Rock Tech shortlists sites in Ontario for its next lithium converter and relocates Canadian headquarters to Toronto

(CNW Group/Rock Tech Lithium Inc.)

TORONTO — Rock Tech Lithium Inc., has decided to accelerate the planning for its Canadian converter. Applying the engineering and planning from its European converter project, the company is aiming for a start of production in 2027. To that end, Rock Tech has announced the relocation of its Canadian headquarters in Ontario effective October 1, 2023.

“With more than 350,000 engineering hours and approximately 40 million Euros invested, we have taken the Guben converter project in Germany to a high level of maturity,” said Rock Tech’s Chief Operating Officer Klaus Schmitz. “The finalized basic engineering for the entire converter and our global procurement and execution partners have put us in an excellent position to transfer at least 80 percent of completed engineering into the development of Canada’s first lithium conversion plant.”

A strategy and execution team is currently in Ontario to conclude assessments of shortlisted sites in the districts of Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Nipissing and in the Leeds and Grenville areas. Over 150 selection criteria are being reviewed for technical, economical and logistical suitability. Discussions with political stakeholders and permitting authorities are being held additionally to understand and address interests of local communities.

“Rock Tech is a growth story, focused on technology and sustainability. We are thrilled to expand our conversion footprint to our home market of Canada. Building on what we have already started with the first studies in 2019, it is the right time to start implementation,” added Dirk Harbecke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rock Tech. “We see a strong interest in our negotiations with Canadian and US government authorities and industrial partners after the completion of basic engineering in Guben, where we have just applied for additional subsidies.”