Metlen announced the execution of a long-term agreement for the supply of approximately 25% of its annual gallium production from the new production unit it plans to develop in Greece. The financial terms of the agreement remain confidential. This marks the first major commercial agreement for gallium supply between a European producer and a leading US technology firm, representing a strategic milestone for Europe's efforts to enhance the resilience of its supply chain in critical raw materials.
Gallium at the epicenter of the technological revolution
Gallium constitutes one of the most critical raw materials for modern technologies, as it is utilized in the development of artificial intelligence applications, advanced renewable energy infrastructure, telecommunications, and defense systems. Today, global gallium production is heavily concentrated geographically, making the development of new, reliable supply sources of strategic importance for major industrial economies.
The first integrated gallium production in Europe
With this new investment, Metlen becomes the first company in Europe to develop integrated gallium production while simultaneously being the first to secure a commercial contract for European-produced gallium. This development places Greece and Europe at the forefront of a new strategic industrial value chain for critical raw materials. The achievement stems from multi-year research and significant innovation investments by the company's Research and Development (R&D) teams operating at the historic facilities of Aluminium of Greece, under the newly established Critical & Rare Metals division of M Metals.
Evangelos Mytilineos: "We are opening a new industrial chapter"
Evangelos Mytilineos, Executive Chairman of Metlen, stated: "We are exceptionally proud that Metlen is pioneering a new industrial chapter for both Greece and Europe through the successful development of gallium production by our teams at the Aluminium of Greece plant. For the first time in Metlen's history, one of our metallurgical products has attracted such intense interest from leading industrial economies internationally. This reflects both the strategic importance of gallium and the trust of top global technology corporations in the quality and reliability of our material, which has already undergone extensive testing and certification."
Recognition by the European Commission and the EIB
Metlen's flagship investment in gallium production has already been officially recognized by the European Commission as a Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act, Europe's regulation framework for essential raw materials. Concurrently, the strategic significance of the project has been endorsed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), which approved its funding under the REPowerEU program, bolstering Europe's drive to achieve greater self-reliance in critical industrial materials and reduce its dependence on third countries.
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