Greek aluminum producer Metlen Energy & Metals said on Wednesday that it signed a long-term agreement to supply a US technology company with the critical mineral gallium.
Metlen did not disclose the name of the US company or the value of the deal but said it will absorb 25% of its annual production.
The Greek company aims to launch gallium production in 2027, ramping up to an annual output of 50 metric tons by 2028, which can fully cover the European Union’s needs.
China’s clampdown on critical minerals such as gallium, used in defense applications, AI industry and in semiconductors, has spurred the West to build its own domestic supplies of the elements.
Metlen said in a press release that the agreement marks the first major commercial gallium supply between a European producer and a leading US technological company.
