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Rock Tech Lithium looking to construct lithium conversion facility in Ontario
September 21, 2024 By Rock To Road Staff
Photo: Rock Tech TORONTO, ON — Rock Tech Lithium Inc. has announced an engineering study has confirmed the economic viability and operational feasibility for the construction and operation of a lithium conversion facility in northern Ontario.
“The scoping study supports our North American plans with a strong business case,” states Rock Tech CEO Dirk Harbecke. “We believe in the tremendous opportunity our projects will bring for the region. Our experience also shows that world-class partners and strong political support are critical for the success of lithium projects. This is essential in challenging markets.”
Rock Tech proposes to build and operate lithium conversion facility with a capacity of up to 32 ktpa LCE in Red Rock, Ontario, located 110 km northeast of Thunder Bay. The lithium raw material (spodumene concentrate) will be locally sourced from the company’s Georgia Lake Project and other lithium mining projects in Ontario and Canada. The project benefits from Rock Tech’s advanced merchant refining competencies and is prepared to become a regional lithium refining hub. The proposed facility will be designed to produce Lithium Carbonate or Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate. A final decision on output material will be made in the coming months based on market needs.
In Europe, Rock Tech’s engineering team has already advanced a fully-permitted lithium conversion facility in Germany with €100 million in secured government funding and is moving towards a financial investment decision (FID) at the end of this year. When examining the viability of opening a facility in Canada, the engineering study confirmed that Rock Tech can transfer a substantial portion of its technical expertise from the German Guben Converter project to Canada. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of basic engineering can be applied, resulting in significant cost saving and an accelerated timeline.
Considering Canadian and Ontario jurisdictional, environmental, and operational aspects, the Rock Tech has developed a robust CAPEX and OPEX model based on the fully permitted Guben Converter, as well as a strong project execution strategy and time schedule. Rock Tech states that replicating its strategy from the Guben Converter not only accelerates project development, but also provides a competitive advantage to constructing the facility in Ontario.
Rock Tech’s vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced lithium, targeting a 100 per cent recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers.
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