in military applications. It is found in night vision devices, telescopic sights, and radar systems. In addition, it is an essential component of semiconductor chips used in defense-related computer systems, such as for missile defense.
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Price development of germanium
In the future, a supply shortage for the metal germanium will meet a solid increase in demand of a good 5% p.a. – a result of developments in future technologies.
