Greek Metlen expands alumina output to extract critical mineral gallium

Metlen Energy & Metals SA

16/01/2025 14:01

LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Greek-based energy and metals
group Metlen  MYTr.AT  plans to start extracting critical
mineral gallium from the raw materials to make aluminium in a
new expansion programme, it said on Thursday.
    China has imposed restrictions on the exports of gallium,
which is used in high-quality semiconductors and smartphones. 
    The company already processes bauxite from its own mines in
Greece into alumina, which is further refined into aluminium.
    The company plans to invest 295.5 million euros in an
expansion that would boost alumina production to 1.27 million
tons annually, from 865,000 tons currently.
    It would launch gallium production in 2027 and eventually
produce 50 tons a year. 
    "Metlen's investment enables Europe to completely substitute
gallium imports," a statement said.
    Last month, China banned exports to the United States of the
critical minerals gallium, germanium and antimony that have
widespread military applications.
    The curbs strengthened enforcement of existing limits on
critical minerals exports that Beijing began rolling out last
year.
    Last year, China has accounted for 98.8% of refined gallium
production, according to consultancy Project Blue.
    

 (Reporting by Eric Onstad, additional reporting by Lefteris
Papadimas in Athens; editing by David Evans)
 ((eric.onstad@thomsonreuters.com; +44 20 7542 7093; Twitter https://twitter.com/reutersEricO;
 Reuters Messaging: eric.onstad.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))