Rock Tech Lithium Partners with GEA for Key Equipment in Guben Lithium Converter

Rhea-AI Summary

Rock Tech Lithium (RCKTF) has formed a strategic partnership with GEA Group AG to supply crystallization and zero-liquid discharge systems for its Lithium Converter in Guben, Germany. The agreement follows successful test works and will enable the production of 24,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate annually.

The partnership comes after two and a half years of selection, technical specifications, and negotiations. GEA brings extensive process knowledge and market expertise, having supplied technology for multiple lithium projects globally, including facilities in Argentina, South Korea, Europe, and Australia.

The formal contract signing is pending the project's Final Investment Decision (FID), with technical and commercial terms already agreed upon. The collaboration aims to establish an automated, continuously operating Lithium Converter in Europe, marking a significant step in Rock Tech's vision to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced Lithium.

Positive

• Partnership with established global leader GEA Group enhances project credibility
• Successful completion of test works validates technology feasibility
• Large production capacity of 24,000 tons annually of battery-grade LHM
• Advanced automation solutions enable continuous lithium production

Negative

• Final Investment Decision (FID) still pending
• Contract not yet formally signed
• Project timeline and costs not disclosed

• Rock Tech Lithium partners with GEA Group AG, a global leader in process technology, to supply crystallization and zero-liquid discharge systems for its Lithium Converter in Guben, Germany.
• Test works are successfully completed, paving the way for the procurement of crystallizers essential for battery-grade lithium hydroxide production.
• Technical and commercial terms are agreed, with the contract's formal signing pending the project's Final Investment Decision (FID).

TORONTO, March 20 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FSE: RJIB) has entered a technology partnership with GEA Group AG, one of the world's largest system suppliers for advanced process technology, to deliver key equipment for its Lithium Converter in Guben, Germany. As part of the agreement, GEA will supply crystallization and zero-liquid discharge technology, ensuring the highest standards in battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production.

Following two and a half years of an intensive selection process followed by technical specifications and negotiations, Rock Tech has successfully completed test works with GEA to procure crystallizers essential to produce 24,000 tons of battery-grade LHM annually. This equipment contract is a significant step to establish an automated and continuously operating Lithium Converter in Europe.

"Finalizing the commercial and technical contract conditions is a key milestone, ensuring clarity, minimizing risks, and enabling efficient execution. We are pleased to have reached this milestone with such a reputable partner as GEA, establishing a strong foundation for successful collaboration," says Frank Spellier, Rock Tech's Head of Engineering.

The cooperation with GEA ensures that Rock Tech benefits from the company's extensive process knowledge, market expertise, and technical capabilities. In the past few years GEA has contributed to key lithium crystallization projects globally. Among others, GEA supplied technology for a lithium hydroxide plant in Argentina (25,000 tons/year), two process plants for lithium hydroxide production in South Korea, a facility producing 20,000 tons/year in Europe and crystallization and drying technology for an Australian Lithium plant. Additionally, GEA supplied several lithium hydroxide production lines focusing on solid-liquid separation technologies for a leading North American Lithium producer. These projects underscore GEA's expertise in high-purity lithium hydroxide production for battery applications. With terms on scope, services, warranties, and timelines now finalized, the formal contract signing is the next step, subject to the project's Final Investment Decision (FID).

As Rock Tech progresses toward the finalization of the contract, preparations are in place to integrate GEA's high-automation solutions, allowing continuous lithium production at the Guben site.

ABOUT ROCK TECH

Rock Tech's vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced Lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build Lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company's proposed Lithium-Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech's goal is to create a closed-loop Lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further. 

ABOUT GEA

GEA is one of the world's largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology. With more than 18,000 employees, the Group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2024 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers' production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company's purpose: "Engineering for a better world. "GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. 

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to expectations concerning the Guben Converter, including the design and features of the Guben Converter, as well as the expected costs, capital expenditures, timing and outcomes thereof; statements regarding the Company's future plans, estimates, and schedules relating to the Guben Converter, including the anticipated timing of future activities taken in support of the development thereof; Rock Tech's potential financing arrangements; the expected economic performance of the Guben Converter and anticipated production of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and related processing methods employed; the estimated capital and operating costs of the Guben Converter; the anticipated timing and outcomes of a final investment decision, construction activities and commissioning of the Guben Converter; statements regarding the Company's sustainability and ESG related goals and strategy, including the benefits and achievement thereof and future actions taken by the Company in relation thereto; expected regulatory processes and final outcomes; expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry, including the demand for and pricing of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and the benefits therefrom, and the development of political and regulatory frameworks especially in Germany and the European Union; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

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SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

FAQ

What is the annual production capacity of Rock Tech's Guben Lithium Converter?

The Guben Lithium Converter will produce 24,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) annually.

What technology will GEA supply to Rock Tech's RCKTF Guben facility?

GEA will supply crystallization and zero-liquid discharge technology systems for battery-grade lithium hydroxide production.

When will Rock Tech RCKTF formally sign the contract with GEA?

The formal contract signing is pending the project's Final Investment Decision (FID), with technical and commercial terms already agreed upon.

What is GEA's experience in lithium production facilities?

GEA has supplied technology for lithium projects globally, including a 25,000-ton facility in Argentina, plants in South Korea, a 20,000-ton facility in Europe, and an Australian lithium plant.