Review of germanium processing worldwide

The worldwide market for electronic components is very diversified and highly competitive amongst the many nations vying for improved market share. Similarly, germanium must compete with gallium, indium, and rare earth metals in a very selective industry. Niobium and tantalum are sometimes substituted for these metals. The predominant minerals hosting germanium include argyrodite, germanite, and renierite while lead/zinc deposits plus certain coals represent another major source of supply. Germanium is extracted by means of complex processes from zinc residues in particular which also contain metal values such as cadmium, gallium, and indium. On a global basis, over 20 producers are dedicated to the commercial production of germanium metal and other compounds. The largest consumers of germanium-bearing material are Japan and the USA. Countries such as the United States, Taiwan, Belgium, China, Russia, Germany and Canada are the main producers of germanium while others contribute smaller quantities for worldwide consumption. The supply and demand of germanium products fluctuated during the past two decades and was subjected to a gradual erosion of delivered price for two forms, pure metal and germanium dioxide. The mantra of the paper is to present a compilation of facts regarding germanium applications, recovery processes, sources, and references to apprise discerning individuals. The paper is structured to satisfy the palate of both the novice and seasoned veteran in the high tech industrial sector.