TOKYO, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Japanese trading house Sojitz ( SZHFF )

established a joint venture with Japan Organization for Metals

and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to study gallium production in

Australia, Sojitz ( SZHFF ) said on Monday.

Gallium, a critical mineral, is used in semiconductors where

demand continues to grow with the expansion of electric cars,

mobile devices and other electronic items.

The joint venture, Japan Australia Gallium Associates

(JAGA), signed a joint development agreement with U.S. Alcoa ( AA )

to explore the feasibility of producing gallium at

Alcoa's ( AA ) alumina refinery in Western Australia.

The companies aim for final investment decision by the end

of 2025, Sojitz ( SZHFF ) said on Monday, and production in 2026 with

gallium to be sold in Japan and in other countries.