Sparks - Metlen Energy & Metals

Metlen announced today a Final Investment Decision (FID) confirming a €295.5m investment in a new production line for bauxite, alumina and gallium.  This production line within its “Aluminium of Greece” plant will produce 2Mt/y of bauxite, 1.265Mt/y of alumina (up from 0.865Mt/y) and 50t/y of gallium.  The investment will require the development of new bauxite deposits, expansion and modernisation of the alumina plant, power infrastructure and port expansion and upgrades.  All three materials are included in the European Union’s list of critical raw materials, and the production of gallium for the first time creates a new source of European production and enables the displacement of European imports.  Gallium is critical for various applications including integrated circuits, LED production and permanent magnets.  Bauxite and alumina production is scheduled for 2026, with gallium production commencing in 2027 and in full scale operation by 2028.  Metlen is planning to list on the LSE in 2025.