Metlen signs gallium supply deal with Japanese chemical group

(Sharecast News) - Metlen Energy & Metals on Monday said it had signed a long‑term commercial agreement with an unnamed Japanese chemical company for future gallium supply, securing up to 16% of annual output from its new Greek production facility.



No financial details were disclosed. The deal marks Metlen's second strategic gallium agreement, following an earlier arrangement with a US technology company, and further underscores what the group called "strong international demand for a reliable European source of supply".

Metlen is developing Europe's only large‑scale gallium production unit, integrated with feedstock from its Aluminium of Greece refinery. The company said growing interest reflects both the strategic importance of gallium - a critical mineral used in advanced semiconductors - and confidence in its proprietary production model.

Executive chairman Evangelos Mytilineos said global industry's response "continues to exceed expectations", adding that Greece is becoming part of a "new global technology ecosystem" as Europe builds presence in a strategically important value chain.

Metlen expects its 50‑tonne‑per‑year gallium output to be almost entirely sold out months before production begins, currently scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.