Rock Tech Lithium announced on October 23, 2025, that targeted optimizations will lower capital expenditures for its fully permitted Guben lithium converter in Brandenburg from €730 million to approximately €680 million—a €50 million reduction. Combined with a modelled 23% operating expense cut disclosed in September, these revisions are expected to strengthen the project’s cost competitiveness and financing readiness.
Following a detailed design and procurement review, management identified savings across multiple areas: streamlined plant design (€22 million), reduced on-site storage capacities (€7 million), process technology adjustments (€14 million) and revised supplier procurement (€16 million). Adjustments to contingency provisions added another €3 million in savings, offset by €12 million of increased owner’s and related costs, yielding the net €50 million reduction.
Rock Tech also signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Sichuan Calciner Technology to explore engineering collaboration and process optimizations. SCT, a global lithium refining engineer, could lend expertise in plant design, sourcing and proprietary process technology. Additional cost-optimization efforts are underway for owner’s costs and external services, with further savings expected during detailed engineering and implementation with EPCM partner Worley.
The Guben converter, one of Europe’s first commercial lithium refineries, is designed to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually—equivalent to roughly 30 GWh of battery capacity or enough for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles per year. Strategically located near automotive and battery manufacturing hubs, the project is recognized under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and is supported by equipment supplier GEA Group and feedstock partner C&D Logistics.
Rock Tech has also terminated a previously contemplated joint venture in Bosnia and Herzegovina to focus capital and management resources on Guben and related strategic initiatives.
Source: Rock Tech Lithium
