METLEN Strengthens Sourcing with 11-Year Rio Tinto Agreement

METLEN Energy & Metals is expanding its bauxite and alumina supply chain through two major agreements with Rio Tinto.

The deal secures long-term procurement of raw materials essential to METLEN’s growing aluminium production capacity.

With bauxite sourced from Rio Tinto’s operations in Guinea and alumina supplied to Rio Tinto’s Atlantic refineries, the partnership reinforces METLEN’s position in the global supply chain.

Under the terms of the agreements, METLEN secures a steady bauxite supply from Rio Tinto while committing to a long-term alumina offtake.

The Bauxite Supply Agreement ensures that METLEN receives 14.9 million metric tonnes of bauxite from the Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG) mine over 11 years (2027–2037). This additional bauxite will supplement METLEN’s own mining operations, ensuring continuous feedstock for its refining facilities.

At the same time, the Alumina Offtake Agreement commits METLEN to supplying 3.9 million metric tonnes of alumina to Rio Tinto over eight years (2027–2034), with an option to extend for three more years (2035–2037).

This alumina will come from METLEN’s expanded Agios Nikolaos refinery in Greece, supporting Rio Tinto’s aluminium production in the Atlantic region.

Evangelos Mytilineos, Chairman and CEO of METLEN, describes the agreement as a strategic move to enhance METLEN’s competitive edge: “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.”

Expanding alumina production in Greece

METLEN’s increased need for bauxite aligns with its investment in expanding the Aluminium of Greece refinery in Agios Nikolaos, Viotia.

The project will raise alumina output from 865,000 metric tonnes to 1,265,000 metric tonnes per year, making it one of the largest such facilities in Europe.

The agreement with Rio Tinto not only guarantees a steady inflow of raw materials but also provides an offtake channel for its alumina, reducing market exposure risks.

By securing both supply and demand in one strategic move, METLEN strengthens its vertically integrated aluminium production model.

This model sets METLEN apart as the only European Union-based company operating a fully integrated bauxite, alumina and aluminium production unit with privately owned port facilities.

The company’s commitment to vertical integration supports its green metallurgy strategy, ensuring efficiency and sustainability across its operations.

Strengthening global supply chains

For Rio Tinto, the agreement guarantees a stable alumina supply to sustain its low-carbon aluminium production.

Jerome Pécresse, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Aluminium, highlights the importance of this partnership: “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.”

The agreement reflects the increasing need for secure supply chains in the metals industry, as companies seek to hedge against raw material shortages and price volatility.

By locking in long-term supply contracts, METLEN and Rio Tinto enhance their market stability and competitive positioning.

With operations spanning 40 countries across five continents, METLEN integrates metallurgy and energy in a synergetic business model, driving efficiency in both sectors.

The company’s presence in thermal and renewable energy, electricity distribution, grid infrastructure and battery storage aligns with its commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

Through this latest partnership, METLEN strengthens its role in the global aluminium value chain, ensuring a steady flow of materials for its expanded production while reinforcing its market influence.

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