Lithium research project funded by Rock Tech Lithium in partnership with RWTH Aachen University
Rock Tech Lithium Secures Funding for German Lithium Hydroxide Refinery
Rock Tech Lithium, a Canadian company, has announced plans for a lithium hydroxide refinery in Guben, Germany, with an annual production capacity of approximately 24,000 tons. This refinery is expected to supply over 500,000 electric vehicles each year, marking a significant step towards securing a European supply of critical raw materials in line with EU policies.
The refinery project is a strategic move for Rock Tech, as it has recently received €250,000 in funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space. This funding will be used for the "ELiSePro" project at the Guben site, aiming to increase lithium yield in the conversion process.
In addition to the "ELiSePro" project, Rock Tech has also received €800,000 funding from EIT RawMaterials and CAD 388,000 funding from Ontario's Critical Minerals Innovation Fund. These funds will support projects in lithium processing and ore sorting.
The "ELiSePro" project is a collaboration with RWTH Aachen University, where they will compare various ion separation methods, including nanofiltration, capacitive deionization, and lithium-ion sieves. These methods will be evaluated both economically and technologically for direct industrial application, with results planned for publication and patent protection.
The EU Critical Raw Materials Act is mentioned in relation to Rock Tech's strategic role in ensuring the security of critical raw materials. With the production scheduled to begin in 2026, this refinery is a significant contribution to the European electric vehicle market.
In summary, Rock Tech Lithium's lithium hydroxide refinery in Guben is a strategic part of the company's plan to establish a secure European supply of critical raw materials. The collaboration with RWTH Aachen University through the ELiSePro project aims to improve lithium yield during the converter process, with results planned for publication and patent protection. The refinery's production is scheduled to commence in 2026, marking a significant step towards securing a European supply of lithium hydroxide for the electric vehicle market.
- The funding received from Germany's Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space, EIT RawMaterials, and Ontario's Critical Minerals Innovation Fund will be utilized by Rock Tech Lithium for projects in technology, particularly enhancing lithium processing and ore sorting.
- The energy sector is poised to benefit significantly from Rock Tech Lithium's lithium hydroxide refinery in Guben, as it will supply over 500,000 electric vehicles each year, contributing to the growth of the electric vehicle market in Europe.
