Rock Tech and RWTH Aachen University to improve lithium yield in Guben
The project name ELiSePro stands for ‘Efficient lithium recovery using selective processes’, and Rock Tech states that the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has promised the company around 250,000 euros in funding to realise this project. Together with experts from RWTH Aachen University, the lithium producer will now compare various ion separation processes (including nanofiltration, capacitive deionisation and lithium ion sieves) in order to minimise lithium losses in the process. According to those responsible, the results will also be evaluated according to economic and technological criteria and then utilised directly on an industrial scale in the Guben converter to increase recovery. The partners are also considering publishing the results scientifically or applying for a patent.
“This funding supports the technological advancement of the German and European battery industry – and even [though] it’s a relatively small amount, it’s an important step towards building additional know-how for strengthening security of supply for critical raw materials and building sustainable value chains in Europe,” says Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech.
In recent months, Rock Tech has already received further grants from various public funding sources. The German-Canadian company is also one of the selected recipients of the EIT RawMaterials KAVA programme. The subsidy in this case amounts to 800,000 euros. The grant is also linked to a project (‘OLiVer’) at EIT RawMaterials to further develop the lithium conversion process and other innovations at the Guben site. Specifically, the German subsidiary Rock Tech Guben GmbH is working with international partners such as the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), VITO (Belgium) and Admiris (Greece) to increase the efficiency of lithium extraction from spodumene and further develop the production of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM).
Importantly, the funding follows the European Commission’s recognition of the converter project in Guben as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act. In March, a total of 47 strategic projects to secure and diversify access to raw materials in the EU were classified as strategically important, for example, lithium processing in Guben.
It has been known since 2024 that Rock Tech Lithium can also count on up to 100 million euros in subsidies from state funds for its German lithium refinery. Rock Tech Lithium had previously received a funding cancellation from the German government. However, the 250,000 euros mentioned at the beginning will now flow through the current project funding from the Ministry of Research.
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