Greek energy and metals company Metlen announced on Thursday that it expects to produce 50 tonnes of gallium

Greek energy and metals company Metlen announced on Thursday that it expects to produce 50 tonnes of gallium—a critical mineral used in smartphones and high-quality semiconductors—by 2028, an amount sufficient to meet the European Union’s entire demand.

The announcement follows the European Commission’s release this week of a list of 47 strategic projects, including initiatives in Greece, aimed at enhancing the EU’s supply of materials vital for its energy transition and security. Gallium is among the key minerals highlighted in the plan according to Greek city times

“Starting in 2028, Metlen’s gallium output of 50 tonnes will fully satisfy EU needs,” said Evangelos Mytilineos, the company’s president and CEO, during a press briefing.

The move comes as China, which controls 98.8% of global refined gallium production, introduced export restrictions on the metal earlier this year. Metlen, already active in bauxite processing, plans to invest €300 million to extract gallium from raw materials. The company also aims to expand into the production of rare-earth metal scandium and germanium, the latter widely used in military applications.

During a visit to Metlen’s mining operations in Greece, European Commission Vice President Stephane Sejourne, who oversees the EU’s industrial strategy, expressed support for the project. “Greece has a significant role to play in the supply of critical minerals,” Sejourne told reporters.

Source: pagenews.gr