Latest news with #EITRawMaterials
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE AND SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE ON SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES Vancouver, June 22, 2025 – Leading Edge Materials Corp. (' Leading Edge Materials ' or the ' Company ') (TSXV: LEM) (Nasdaq First North: LEMSE) (OTCQB: LEMIF) provides an investor update on significant activities. Overview - Becoming a European CRM producer Concerns about critical raw materials - security of supply, supply chain resilience and defence requirements - have been recurring themes at conferences attended by the Company in recent months, with Heavy Rare Earth Elements ('HREEs') and natural graphite frequently mentioned; geopolitical uncertainty is the new norm and it is driving partnership, collaboration and greater levels of support for mining. On June 17, 2025, the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan was announced focused on 'diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation' in the G7, and with partners beyond, working together and 'to swiftly protect our economic and national security''. At the EIT Raw Materials Summit in March, graphite and defence were frequent mentions on the first day, with widespread calls for more action, now the Critical Raw Materials Act is in force, and the need for more money. Against this backdrop, LEM's Critical Raw Materials ('CRMs') portfolio is very well positioned and the Company is working on becoming a European CRM producer. Norra Kärr is a globally significant source of HREEs with the economic advantage of valuable industrial minerals, specifically nepheline syenite; a production start within 3–4 years is in reach. In parallel, we are evaluating the restart of production from the fully built and permitted Woxna Graphite mine. On exploration, and possibly future production, we have strengthened our position in Romania, with Leading Edge Materials Romania ('LEMR') being granted ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine by CNCAN (National Commission for Control of Nuclear Activities) under the supervision of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM). This is significant recognition of the funds invested and commitment made by the Company in country and gives us real 'owner-operator' autonomy over a deposit described as 'one of the most important deposits [historically] in operation in Bihor (IAEA report, November 1997) and noted for uranium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc mineralization (IMWA Symposium 2007: Water in Mining Environments, May 2007). Norra Kärr – Application progresses On 8 April, the CEO was invited to Solvay's inauguration of a new production line for rare earth permanent magnets ('REPM') in France. Solvay is partnering with emerging mining and recycling players to accelerate the establishment of a robust, reliable, and sustainable supply chain, crucial for Europe's competitiveness and industrial and technological sovereignty. The essential creation of a European rare earth supply chain was again the theme of Solvay's presentation at The Rare Earth Industry Association ('REIA') Conference in Montreal last week. In recent months, the Company's application for a new Exploitation Concession ('Bearbetningskoncession'), 25-year mining lease has been out for consultation. The County Administrative Boards (CABs) of Jönköping and Östergötland have now communicated that they, at this time, cannot approve the Environmental Impact Assessment ('EIA') submitted by the Company's Swedish subsidiary GREENNA Mineral AB. The CABs state that additional data and analysis are needed. The decision and statement from the CABs tell us that we have some additional work to do describing the impact of the project, with an emphasis on water, cultural values and impact on other forms of land use. Obviously, these are crucial topics that must be addressed properly in our application. It should be noted that while the CABs reject our application as it currently stands, they also offer us the opportunity to supplement it. The Company's Swedish environmental permitting team is already reviewing the comments from the CABs in detail, and we believe that we will be able to respond with supplementary information to our application to the satisfaction of the CABs and other stakeholders. Developing Norra Kärr is of the utmost importance not only for Sweden, but for Europe. Geopolitical tensions and unstable global trade flows mean that it is more important than ever to produce HREEs in Sweden. That will enable us to extract metals that are essential to both achieving a complete energy transition and secure our defences. Europe relies heavily on China for its imports of HREEs. China dominates all stages of the rare earth elements supply chain from mining to permanent magnet manufacturing. The speed at which China can build new production is awe inspiring, and, with an established industrial base decades in the making, it has the ability to innovate beyond anything Europe can dream. Europe is compelled to change its ways, think and act radically differently to have a secure future. Highlighting Sweden's role in CRMs, Sweden's Energy, Business and Industry Minister Ebba Busch recently stated that 'Sweden has unique opportunities to be and remain a strong player in global mineral politics. We have the most sustainable mining industry in the world – ethically sustainable, environmentally sustainable, and with good working conditions.' The Company is developing and will manage Norra Kärr with social acceptance and transparency towards the local community as its primary considerations. The new application for mining license represents a reduction of 65 percent in land area compared to the old application which was initially approved in 2013. Chemical processing of the HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate will take place at an existing industrial location, and not on site. With the elimination of chemical processing, the Company has largely addressed stakeholder concerns about pollution