Vulcan Energy has officially opened its downstream Central Lithium Electrolysis Optimisation Plant (CLEOP) in a ceremony held on site today at Industrial Park Höchst Frankfurt, Germany.

The plant is now producing lithium hydroxide from the processing of high purity lithium chloride concentrate extracted from brines at the Company’s upstream optimisation plant in nearby Landau. 

Several local, national and international guests from politics and industry attended the opening, including Deputy Prime Minister of Hessen, Kaweh Mansoori, and Australian Ambassador to Germany, Natasha Smith, highlighting the significance of the occasion to Germany, greater Europe and Australia.

Managing Director and CEO of Vulcan Energy, Cris Moreno commented: “Today marks a significant step forward in Vulcan’s aim to establish a domestic supply chain that provides the European automotive industry with green lithium for the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

“This is a world-class facility which is already producing the first sustainable lithium hydroxide from raw material to end product, which is important for Europe’s independence from raw materials and for the transition to zero emission mobility.

“Our partners, customers, investors and employees have all joined together today in celebrating a momentous occasion and, as a company, we’re looking forward to many milestones still to come.”

Ambassador Smith said, “Vulcan’s CLEOP is an example of Australia and Germany working together to find innovative solutions toward a sustainable future and I’m proud to be here to help celebrate the opening of the plant.”

Deputy Prime Minister of Hessen, Kaweh Mansoori, officially opened the plant alongside Vulcan’s two founders, Dr Francis Wedin and Dr Horst Kreuter, MD & CEO Cris Moreno and the Lord Mayor of Hessen Mike Josef. Although unable to attend on the day, the Prime Minister of Hessen, Boris Rhein stated: “Whether it’s a smartphone or an electric car – nothing works without lithium.”

“Germany and Europe must reduce their dependence on Chinese lithium sources and ensure a secure supply of battery raw materials. Vulcan’s optimisation plant will make a decisive contribution to this. It is an outstanding innovation for true sustainability. It makes us more independent from global supply chains and is a strong signal for the future viability of our economy. “