The deadline for initial bids was set for January 8, the energy ministry said citing an invitation for expressions of interest in Larco's assets by its special administrator.

Larco, which is 55% owned by the state, had been struggling under half a billion euros in debt owed to suppliers, contractors, banks and pension funds. A special administrator was appointed in February to sell some of its assets.

Greece's privatisation agency and Larco's special administrator are expected to launch separate tenders.

The tender launched on Monday included the sale of three mines, plots of land and other property.

The second tender, by the privatisation agency for the sale of a smelting plant, will be launched by the end of the month, the energy ministry said.

Binding bids are expected within the first half of 2021, it said in a statement.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; writing by Lefteris Papadimas; editing by Jason Neely)