Athens-listed industrial and energy company Metlen Energy & Metals has entered into two long-term strategic agreements with global mining major Rio Tinto, securing supply chain improvements in both bauxite and alumina.

More specifically, as previously announced, Metlen has committed to a large-scale expansion of its alumina production capacity with a landmark investment at the historic Aluminium of Greece plant in Agios Nikolaos, Viotia, Greece.

This investment will significantly increase the refinery’s alumina output from 865 000 t to 1.27-million tonnes a year.

To support this expansion, Metlen has signed two significant and sizeable long-term agreements with Rio Tinto.

Through the bauxite supply agreement, Rio Tinto will supply about 14.9-million tonnes of bauxite from the CBG mine, in Guinea, over an 11-year period from 2027.

These quantities will supplement Metlen’s own production in the local mines.

Though the alumina offtake agreement, Metlen will supply Rio Tinto with 3.9-million tonnes of alumina, sourced from its expanded Agios Nikolaos refinery over an eight-year period from 2027, with an optional three-year extension.

“This strategic partnership with Rio Tinto is one more milestone for Metlen, ensuring a secure and competitive supply chain for our expanding alumina production. With these agreements we strengthen our competitive position and deepen our presence in the global alumina market,” says Metlen chairperson and CEO Evangelos Mytilineos.

“Rio Tinto is pleased to forge this long-term partnership with METLEN Energy and Metals, securing alumina supply for our operations in the Atlantic region to continue producing high-quality, low-carbon aluminium for our customers while strengthening our position in Europe,” adds Rio Tinto Aluminium CE Jerome Pécresse.

These agreements are part of Metlen’s strategy to reinforce and expand its operations in the global alumina market.

By securing long-term bauxite supply and a stable offtake arrangement for its alumina production, Metlen says it is establishing its position as a key player in the industry while ensuring sustainable growth.