According to PRNewswire, Rock Tech Lithium Inc. has partnered with global process technology leader GEA Group AG to supply advanced crystallization and zero-liquid discharge systems for its upcoming Lithium Converter facility in Guben, Germany. This partnership represents a critical milestone as Rock Tech prepares to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) annually—an essential component in electric vehicle batteries.
Following 2.5 years of rigorous testing and technical specification work, Rock Tech and GEA have now agreed on the commercial and technical terms. The formal contract is expected to be signed after the project’s Final Investment Decision (FID), which will mark the beginning of a fully automated, continuous lithium production facility in Europe.
The Role of GEA’s Cutting-Edge Technology
GEA will supply its proven crystallization and zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) technologies to the Guben facility, ensuring environmental compliance and product purity. This step is crucial in achieving consistent, battery-grade LHM production, minimizing waste, and adhering to strict European sustainability standards.
- The crystallization technology plays a key role in separating lithium hydroxide from impurities.
- The ZLD system ensures that no wastewater leaves the facility, supporting Rock Tech’s low-impact production goals.
These technologies are fundamental to enabling closed-loop processes in lithium refining, aligning with Europe’s green transition and battery regulation mandates.
GEA’s Proven Global Track Record in Lithium Processing
GEA’s involvement adds robust expertise to the Guben project. The company has previously delivered technology for:
- A 25,000 t/y lithium hydroxide plant in Argentina
- Two lithium processing plants in South Korea
- A 20,000 t/y LHM facility in Europe
- A major Australian plant focused on crystallization and drying
- Several solid-liquid separation lines for a leading North American lithium producer
This impressive track record underscores GEA’s leadership in lithium refining and gives Rock Tech access to reliable and scalable engineering systems.
What This Means for Europe’s Battery Supply Chain
According to Frank Spellier, Rock Tech’s Head of Engineering, finalizing contract conditions with GEA minimizes operational risks and ensures smooth project execution. The Guben converter aims to serve as a backbone for a resilient, domestic lithium supply chain in Europe, reducing dependency on overseas processing and promoting regional sustainability.
With pre-engineering and procurement steps underway, Rock Tech’s converter is expected to be among the first in Europe to demonstrate industrial-scale, high-purity LHM production using advanced crystallization methods.
Conclusion
The partnership between Rock Tech Lithium and GEA Group AG is more than a contract—it’s a foundational move toward sustainable battery production in Europe. By integrating cutting-edge process technology and automation, the Guben facility is poised to become a critical asset in the continent’s transition to electric mobility. As demand for battery-grade lithium surges, this project highlights the importance of localizing and greening critical mineral supply chains.
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