risk to Lake Vättern. The changes to the application are in response to the public's concerns to the old application. This is what responsible mining companies do, they listen. Proposed activities at site are now similar to those of a quarrying operation; similar to what already exists around Lake Vättern. Our target is to make products from 100% of what we extract, HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate and industrial mineral nepheline syenite being the two most critically important. Looking ahead, a Swedish mining license (sw. Bearbetningskoncession) is decided by the Chief Mining Inspector. If the Chief Mining Inspector and CABs disagree about an application, the Government can then make the decision. Our objective is to provide supplementary information and explanation on the sufficiency of our enhanced application to the full satisfaction of the CABs, so that the development of Norra Kärr can progress unimpeded. Alongside the mining lease process, Pre-feasibility ('PFS') workstreams are underway. Testwork has now been completed on nepheline syenite and aegirine to determine their mineralogy, chemical composition, and leachate chemistry. The promising results are being used to determine possible market segments and specifications that can be achieved, potential demand and pricing, to be included in an updated PFS economic model for Norra Kärr. The Company envisages the PFS will be completed in Q1 2026. Woxna Graphite Mine – Potential Restart The Company is collaborating with an engineering consultant on updating the in-house production restart study, originally completed in 2022. We have initiated crushing testwork on Woxna ore to explore improved liberation and preservation of graphite flakes. Additionally, metallurgical testwork is planned to evaluate potential upgrades to the processing plant, aimed at optimizing performance. Our objective is to produce a high-quality, high-grade flake graphite concentrate. We continue to receive inbound enquiries and remain optimistic about Woxna's future prospects. This ongoing workstream will support the development of a new business plan, which could facilitate future project financing discussions and potentially unlock access to Swedish or EU public funding. Bihor Sud – Major Milestone Exploration activities at the Bihor Sud project have continued steadily, bolstered by the addition of four new geologists who joined the team in January. Recent work has included underground mapping, diamond drilling, geophysical surveys, core logging, and sampling. To accelerate progress, the Company plans to change drilling contractors within the next one to two months. The Company remains focused on defining a large-scale, mineable mineral resource at Bihor Sud, particularly within gallery G2, where exploration is targeting promising zinc-lead-copper-silver mineralization. Results to date have been encouraging and highlight the project's strong potential for a significant polymetallic discovery. A major milestone was the granting of ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine. Historical mining and exploration at this site have left behind hundreds of kilometres of galleries and underground workings. In addition to ongoing work at G2, the Romanian team has initiated preliminary investigations at Avram Iancu. They successfully located the entrance to a 3-kilometre tunnel observed to be in good condition. Based on historical reports, this tunnel connects with up to 15 kilometres of workings and zones containing massive sulphides in carbonate-replacement deposits with primary copper-bearing minerals—including chalcocite and bornite. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Leading Edge Materials Corp. Kurt Budge, CEO For further information, please contact the Company at: info@ About Leading Edge Materials Leading Edge Materials is a Canadian public company focused on developing a portfolio of critical raw material projects located in the European Union. Critical raw materials are determined as such by the European Union based on their economic importance and supply risk. They are directly linked to high growth technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and permanent magnets for electric motors, wind turbines and defense applications. The portfolio of projects includes the 100% owned Woxna Graphite mine (Sweden), 100% owned Norra Kärr Heavy Rare Earth Elements project (Sweden), and the 51% owned Bihor Sud Nickel Cobalt exploration alliance (Romania). Additional Information The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above, on June 22, 2025, at 23:30 Vancouver time. Leading Edge Materials is listed on the TSXV under the symbol 'LEM', OTCQB under the symbol 'LEMIF' and Nasdaq First North Stockholm under the symbol 'LEMSE'. Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning ('SKMG') is the Company's Certified Adviser for the Nasdaq First North Growth Market (Stockholm) and may be contacted via email ca@ or by phone +46 (0)8 913 008. Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute 'forward-looking information', including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words 'may', 'would', 'could', 'will', 'intend', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, changes in the Company's intended use of proceeds from the Private Placement, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE AND SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE ON SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES Vancouver, June 22, 2025 – Leading Edge Materials Corp. ('Leading Edge Materials' or the 'Company') (TSXV: LEM) (Nasdaq First North: LEMSE) (OTCQB: LEMIF) provides an investor update on significant activities. Overview - Becoming a European CRM producer Concerns about critical raw materials - security of supply, supply chain resilience and defence requirements - have been recurring themes at conferences attended by the Company in recent months, with Heavy Rare Earth Elements ('HREEs') and natural graphite frequently mentioned; geopolitical uncertainty is the new norm and it is driving