Rock Tech seeks European deal with Chinese manufacturer Ronbay
Under the agreement, Rock Tech will supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide from its Guben Converter in Germany to Ronbay’s European cathode production facilities, including its newly acquired plant in Konin, Poland.
Ronbay is a CAM manufacturer headquartered in Ningbo, China. Among the well-known purchasers of CAM material in China is the battery manufacturer WeLion. It will provide technical resources and potential investment to support the development of Rock Tech’s Guben Converter. Located on the German-Polish border, the converter aims to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually – enough to power over 500,000 electric vehicles per year.
The collaboration is part of Ronbay’s broader international strategy. The Chinese multinational recently acquired the former Johnson Matthey cathode materials facility in Konin, Poland, with plans to produce 25,000 tonnes of mid- and high-nickel ternary materials from 2026.
“Ronbay’s European Project marks a pivotal step in our global strategy. Our partnership with Rock Tech will accelerate the localisation of raw materials for the project and further strengthen our presence in the European market,” said the Head of Supply Chain at Ronbay.
At the core of the partnership is a commitment to accelerate local production of critical battery materials. “Ronbay’s interest in sourcing lithium locally produced in Europe is a clear signal of strategic alignment. This partnership will act as a flywheel, accelerating and amplifying our shared commitment to building a resilient battery value chain in Europe,” said Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech Lithium.
The MoU outlines several strategic initiatives beyond lithium hydroxide supply. Ronbay will introduce experienced engineering and construction partners to support the Guben Converter’s construction and ramp-up. Both parties will also explore joint investment opportunities and collaborate on market development, customer acquisition, and offtake commitments in the European battery and automotive sectors.
“This partnership enhances our ability to fast-track execution and scale operations with greater efficiency,” added Wojnarowicz.
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