Rock Tech Lithium Inc. has received permission for an early start to the construction of its lithium converter in Guben, Germany (the ‘Guben Converter'). The first significant work onsite for this strategic critical mineral project is expected within the upcoming next weeks. From 2025, the Guben Converter is expected to produce around 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide.

For this purpose, Rock Tech recently received approval from the responsible Brandenburg State Office for the Environment for an early start related to the first tranche of permits. Rock Tech plans to start initial work on the project, with an estimated cost of 683 million euros, on its own property on the industrial park in Guben in the upcoming weeks. Rock Tech applied for the first partial permit and approval for early start in February 2022.

In the course of the application procedure, which involved public participation, no objections were received under approval regulations. Rock Tech considers this to be a positive indication of support for the construction of the Guben Converter and at the same time appreciates the efficient and transparent cooperation with the authorities. The approval for an early start is also an encouraging indicator that permission for construction of the Guben Converter will be granted in due course.

In November, Rock Tech has submitted the second and final tranche of permit applications for this to the authority. Approval for construction of the Guben Converter is expected from summer 2023 onwards. To date, more than 250,000 working hours and over 45 million euros have been invested by Rock Tech in the planning the design and construction of the Guben Converter.

With the early start permission, necessary groundwork as well as the construction of roads, office and storage buildings can begin.