partnership, collaboration and greater levels of support for mining. On June 17, 2025, the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan was announced focused on 'diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation' in the G7, and with partners beyond, working together and 'to swiftly protect our economic and national security''. At the EIT Raw Materials Summit in March, graphite and defence were frequent mentions on the first day, with widespread calls for more action, now the Critical Raw Materials Act is in force, and the need for more money. Against this backdrop, LEM's Critical Raw Materials ('CRMs') portfolio is very well positioned and the Company is working on becoming a European CRM producer. Norra Kärr is a globally significant source of HREEs with the economic advantage of valuable industrial minerals, specifically nepheline syenite; a production start within 3–4 years is in reach. In parallel, we are evaluating the restart of production from the fully built and permitted Woxna Graphite mine. On exploration, and possibly future production, we have strengthened our position in Romania, with Leading Edge Materials Romania ('LEMR') being granted ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine by CNCAN (National Commission for Control of Nuclear Activities) under the supervision of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM). This is significant recognition of the funds invested and commitment made by the Company in country and gives us real 'owner-operator' autonomy over a deposit described as 'one of the most important deposits [historically] in operation in Bihor (IAEA report, November 1997) and noted for uranium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc mineralization (IMWA Symposium 2007: Water in Mining Environments, May 2007). Norra Kärr – Application progresses On 8 April, the CEO was invited to Solvay's inauguration of a new production line for rare earth permanent magnets ('REPM') in France. Solvay is partnering with emerging mining and recycling players to accelerate the establishment of a robust, reliable, and sustainable supply chain, crucial for Europe's competitiveness and industrial and technological sovereignty. The essential creation of a European rare earth supply chain was again the theme of Solvay's presentation at The Rare Earth Industry Association ('REIA') Conference in Montreal last week. In recent months, the Company's application for a new Exploitation Concession ('Bearbetningskoncession'), 25-year mining lease has been out for consultation. The County Administrative Boards (CABs) of Jönköping and Östergötland have now communicated that they, at this time, cannot approve the Environmental Impact Assessment ('EIA') submitted by the Company's Swedish subsidiary GREENNA Mineral AB. The CABs state that additional data and analysis are needed. The decision and statement from the CABs tell us that we have some additional work to do describing the impact of the project, with an emphasis on water, cultural values and impact on other forms of land use. Obviously, these are crucial topics that must be addressed properly in our application. It should be noted that while the CABs reject our application as it currently stands, they also offer us the opportunity to supplement it. The Company's Swedish environmental permitting team is already reviewing the comments from the CABs in detail, and we believe that we will be able to respond with supplementary information to our application to the satisfaction of the CABs and other stakeholders. Developing Norra Kärr is of the utmost importance not only for Sweden, but for Europe. Geopolitical tensions and unstable global trade flows mean that it is more important than ever to produce HREEs in Sweden. That will enable us to extract metals that are essential to both achieving a complete energy transition and secure our defences. Europe relies heavily on China for its imports of HREEs. China dominates all stages of the rare earth elements supply chain from mining to permanent magnet manufacturing. The speed at which China can build new production is awe inspiring, and, with an established industrial base decades in the making, it has the ability to innovate beyond anything Europe can dream. Europe is compelled to change its ways, think and act radically differently to have a secure future. Highlighting Sweden's role in CRMs, Sweden's Energy, Business and Industry Minister Ebba Busch recently stated that 'Sweden has unique opportunities to be and remain a strong player in global mineral politics. We have the most sustainable mining industry in the world – ethically sustainable, environmentally sustainable, and with good working conditions.' The Company is developing and will manage Norra Kärr with social acceptance and transparency towards the local community as its primary considerations. The new application for mining license represents a reduction of 65 percent in land area compared to the old application which was initially approved in 2013. Chemical processing of the HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate will take place at an existing industrial location, and not on site. With the elimination of chemical processing, the Company has largely addressed stakeholder concerns about pollution risk to Lake Vättern. The changes to the application are in response to the public's concerns to the old application. This is what responsible mining companies do, they listen. Proposed activities at site are now similar to those of a quarrying operation; similar to what already exists around Lake Vättern. Our target is to make products from 100% of what we extract, HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate and industrial mineral nepheline syenite being the two most critically important. Looking ahead, a Swedish mining license (sw. Bearbetningskoncession) is decided by the Chief Mining Inspector. If the Chief Mining Inspector and CABs disagree about an application, the Government can then make the decision. Our objective is to provide supplementary information and explanation