Metlen Signed Strategic Gallium Supply Deal
The European company secured a second major partnership for its upcoming gallium production unit.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Metlen has finalized a strategic gallium supply agreement with a Japanese chemical group. This marks the second such deal for the company, which is currently developing a large-scale production facility in Greece.
Why it matters
Gallium is a critical mineral essential for semiconductor manufacturing, and strong international demand has driven interest in establishing a reliable European supply chain.
Metlen has an annual production capacity target of 50 tonnes of gallium. This facility is integrated with feedstock sourced directly from the Aluminium of Greece refinery using a proprietary production model.
The players
Metlen
Metlen is an industrial company currently developing a large-scale gallium production unit in Europe.
Aluminium of Greece
Aluminium of Greece is a refinery that provides the essential feedstock for the new gallium production facility.
The details
The upcoming production unit in Europe is designed to utilize a proprietary manufacturing process that integrates feedstock from the Aluminium of Greece refinery. The company expects its entire 50-tonne annual output to be fully contracted before the site becomes operational.
Timeline
Gallium production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027.
The Tech Race
This deal underscores the industry-wide effort to diversify supply chains for materials designated as critical minerals for semiconductors. By establishing regional production, companies are moving to reduce reliance on legacy global supply networks for these vital electronics components.
As gallium is a foundational material for high-performance semiconductors, increasing European supply could eventually stabilize production costs for various consumer electronics. This development reflects an ongoing shift toward more resilient, localized manufacturing for essential tech components.
The takeaway
The move to secure long-term contracts before production begins highlights the extreme market demand for high-purity semiconductor materials. Investors and industry participants should monitor how these partnerships influence future availability for global tech manufacturers.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Semiconductors sector.
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