Vulcan Energy Resources Limited announced the start of commissioning at its 100%-owned lithium hydroxide optimization plant, named CLEOP. It’s a key milestone as the company progresses towards Europe’s first battery-grade lithium hydroxide product sourced from a European lithium resource.
Highlights:
+ CLEOP is located just outside of Frankfurt, in the Höchst Chemical Park, where Vulcan will also construct its commercial Central Lithium Plant – CLP.
+ The main building and utility systems have been completed to allow the first energizations. Power has been fed to the plant for the first time through the main switchboard, a critical step for electrolysis.
+ Start of production of the first lithium hydroxide and first production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate – LHM – will be upcoming milestones.
+ Once in operation, CLEOP will convert Lithium Chloride – LiCl – from Vulcan’s upstream Lithium Extraction Optimisation Plant – LEOP – to battery-grade LHM. The first fully domestically produced LHM, from raw materials to final product, in Europe.
+ LEOP and CLEOP will serve as important process optimization and training facilities in preparation for commercial operations.
The company reports that once operational, it plans to transport LiCl parcels from its upstream facility through to CLEOP for production of Europe’s first battery-grade lithium hydroxide products derived entirely from a European lithium resource.
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