on the sufficiency of our enhanced application to the full satisfaction of the CABs, so that the development of Norra Kärr can progress unimpeded. Alongside the mining lease process, Pre-feasibility ('PFS') workstreams are underway. Testwork has now been completed on nepheline syenite and aegirine to determine their mineralogy, chemical composition, and leachate chemistry. The promising results are being used to determine possible market segments and specifications that can be achieved, potential demand and pricing, to be included in an updated PFS economic model for Norra Kärr. The Company envisages the PFS will be completed in Q1 2026. Woxna Graphite Mine – Potential Restart The Company is collaborating with an engineering consultant on updating the in-house production restart study, originally completed in 2022. We have initiated crushing testwork on Woxna ore to explore improved liberation and preservation of graphite flakes. Additionally, metallurgical testwork is planned to evaluate potential upgrades to the processing plant, aimed at optimizing performance. Our objective is to produce a high-quality, high-grade flake graphite concentrate. We continue to receive inbound enquiries and remain optimistic about Woxna's future prospects. This ongoing workstream will support the development of a new business plan, which could facilitate future project financing discussions and potentially unlock access to Swedish or EU public funding. Bihor Sud – Major Milestone Exploration activities at the Bihor Sud project have continued steadily, bolstered by the addition of four new geologists who joined the team in January. Recent work has included underground mapping, diamond drilling, geophysical surveys, core logging, and sampling. To accelerate progress, the Company plans to change drilling contractors within the next one to two months. The Company remains focused on defining a large-scale, mineable mineral resource at Bihor Sud, particularly within gallery G2, where exploration is targeting promising zinc-lead-copper-silver mineralization. Results to date have been encouraging and highlight the project's strong potential for a significant polymetallic discovery. A major milestone was the granting of ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine. Historical mining and exploration at this site have left behind hundreds of kilometres of galleries and underground workings. In addition to ongoing work at G2, the Romanian team has initiated preliminary investigations at Avram Iancu. They successfully located the entrance to a 3-kilometre tunnel observed to be in good condition. Based on historical reports, this tunnel connects with up to 15 kilometres of workings and zones containing massive sulphides in carbonate-replacement deposits with primary copper-bearing minerals—including chalcocite and bornite. On behalf of the Board of Directors,Leading Edge Materials Corp. Kurt Budge, CEO For further information, please contact the Company at:info@ About Leading Edge Materials Leading Edge Materials is a Canadian public company focused on developing a portfolio of critical raw material projects located in the European Union. Critical raw materials are determined as such by the European Union based on their economic importance and supply risk. They are directly linked to high growth technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and permanent magnets for electric motors, wind turbines and defense applications. The portfolio of projects includes the 100% owned Woxna Graphite mine (Sweden), 100% owned Norra Kärr Heavy Rare Earth Elements project (Sweden), and the 51% owned Bihor Sud Nickel Cobalt exploration alliance (Romania). Additional Information The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above, on June 22, 2025, at 23:30 Vancouver time. Leading Edge Materials is listed on the TSXV under the symbol 'LEM', OTCQB under the symbol 'LEMIF' and Nasdaq First North Stockholm under the symbol 'LEMSE'. Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning ('SKMG') is the Company's Certified Adviser for the Nasdaq First North Growth Market (Stockholm) and may be contacted via email ca@ or by phone +46 (0)8 913 008. Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute 'forward-looking information', including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words 'may', 'would', 'could', 'will', 'intend', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, changes in the Company's intended use of proceeds from the Private Placement, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Attachment 20250621 LEM - Update on Significant Activities FINAL
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
First European Funding after getting recognition as a 'Strategic Project' - Rock Tech receives funding to lead Lithium Refining Innovation project by EIT RawMaterials
EIT RawMaterials, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union has selected Rock Tech for funding to commercialize novel lithium processing technologies in Germany. Rock Tech will collaborate with leading research partners, including Advanced Minerals and Recycling Industrial Solutions (AdMiRIS), National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek NV (VITO). The project has been allocated a total funding of EUR 2.5 million of which Rock Tech will be receiving up to EUR 1 million to drive innovation and optimization work of its lithium conversion processes. TORONTO, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FSE: RJIB) (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") is pleased to announce that it has been selected for funding under the prestigious KAVA (Knowledge and Innovation Activities) grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the most active network in the raw materials sector in Europe. This recognition supports Rock Tech's ongoing commitment to advancing innovative lithium refining solutions in Europe and is the first funding awarded after Rock Tech's Lithium Hydroxide Convertor Guben (LHCG) project has been recognized as a strategic project under Critical Raw Materials