Mangrove Lithium has switched on a first-of-its-kind facility in North America — and it may well reshape the continent’s electric vehicle supply chain.
The Vancouver-based company officially opened its commercial lithium refining plant in Delta, British Columbia, marking a major leap toward a domestic, secure supply of battery-grade lithium. The ribbon-cutting event brought together company leadership and senior Canadian officials, underscoring the project’s national significance.
At the heart of the announcement is a breakthrough: Mangrove’s proprietary electrochemical process, designed to refine lithium more efficiently and sustainably than traditional chemical methods. The newly commissioned plant has a capacity of 1,000 tonnes per year — enough to supply lithium for roughly 25,000 electric vehicles annually.
The launch comes at a critical moment. Most of the world’s lithium refining still happens overseas, leaving North America exposed to supply bottlenecks and geopolitical risk just as EV demand surges. Mangrove’s facility is a direct attempt to close that gap and bring a key piece of the battery supply chain closer to home.
“This is a landmark moment not just for Mangrove, but for Canada,” said Saad Dara, CEO and Founder of Mangrove Lithium.
“By commissioning the first commercial electrochemical lithium refinery in North America, we are proving that lithium can be refined domestically, sustainably, and competitively. This facility is an important step towards a fully Canadian lithium supply chain, one that strengthens our energy security, accelerates the transition to EVs, and positions Canada as a global leader in critical mineral processing.”
But the Delta plant is only the beginning. Mangrove has already set its sights on a far larger project in Eastern Canada — a mine-to-cathode operation that could supply enough lithium for 500,000 EVs each year. The plan is backed by up to $21.88 million CAD in conditional federal funding and a supply agreement tied to Quebec’s North American Lithium mine.
Together, those moves aim to build something Canada has never had before: a fully integrated lithium supply chain, from raw material to battery-ready product.
“Canada is leveraging our critical mineral resources – including our lithium – to unlock supply chain security, job creation, and clean energy innovation,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Mangrove Lithium’s new headquarters will house North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility – exactly the type of cutting-edge, sovereign Canadian project we need. By supporting projects like these, our new government is advancing Canada’s low-carbon potential, creating new careers, strengthening our security, and creating reliable Canadian jobs in an uncertain time.”
Officials say the project signals a broader shift as Canada races to anchor more of the clean energy economy within its borders.
“Across the country, we are seeing the results of Canada’s commitment to building a world-class critical minerals ecosystem,” said the Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
“Mangrove Lithium’s new facility positions Canada as a hub for refining battery-grade materials right here in Delta, reinforcing our economic security and supporting Canadian innovation. Canada has what the world wants, and we are making strides to use our mineral wealth as a basis to diversify our clean energy opportunities and create stable, long-term careers in British Columbia and beyond.”
“Today’s opening marks a turning point for Canada’s critical minerals value chain,” she added. “By commissioning North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility, Mangrove Lithium is helping Canada move from raw potential to real production—here at home.
This project strengthens our energy security, supports good Canadian jobs, and advances a Made-in-Canada battery supply chain that will power the clean economy and deliver lasting benefits for Canadians.”
