- Vulcan Energy (VUL) has begun commissioning its lithium extraction optimisation plant in Germany
- By October the company expects to begin processing brines
- Nameplate capacity production is set for the end of 2025
- A pilot plant led by Vulcan has been operating successfully for the last 2.5 years
- The company is set to be the first to produce decarbonised lithium in Europe for the European market
- Shares last traded at $3.31
Vulcan Energy (VUL) has initiated the commissioning process for its Lithium Extraction Optimisation Plant (LEOP) in the Upper Rhine Valley region of Germany.
Construction commenced in 2022, and the plant is poised to become operational in a mere two months.
Starting as early as October, the facility will be utilised to extract, purify, and concentrate lithium chloride from brines.
The asset is projected to operate at its nameplate capacity by the conclusion of 2025.
The company plans to leverage a proven yet often underestimated technology known as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to decarbonise the process.
This strategy serves the dual purpose of providing a crucial mineral supply in the EU while aligning with overarching regulatory environmental goals.
Precisely, the company will employ Adsorption-DLE (A-DLE), a processing technology that is inherently less emissions-intensive and generates fewer polluting byproducts.
The commissioning of LEOP is anticipated to extend from September into October, coinciding with the introduction of the initial brine into the plant.
The larger LEOP supersedes Vulcan’s smaller pilot plant which has operated for the last two and a half years.
“Commissioning of our LEOP facility represents a significant milestone for us, as well as the entire European battery industry … Europe is likely to face a significant lithium shortage, which could have serious implications for the European battery and automotive industries if domestic supplies are not realised,” Vulcan Energy CEO Cris Moreno said.
“Vulcan is gearing up to be the first to produce lithium from Europe, for Europe, but also to be the first company worldwide to produce carbon neutral lithium.
“Pilot plants have already demonstrated the capability of A-DLE, a technology that has been commercially in use globally for decades, on our brines.”
Back in June, Vulcan inked a term sheet with SLB – formerly Schlumberger – to increase brine production at its Zero Carbon Lithium project in Germany.
Vulcan Energy shares last traded at $3.31.