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.

“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.

“A few months ago the European Commission tabled its proposal for the Critical Raw Materials Directive to help the European mining and minerals and metals processing industries  in which it has a deficit and absolute dependence on imports, mainly from China and Russia,” said Mytilineos.

Arriving at the informal Council of Environment and Energy Ministers held on Wednesday in Valladolid, Spain, Environment and Energy Minister Thodoros Skylakakis said that “Greece supports the EU’s initiative for strategic autonomy and can contribute to this effort with the extraction of critical raw materials and rare earths that exist in its subsoil.” 

Source: Ekathimerini.com