Rock Tech's designation as "Strategic Project" by the European Commission is considered a "Transformational Milestone" - Only three Lithium projects in Germany were selected - Rock Tech is the only full-scale European Lithium refinery using proven and tested technology - Access to funding opportunities

Rhea-AI Summary

Rock Tech Lithium (RCKTF) has achieved a significant milestone as its Guben Converter project received Strategic Project status under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The project is among only three Strategic Projects selected in Germany and stands as the sole lithium processing facility among 47 chosen projects capable of processing spodumene concentrate into battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide using the sulphation-causticization route.

This designation grants Rock Tech enhanced access to funding opportunities and stronger support from European policymakers. The company will connect with the CRMA finance subgroup for guidance in project financing through private and public sources. Additionally, regional and national authorities can utilize the European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund to support the project's development.

Positive

• Strategic Project designation provides improved access to EU funding and policy support
• One of only three Strategic Projects selected in Germany under CRMA
• Only lithium processing facility among 47 selected projects using proven technology
• Access to European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund support

Negative

• None.

TORONTO, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") has announced last week that its Guben Converter has been officially granted Strategic Project status under the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This prestigious designation underscores the project's essential role in securing Europe's supply of critical raw materials, reinforcing the EU's ambition to build a resilient and sustainable battery metals supply chain.

The Guben Converter is one of only three Strategic Projects in Germany and the only lithium processing facility among the 47 selected projects that is capable of processing spodumene concentrate via the established sulphation–causticization route into battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide.

Rock Tech will benefit from improved access to funding opportunities (debt and equity), and stronger support from European policymakers. In detail, the designation enables Rock Tech to connect with the CRMA finance subgroup, which will provide guidance and meaningful support in finalizing the project's financing by exploring both private and public funding sources. Furthermore, this status ensures that regional and national authorities can leverage the European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund to support the project's development.

Therefore, the selection as a Strategic Project is an important milestone that confirms Rock Tech's strategy and highlights the critical importance of building local processing capacity for lithium extraction from primary sources while leveraging proven and established technology.

"Receiving Strategic Project status is a transformational milestone for Rock Tech and our stakeholders," said Dirk Harbecke, CEO of Rock Tech. "It validates the critical role of our Guben Converter in Europe's mineral strategy and paves the way for streamlined development and financing. We look forward to working closely with European institutions and industry partners to advance our project."

The Critical Raw Materials Act, adopted by the European Union, aims to bolster domestic supply chains for essential raw materials while reducing dependency on external sources. By prioritizing Strategic Projects, the EU is ensuring stable access to materials crucial for the green energy transition, including lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, and more.

Rock Tech remains committed to advancing the Guben Converter in alignment with best environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices while supporting Europe's transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, 
Dirk Harbecke
Chairman & CEO

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.

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 news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to: the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and allocation thereof; listing of the Unit Shares on the TSX-V, including obtaining the final acceptance of the TSX-V; discussions with strategic and financial investors to explore potential opportunities for investments directly at the project level, including the Company's converter projects in Germany and Canada and the Georgia Lake Project; and 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 information is based on certain assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions of the Company and, in certain cases, third party experts, that are believed by management of Rock Tech to be reasonable at the time they were made. Forward-looking information is derived utilizing numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the satisfaction of the conditions to obtain final acceptance of the TSX-V approval for the listing of the Unit Shares on the TSX-V; the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of prices of, feedstock and intermediate and final lithium products; that all required regulatory approvals and permits can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; expected growth, performance and business operations; future commodity prices and exchange rates; prospects, growth opportunities and financing available to the Company; general business and economic conditions; the costs and results of exploration, development and operating activities; Rock Tech's ability to procure supplies and other equipment necessary for its business; and the accuracy and reliability of technical data, forecasts, estimates and studies. The foregoing list is not exhaustive of all assumptions which may have been used in developing the forward-looking information. While Rock Tech considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results. Except as may be required by law, Rock Tech undertakes no obligation and expressly disclaims any responsibility, obligation or undertaking to update or to revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, to reflect any change in Rock Tech's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such information is based. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purposes of assisting readers in understanding Rock Tech's plans, objectives and goals and is not appropriate for any other purposes.

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.  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rock-techs-designation-as-strategic-project-by-the-european-commission-is-considered-a-transformational-milestone---only-three-lithium-projects-in-germany-were-selected---rock-tech-is-the-only-full-scale-european-lithium-refi-302415485.html

SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

FAQ

What does Rock Tech's Strategic Project status mean for RCKTF investors?

The status provides improved access to EU funding, policy support, and financing opportunities through both private and public sources, potentially reducing investment risks.

How many Strategic Projects were selected alongside Rock Tech RCKTF in Germany?

Rock Tech's Guben Converter is one of only three Strategic Projects selected in Germany under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act.

What unique advantage does Rock Tech RCKTF's Guben Converter have among selected projects?

It's the only lithium processing facility among 47 selected projects that can process spodumene concentrate into battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide using proven technology.

What funding sources will be available to Rock Tech RCKTF after receiving Strategic Project status?

The company can access the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund, and receive guidance from CRMA finance subgroup for private and public funding.

How does Rock Tech RCKTF's Guben Converter align with EU's mineral strategy?

The project supports EU's goal of securing domestic supply chains for critical raw materials and reducing dependency on external sources for the green energy transition.