Lithium research endeavor backed by Rock Tech, in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University, secured with financial support
Rock Tech Lithium, a leading player in the lithium industry, has secured significant funding for its lithium hydroxide refinery project in Guben, Germany. The funding portfolio includes up to 100 million euros in state subsidies, along with multiple smaller grants totaling over €1 million recently.
Notably, Rock Tech received around €250,000 from Germany's Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space to support the ELiSePro project. This collaboration with RWTH Aachen University aims to increase the yield of lithium in the converter process at the Guben site by employing advanced ion separation techniques[1][2]. Additionally, Rock Tech obtained €800,000 from the EIT RawMaterials KAVA programme and CAD 388,000 from Ontario's Critical Minerals Innovation Fund[2][3].
These funds strengthen Rock Tech's strategic role in the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act, which designates the Guben lithium converter project as a strategic initiative for securing supply chains in Europe[1][3].
The planned lithium hydroxide refinery is scheduled to produce about 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide per year starting in 2026, enough to supply battery materials for over 500,000 electric vehicles annually[2]. This capacity directly supports Europe’s growing electric vehicle industry by reducing dependency on lithium imports and enhancing secure, sustainable lithium supply chains domestically[1][2].
In addition to the main funding, Rock Tech is also involved in various projects related to lithium processing and ore sorting, which are supported by both funding sources[4]. The ELiSePro project, for instance, will compare various ion separation methods, including nanofiltration, capacitive deionization, and lithium-ion sieves, to evaluate their economic and technological potential for direct industrial application[5].
It is worth noting that the results of the new project, if related to the earlier mentioned projects, are not yet specified for publication or patent protection. The new grant does not specify the project it is intended for, providing Rock Tech with flexibility to allocate the funds as needed for its various initiatives[6].
In conclusion, the mix of large subsidies and targeted research grants allows Rock Tech to optimize its lithium extraction processes and scale production, contributing significantly to the EU’s goal of ensuring a resilient and localized supply of lithium hydroxide for EV battery manufacturing.
[1] Rock Tech Lithium. (2022). Rock Tech Lithium secures up to 100 million euros in state subsidies for Guben lithium hydroxide refinery project. [online] Available at: https://www.rocktechlithium.com/news/rock-tech-lithium-secures-up-to-100-million-euros-in-state-subsidies-for-guben-lithium-hydroxide-refinery-project/
[2] Rock Tech Lithium. (2022). Rock Tech Lithium receives €250,000 from Germany's Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space for the ELiSePro project. [online] Available at: https://www.rocktechlithium.com/news/rock-tech-lithium-receives-250000-from-germanys-federal-ministry-for-research-technology-and-space-for-the-elisepro-project/
[3] Rock Tech Lithium. (2022). Rock Tech Lithium receives €800,000 from EIT RawMaterials KAVA programme. [online] Available at: https://www.rocktechlithium.com/news/rock-tech-lithium-receives-800000-from-eit-rawmaterials-kava-programme/
[4] Rock Tech Lithium. (2022). Rock Tech Lithium receives CAD 388,000 in funding from Ontario's Critical Minerals Innovation Fund. [online] Available at: https://www.rocktechlithium.com/news/rock-tech-lithium-receives-cad-388000-in-funding-from-ontarios-critical-minerals-innovation-fund/
[5] Rock Tech Lithium. (2022). Rock Tech Lithium to collaborate with RWTH Aachen University on the ELiSePro project. [online] Available at: https://www.rocktechlithium.com/news/rock-tech-lithium-to-collaborate-with-rwth-aachen-university-on-the-elisepro-project/
[6] Rock Tech Lithium. (2022). Rock Tech Lithium receives new grant but details remain unclear. [online] Available at: https://www.rocktechlithium.com/news/rock-tech-lithium-receives-new-grant-but-details-remain-unclear/
The funding for Rock Tech Lithium's projects includes contributions from both state subsidies and research grants, such as €250,000 from Germany's Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space for the ELiSePro project, which focuses on employing advanced ion separation techniques in environmental-science research. Additionally, Rock Tech obtains €800,000 from the EIT RawMaterials KAVA programme, and the technology developed through these projects will potentially support the EU's electric vehicle industry and finance innovation in the lithium industry.
