German-Australian company Vulcan Energy Resources has reached a milestone with the start of commissioning of its lithium hydroxide optimisation plant, known as the CLEOP plant, outside Frankfurt. This plant is intended to convert lithium chloride (LiCl) into battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), recording the first fully domestic production of LHM in Europe.
Vulcan energizes its CLEOP plant in Höchst
The CLEOP plant, located at the Höchst chemical park, represents a step forward in Vulcan’s strategy to strengthen the electric vehicle supply chain in Europe, a continent that is heavily dependent on lithium imports. The company has completed construction of the main building and utility systems, enabling the first energisation of the plant.
[post_relacionado]In the coming months, CLEOP is expected to begin receiving the first shipments of LiCl from Vulcan’s lithium extraction facility for conversion to battery-grade LHM. This process will optimize the supply chain, and allow Vulcan to qualify its product with its purchasing partners, including major European automotive and technology companies.
Vulcan strengthens lithium independence in Europe
Vulcan’s CEO, Cris Moreno, highlighted the importance of this development for European independence in the production of critical raw materials. He also said that the plant will receive official visits from German and European Union ministers, underlining the strategic relevance of this facility for the battery industry in the region.
With the start-up of CLEOP, Vulcan moves a step closer to the construction of its commercial central lithium plant (CLP) in the same chemical park, consolidating its position as a leader in the production of lithium hydroxide production in Europe.
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Source: Vulcan Energy
Photo: Shutterstock