Germanium demand surges for infrared thermometers amid coronavirus; Vital to ramp up production

Germanium demand has surged thanks to its use in infrared thermometers for fever screening which have been installed at airports, railway stations, long-distance bus stations and ferry terminals across China as part of measures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Infrared optics, including heat detectors, account for about 30% of total demand for germanium, according to data from the US Geological Survey.
Infrared thermometers have recently been included on a list of "key materials for epidemic control and prevention" by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, which also includes masks and protective suits.

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