Rock Tech CEO issues statement on Resource EU plan

Executive Summary

• Rock Tech Lithium CEO Mirco Wojnarowicz issued a statement endorsing the European Commission's "ResourceEU" action plan, highlighting it as a strategic tailwind for the company's lithium supply initiatives.
• The ResourceEU plan explicitly classifies lithium as a strategic critical raw material and aims to reduce European dependency on third countries, with specific mention of Canada as a key partner.
• The company reaffirmed its position as a strategic raw materials project under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), citing existing permits, established technology, and ready offtakers as foundations for a final investment decision (FID).

Key Details

• Regulatory Context: The European Commission’s ResourceEU action plan complements the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), setting binding targets for 2030: 40% processing and 25% recycling of strategic materials within the EU.
• Strategic Classification: Lithium is explicitly named as a critical raw material for battery production, e-mobility, large-scale battery storage, data centers, and the defense industry.
• Financing Mechanisms: The EU is establishing a "CRM bank" to mobilize up to €3 billion over the next 12 months for strategic projects, particularly in lithium and battery materials. The Innovation Fund and "battery booster" are also providing targeted support.
• Project Status (Guben Converter):
  • Located in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany.
  • Aims to become Europe's first commercial lithium hydroxide refinery.
  • Capacity: 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually.
  • Output Equivalence: Approximately 30 GWh of battery capacity, sufficient for ~500,000 electric vehicles per year (based on 0.8 kg/kWh and 60 kWh/EV).
  • Supply Chain: Processes spodumene concentrate secured via trading partner C&D Logistics (Qingdao) Co. Ltd.
  • Technology & Construction: Utilizes advanced crystallization technologies from GEA Group AG; construction partner (EPCM) is Worley Ltd.
  • Social Impact: Expected to create approximately 200 jobs.
• Company Position: Rock Tech states it is ready to deliver substantial contributions to European supply, having laid the foundation for FID through cost structure revisions.
• Canadian Operations: The company also operates a converter project in Ontario, Canada, with a capacity of up to 36,000 tonnes LCE per year, supported by its wholly owned Georgia Lake project.

Notable Quotes

• "The ResourceEU plan is a clear signal from Brussels: Europe wants control over its raw materials supply back -- and now."
• "For Rock Tech, the plan is clear tailwind. We are listed as a strategic raw materials project of the EU, permits are in place, strategic offtakers are ready and the technology is established with clear ESG standards -- we can quickly deliver a substantial contribution to European supply."
• "Europe now needs projects that deliver impact in the short term -- and that is exactly what we can do."