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Greek Metlen broadens alumina output to extract crucial mineral gallium

Greekbased energy and metals group Metlen prepares to start extracting critical mineral gallium from the raw materials to make aluminium in a. new growth program, it said on Thursday.

China has enforced restrictions on the exports of gallium,. which is utilized in high-quality semiconductors and mobile phones.

The company currently processes bauxite from its own mines in. Greece into alumina, which is further refined into aluminium.

The business plans to invest 295.5 million euros in an. growth that would improve alumina production to 1.27 million. heaps annually, from 865,000 lots currently.

It would launch gallium production in 2027 and ultimately. produce 50 tons a year.

Metlen's investment makes it possible for Europe to totally replace. gallium imports, a statement said.

Last month, China banned exports to the United States of the. critical minerals gallium, germanium and antimony that have. extensive military applications.

The curbs reinforced enforcement of existing limits on. important minerals exports that Beijing started presenting last. year.

In 2015, China has represented 98.8% of refined gallium. production, according to consultancy Task Blue.

(source: Reuters)