Rock Tech Lithium Inc., a German-Canadian cleantech company developing lithium refining capacity in Europe, and Ronbay Technology Co., Ltd. of Ningbo, China (“Ronbay”), a global leader in cathode active materials (CAM), have announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at creating a fully localized integrated lithium-ion battery materials supply chain in Europe.
At the core of this strategic partnership is the long-term supply of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from Rock Tech to Ronbay’s European cathode production facilities in order to produce battery-related components for European demands. Consequently, Ronbay offers direct support, including technical resources and potential investment, to ensure a rapid continuation of Rock Tech’s converter development in Guben, Germany. With Rock Tech’s Guben Converter located at the German-Polish border and Ronbay’s CAM facility in Poland, this strategic partnership covers an important part of the local battery production as Europe accelerates its transition to sustainable energy storage and electric mobility.
Ronbay is a multinational high-tech company in the new energy materials industry, specializing in the research, production, and sales of cathode materials for lithium and sodium batteries. Its product portfolio includes mid- and high-nickel ternary cathode materials, lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), sodium-ion battery cathode materials, and precursor materials for cathode active materials (pCAMs). Leveraging these products, Ronbay provides high-performance solutions to global electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) markets, supporting the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.
As part of its strategic international expansion, Ronbay completed the layout of the Poland base by acquiring a former Johnson Matthey cathode materials facility in Konin. The basic infrastructures are complete, including factory buildings, laboratory buildings, and auxiliary facilities, with necessary environmental assessment procedures in place. The phase I project of the 25,000-ton mid-nickel/high-nickel ternary materials is progressing steadily. Equipment installation is expected to be completed in 2025, with commercial production set to begin in 2026. This European project represents a major step in Ronbay’s global strategy. By localizing production in Europe, the company will strengthen its overseas sales network, expand its international customer base, and ensure faster, more flexible delivery of key battery materials to regional clients.
“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. With Ronbay’s technical expertise and local CAM operations in Europe, we enhance our ability to fast-track execution and scale operations with greater efficiency.”
– Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech Lithium.
As part of the collaboration, the parties will explore several strategic initiatives:
- Rock Tech will supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide from its Guben converter to Ronbay’s European CAM operations, including its newly acquired plant in Konin, Poland.
- Ronbay will support Rock Tech by introducing experienced engineering and construction partners to facilitate the construction and ramp-up of the Guben facility and also explore potential joint investment opportunities.
- The parties will also collaborate on market development, including supporting Ronbay’s European offtake commitments and customer acquisition efforts in the battery and automotive sectors.
“Ronbay’s European Project marks a pivotal step in our global strategy. Our partnership with Rock Tech will accelerate the localization of raw materials for the project and further strengthen our presence in the European market.”
– Head of Supply Chain at Ronbay.
The agreement provides a framework for both companies to negotiate binding legal agreements in due course. The collaboration is grounded in principles of mutual support, technological synergy, and a shared goal of enabling the transition to a clean energy future.
The Guben Lithium Converter
It is a pioneering facility in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany, by the German-Canadian company Rock Tech Lithium Inc. Europe’s first commercial lithium hydroxide refinery, this plant will produce 24,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually—enough to supply over 500,000 electric vehicles per year.
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