Rock Tech Partners with Chinese Firm to Enhance Lithium Production

Rock Tech Lithium, a German-Canadian enterprise, is poised to advance its lithium production capabilities through a new partnership with a Chinese company, Ronbay Technology. This collaboration aims to bolster the manufacturing of battery materials within Europe.

The strategic alliance focuses on the long-term supply of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from Rock Tech's operations to Ronbay's production facilities in Poland. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a fully integrated local supply chain for lithium-ion battery materials to meet the rising demand across Europe.

Currently, Rock Tech is developing a lithium refinery in Guben, located near the German-Polish border. The facility is intended to produce lithium hydroxide, a critical component for electric vehicle batteries. However, the commencement of construction, initially scheduled for early this year, has faced delays due to the current downturn in the electric vehicle market.

A spokesperson from Rock Tech indicated that while financing for the project is not yet finalized, key foundational agreements are already in place. The estimated funding required for the refinery is approximately EUR800 million, and once financing is secured, construction will begin. The production capacity is projected to cater to around 500,000 electric vehicles.

In addition to the collaboration with Ronbay, Rock Tech has previously established a partnership with automotive giant Mercedes-Benz. This cooperation, announced in 2022, includes a supply agreement for lithium hydroxide sufficient for 150,000 electric vehicles, highlighting Rock Tech's commitment to supporting the growing electric vehicle sector.

Ronbay Technology specializes in the research, production, and distribution of cathode materials for lithium and sodium batteries. The strategic partnership with Rock Tech is expected to enhance the availability of essential materials for battery production in Europe, thus contributing to the sustainability of the electric mobility sector.