FLSmidth and Keliber have entered into an agreement for the supply of pyro-processing technology to the Keliber project's lithium hydroxide refinery in Kokkola. The agreement is of great strategic importance to both companies, building on the existing relationship involving testing and engineering for the Kokkola lithium hydroxide refinery. FLSmidth is set to deliver the advanced calcining system that will support critical functions in the overall processes in the refinery.

The pyro-processing technology includes a two-stage cyclone preheater, a rotary kiln and an indirect rotary cooler, a natural gas-fired rotary kiln burner and a complete off-gas handling circuit. The two-stage preheater rotary kiln represents the state-of-the-art system for facilitating spodumene phase conversion for maximum lithium recovery, while minimizing fuel consumption. The planned annual production from the refinery is expected to be 15,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate and is expected to be one of the first integrated operations in Europe to sustainably produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide utilising its own ore.

The value of the order has not been disclosed.