Rock Tech Lithium has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Romanian government to build a lithium hydroxide converter in the European country with an investment of around €400 million.

According to the Canadian cleantech company, the MoU calls for cooperation and support for its search for a location for its project in Romania.

Rock Tech Lithium said that a major factor in the site selection process of its second proposed lithium hydroxide converter in Europe will be access to regional infrastructure that includes transportation links and a rail connection.

The proposed lithium hydroxide converting plant will be refining lithium-bearing rock into high-purity lithium hydroxide for the electric vehicle (EV) industry and its suppliers for manufacturing EV batteries.

Rock Tech Lithium expects the lithium hydroxide converter in Romania to produce close to 24,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide per annum, which is equivalent to the volume required to equip nearly half a million electric cars with lithium-ion batteries.

Dirk Harbecke — Chairman of Rock Tech Lithium said: “We want to initiate the construction and operation of five lithium-hydroxide converters in Europe by 2029 and are grateful for the Government of Romania to support us in finding the ideal location for one of our next converters.

“It took us almost two years to find and sign our first location in Guben, Brandenburg. To keep our ambitious targets, we plan wisely and long-term. We not only want to invest in Romania, but also build up know-how, create jobs and work closely with local partners.”

  Dirk Harbecke, electric cars, Electric Vehicle, EV batteries, Lithium, lithium hydroxide, lithium-ion batteries, Rock Tech Lithium, Romania