German-Canadian company Rock Tech Lithium has received the notice of approval for its lithium hydroxide converter in Guben, Germany. The facility is said to be the first of its kind in Europe and to produce approximately 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide per year. Lithium hydroxide is an important raw material for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
Early preparation of the construction site
In May 2024, the company had received a rejection of its application for funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs. Meanwhile, there is no new information regarding a possible funding by the State of Brandenburg. Its environmental agency granted the permit within two years in an immission control procedure with public participation. Rock Tech took advantage of the legal possibility of an early start to prepare the construction site before the final permit was issued.
50% to come from recycled batteries
Rock Tech Lithium extracts the raw material for electric vehicle batteries at its Georgia Lake mine project in Ontario. Afterwards, the material is to be processed into battery-compatible products in Guben, Brandenburg. By 2030, around 50% of the raw materials are to come from recycled batteries. Mercedes-Benz has already secured an average annual supply of 10,000 tons of lithium hydroxide from Guben.