Project by the European Commission. Rock Tech will receive EUR 800,000 to improve and innovate its lithium conversion process to be applied to its Guben Converter in the future. Under the KAVA Call-funding program, Rock Tech's Lithium subsidiary company Rock Tech Guben GmbH will collaborate with leading research and industry partners, including NTUA (Greece), VITO (Belgium), and Admiris (Greece), to optimize lithium extraction processes and enhance lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production from spodumene. Rock Tech believes this optimization work will create substantial future operational and cost benefits for the Guben Converter. "We are honored to be selected for the KAVA Call funding and to work jointly with partners to commercialize innovative, potentially game-changing lithium processing technologies", comments Mirco Wojnarowicz, Rock Tech's CEO. The selected project, named OLiVer (Hard rock Lithium Extraction and Purified Value Products for Energy Applications) will demonstrate innovative processes at pilot scale, significantly improving lithium recovery efficiency and reducing environmental impact in line with EU green transition goals. The OLiVer project will focus on four main objectives: Optimizing pyro-hydro-metallurgical processing to enhance lithium extraction efficiency from spodumene. Developing a novel secondary lithium sulfate recovery process, enabling improved lithium recovery rates. Integrating primary and secondary lithium sulfate streams to boost overall LHM production yield. Conducting pilot-scale demonstrations to establish commercial viability for the enhanced lithium extraction process. With this project, Rock Tech aims to drive forward the EU's critical raw materials strategy and sustainability goals by producing high-purity LHM for electric vehicle batteries regionally. ABOUT ROCK TECH Rock Tech's vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced Lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build Lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company's proposed Lithium-Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech's goal is to create a closed-loop Lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further. CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to expectations concerning the Guben Converter, including the design and features of the Guben Converter, as well as the expected costs, capital expenditures, timing and outcomes thereof; statements regarding the Company's future plans, estimates, and schedules relating to the Guben Converter, including the anticipated timing of future activities taken in support of the development thereof; Rock Tech's potential financing arrangements; the expected funding under the KAVA grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the expected economic performance of the Guben Converter and anticipated production of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and related processing methods and innovation employed; the estimated capital and operating costs of the Guben Converter; the anticipated timing and outcomes of a final investment decision, construction activities and commissioning of the Guben Converter; statements regarding the Company's sustainability and ESG related goals and strategy, including the benefits and achievement thereof and future actions taken by the Company in relation thereto; expected regulatory processes and final outcomes; expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry, including the demand for and pricing of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and the benefits therefrom, and the development of political and regulatory frameworks especially in Germany and the European Union; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First European Funding after getting recognition as a 'Strategic Project' - Rock Tech receives funding to lead Lithium Refining Innovation project by EIT RawMaterials
EIT RawMaterials, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union has selected Rock Tech for funding to commercialize novel lithium processing technologies in Germany. Rock Tech will collaborate with leading research partners, including Advanced Minerals and Recycling Industrial Solutions (AdMiRIS), National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek NV (VITO). The project has been allocated a total funding of EUR 2.5 million of which Rock Tech will be receiving up to EUR 1 million to drive innovation and optimization work of its lithium conversion processes. TORONTO, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FSE: RJIB) (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") is pleased to announce that it has been selected for funding under the prestigious KAVA (Knowledge and Innovation Activities) grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the most active network in the raw materials sector in Europe. This recognition supports Rock Tech's ongoing commitment to advancing innovative lithium refining solutions in Europe and is the first funding awarded after Rock Tech's Lithium Hydroxide Convertor Guben (LHCG) project has been recognized as a strategic project under Critical Raw Materials Project by the European Commission. Rock Tech will receive EUR 800,000 to improve and innovate its lithium conversion process to be applied to its Guben Converter in the future. Under the KAVA Call-funding program, Rock Tech's Lithium subsidiary company Rock Tech Guben GmbH will collaborate with leading research and industry partners, including NTUA (Greece), VITO (Belgium), and Admiris (Greece), to optimize lithium extraction processes and enhance lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production from spodumene. Rock Tech believes this optimization work will create substantial future operational and cost benefits for the Guben Converter. "We are honored to be selected for the KAVA Call funding and to work jointly with partners to commercialize innovative, potentially game-changing lithium processing technologies", comments Mirco Wojnarowicz, Rock Tech's CEO. The selected project, named