- Vulcan's CLEOP plant in Germany began operations in November 2024.
- The plant produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide from high purity lithium chloride.
- Phase One aims to supply 24,000 tonnes of LHM annually for 500,000 EVs.
- The project uses electricity and no fossil fuels, enhancing sustainability.
Production Milestone
Vulcan Energy Resources has successfully produced battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LHM) at its Central Lithium Electrolysis Optimisation Plant (CLEOP) in Frankfurt, Germany. This marks the first fully integrated production of battery-quality LHM in Europe, from raw material extraction to final product.
Process and Sustainability
The production process involves converting high purity lithium chloride concentrate, extracted from brine at the Adsorption-type Direct Lithium Extraction (A-DLE) plant in Landau, into LHM. The process uses electricity and avoids fossil fuels, establishing a sustainable and cost-efficient lithium supply chain.
Phase One Objectives
In Phase One, Vulcan aims to supply approximately 24,000 tonnes of LHM annually, sufficient for around 500,000 electric vehicles. The commercial plant will be constructed in the same industrial park as the optimisation plant, enhancing logistical efficiency.
Strategic Location
The plant's location in Central Europe offers proximity to automotive and battery customers, reducing transportation costs and carbon footprint. This strategic positioning supports Europe's raw material independence and the transition to green mobility.
