METLEN Energy & Metals has signed a second long-term supply agreement for gallium from its planned Greek production facility, expanding its contracted customer base ahead of the plant’s targeted commercial start in 2027. The latest deal with a major Japanese chemical company covers up to 16% of planned annual output, following an earlier agreement with a US technology company.
The facility is designed to produce approximately 50 tonnes of gallium annually, with commercial production scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The two agreements together cover more than two-fifths of the planned production capacity, while METLEN expects to secure contracts for the remaining output before operations begin. The agreements establish customer commitments before the facility reaches commercial production, reducing part of the investment’s sales risk while construction and development continue.
Long-Term Contracts Cover More Than 40% of Planned Output
Under the earlier agreement, METLEN committed approximately 25% of future gallium production to a US technology company. The newly signed Japanese agreement adds coverage for up to another 16% of annual capacity.
Combined, the two contracts account for more than 40% of the facility’s planned output. METLEN intends to contract the remaining production before commissioning, with the objective of entering the market with an established customer base in the United States and Asia. The next project milestones include construction progress, commissioning and confirmation that the plant can consistently achieve its targeted gallium purity and recovery levels.
€295.5 Million Investment Programme Includes Gallium Production
The gallium facility forms part of METLEN’s broader €295.5 million investment programme covering bauxite, alumina and gallium production in Greece. The project is integrated with the company’s existing alumina operations, enabling gallium recovery through the wider processing chain rather than requiring a standalone mine. This arrangement links the planned gallium output to METLEN’s established processing activities and feedstock infrastructure.
The development is intended to add primary gallium production capacity in Europe, where domestic production remains limited. Securing long-term buyers before the plant starts operating is part of METLEN’s commercial strategy for the investment.
Gallium Demand Spans Semiconductors, Electronics and Defence
Gallium is used in semiconductors, power electronics, telecommunications and defence applications, making supply security an important consideration for industrial consumers. METLEN’s planned annual production of approximately 50 tonnes would establish a new source of the metal within its Greek operations. The company is pursuing long-term supply agreements with industrial buyers while preparing the facility for its targeted third-quarter 2027 start-up.
Construction, commissioning and the plant’s ability to achieve consistent purity and recovery levels remain the next operational milestones as METLEN works toward contracting most or all of its planned annual output before production begins.