OLiVer (Hard rock Lithium Extraction and Purified Value Products for Energy Applications) will demonstrate innovative processes at pilot scale, significantly improving lithium recovery efficiency and reducing environmental impact in line with EU green transition goals. The OLiVer project will focus on four main objectives: Optimizing pyro-hydro-metallurgical processing to enhance lithium extraction efficiency from spodumene. Developing a novel secondary lithium sulfate recovery process, enabling improved lithium recovery rates. Integrating primary and secondary lithium sulfate streams to boost overall LHM production yield. Conducting pilot-scale demonstrations to establish commercial viability for the enhanced lithium extraction process. With this project, Rock Tech aims to drive forward the EU's critical raw materials strategy and sustainability goals by producing high-purity LHM for electric vehicle batteries regionally. ABOUT ROCK TECH Rock Tech's vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced Lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build Lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company's proposed Lithium-Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech's goal is to create a closed-loop Lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further. CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to expectations concerning the Guben Converter, including the design and features of the Guben Converter, as well as the expected costs, capital expenditures, timing and outcomes thereof; statements regarding the Company's future plans, estimates, and schedules relating to the Guben Converter, including the anticipated timing of future activities taken in support of the development thereof; Rock Tech's potential financing arrangements; the expected funding under the KAVA grant program by EIT RawMaterials, the expected economic performance of the Guben Converter and anticipated production of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and related processing methods and innovation employed; the estimated capital and operating costs of the Guben Converter; the anticipated timing and outcomes of a final investment decision, construction activities and commissioning of the Guben Converter; statements regarding the Company's sustainability and ESG related goals and strategy, including the benefits and achievement thereof and future actions taken by the Company in relation thereto; expected regulatory processes and final outcomes; expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry, including the demand for and pricing of battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide and the benefits therefrom, and the development of political and regulatory frameworks especially in Germany and the European Union; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. 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Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mining start-ups need more support in Europe, say experts
Start-ups in Europe's mining and critical raw materials sectors are underfunded, agreed speakers at the EIT RawMaterials Summit. EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall opened the second day by addressing 'fragmentation' in Europe's raw materials market and the need for a single capital market – a call that was echoed by Bernd Schäfer, CEO of EIT RawMaterials, which provides funding and support to start-ups across the continent. 'We must make sure that we follow up with public financing to bring start-ups to market and avoid mushrooming of more of the same innovations but standardise them,' he stated. Roswall, EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, confirmed that the EU is working to simplify its funding and grant processes, which present a barrier to smaller companies looking to gain a foothold in the mining sector. On a panel called 'Crossing the Valley of Death: Europe's Raw Materials Start-up Ecosystem', Ella Cullen, co-founder and CMO of Minespider, a Berlin-based start-up that offers a blockchain-based traceability platform for the mining industry, echoed the call for less fragmentation in the region. 'It is an absolute struggle for start-ups to operate with all the different languages and legal implications of each country and bureaucracy,' stated Cullen. Minespider has received several grants, some from the EIT RawMaterials Booster Programme, and work across around €30m ($33.54m) of EU funded projects, she added. EIT RawMaterials access to finance director Anthony Slotboom agreed that a single capital market is crucial for start-ups. 'There has been talk of this for ten years. For someone willing to take a risk in raw materials, there would be a much bigger pool from which start-ups could access capital more easily.' Benedikt Sobotka, CEO of Alpha Future Funds and former CEO of Eurasian Resources Group, asserted that the private investment landscape isn't much better. 'Predominantly, mining technology start-ups, such as [those] in geospatial data analysis, are privately funded outside of Europe,' Sobotka said, noting that the investment ecosystem is much smaller than in the US. 'Such companies grow and scale so much faster there [in the US] and the possibility for a significant exit is better than in Europe. This is because there are large buyers and an IPO [initial public offering] market, which in Europe for new technology companies is comparatively dead,' he said. Beyond offering a single product, scalability to take advantage of the global nature of the mining industry was proffered as a key strategy for start-ups, with mining software solutions highlighted as a particularly promising area to attract private investors and secure public funding. The EIT RawMaterials Summit is taking place from 13–15 May in Brussels, Belgium. Day one of the summit (14 May) saw industry leaders highlight the need to improve public perception to boost critical minerals development in Europe. "Mining start-ups need more support in Europe, say experts" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
