EU looks to Greece for niche metals

Greece could be Europe's answer to China's decision to restrict exports of gallium and germanium, rare earth elements used in the manufacture of semiconductors, photovoltaics and optical fibers.

The chairman of Mytilineos Energy & Metals, Evangelos Mytilineos, said the company was contacted by the Commission asking it to explore the possibilities of producing gallium at its aluminium plant in Greece.

"Because we have ready studies and full gallium production capability, with the necessary investments of course, we are in discussions with the European Commission to achieve the best and fastest result," said Mytilineos, who is also president of Eurometaux, the Pan-European Association of Non-Ferrous Metals Industries.

The development comes after the recent announcement of China's plans to restrict exports of gallium and germanium.

China provides the EU...