Following an extensive technical evaluation by independent experts, the European Critical Raw Materials Board—comprising the 27 Member States with the participation of the European Parliament—recommended the designation of METLEN’s investment as a Project of Strategic Importance for the Union. This decision, ratified on March 25, 2025, marks a milestone for European metallurgy and Greek mining activity, as it is the only project that decisively strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy in bauxite, alumina (and aluminum), and gallium, all of which are classified as ‘critical raw materials.’
Out of the 170 projects submitted across Europe, 47 projects from 13 EU Member States were approved. The inclusion of METLEN’s integrated project—encompassing bauxite mining, the expansion of the alumina production plant, and the production of 50 MT of gallium— in the list of selected CRMA strategic projects confirms the importance of these critical materials for the resilience of Europe’s supply chain. At the same time, it paves the way for faster permitting processes, access to European funding, and enhanced support from the EU.
With METLEN’s investment now recognized as Strategic, new bauxite mining can be launched for the first time in decades as well as an increase in alumina production—an industry that has suffered a severe setback in Europe— and, of course, the full substitution of gallium imports. This ensures the production of crucial equipment and technology for the energy and digital transition as well as defense.
In this context, METLEN is honored to welcome Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, for an official visit to the Aluminium of Greece industrial unit on March 27, 2025, where the project and its contribution to European strategic autonomy will be presented.
