EU accelerates mineral autonomy

Mr. Stephane Sejourne speaks at a press conference at Chateau de La Celle-Saint-Cloud, near Paris on February 12, 2024. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

On March 27, Executive Vice President of the European Commission (EC) Stéphane Séjourné traveled to Greece to inspect an aluminum plant preparing to mine gallium, a metal used in advanced semiconductors, 5G antennas, solar cells and military radar systems.

The project is among dozens announced by the EU last week to boost the bloc's mineral self-sufficiency amid surging demand for high-tech materials and escalating geopolitical tensions.

The project is one of 47 strategic projects selected to boost production of key raw materials, thereby helping the EU reduce its dependence on third countries, Mr. Séjourné said.

EU officials say the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine and more recently trade disputes, including China’s export controls on high-tech materials last year, have exposed the fragility of global supply chains.

The gallium project in Greece will exploit domestic bauxite resources and integrate the extraction process with existing aluminium infrastructure.

According to EU and Greek officials, the Greek energy and metals company Metlen Energy & Metals will operate the plant. When operational in 2027, the facility is expected to produce 50 tons of gallium per year, meeting most of Europe's needs.

Greek Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos stressed that this is a strategic investment that will help strengthen autonomy and ensure security not only for Greece but also for the whole of Europe.

The EU will allocate part of its 22.5 billion euro ($24.2 billion) investment package for projects to exploit and process 17 important minerals in 13 member states.

These minerals play an essential role in many high-tech products such as electric vehicles, battery components, light alloys in the transportation industry and medical equipment.
At an event to introduce the projects in Brussels earlier this week, Mr. Séjourné stressed that the EU needs public support for domestic mineral exploitation.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/the-gioi/eu-tang-toc-tu-chu-khoang-san-20250328113843854.htm