Rock Tech Lithium has formed a strategic partnership with BMI Group to advance its proposed lithium converter facility in Red Rock, Ontario. Under a general partner/limited partner model, Rock Tech will lead project development, engineering and operations, while BMI Group will serve as the anchor limited partner with a planned CAD 200 million equity investment. Additional equity contributions are expected from Rock Tech and other partners as the project progresses.
To support early-stage activities, both parties intend to launch a non-dilutive funding program of up to CAD 30 million, with contributions matched between Rock Tech, BMI Group and applicable government funding. This initial financing will fund a feasibility study, environmental permitting, engineering and preliminary site development, aiming to reach a final investment decision by the end of 2026.
The Red Rock Converter is based on the fully engineered and permitted design from Rock Tech’s Guben, Germany facility, where more than CAD 65 million has already been invested. Leveraging this proven concept is expected to lower execution risk and accelerate the Canadian project timeline. The converter will be located on a 337-acre industrial site owned by BMI Group, roughly 100 kilometers east of Thunder Bay and 60 kilometers from Rock Tech’s Georgia Lake lithium deposit. The site offers about 120 MW of power capacity, access to natural gas, road links and direct rail connectivity to support efficient material handling.
BMI Group’s industrial infrastructure platform is structured to streamline permitting and construction for large-scale projects. Together, Rock Tech’s lithium conversion expertise and BMI’s site development capabilities aim to position Northwestern Ontario as a key hub for sovereign critical minerals and battery materials supply chains. BMI Group’s network of Canadian and European investors, including Business EQ Investments, reinforces this transatlantic collaboration.
At PDAC 2026, Rock Tech also announced a partnership with Siemens to deploy advanced automation technology and a real-time Digital Twin for the Red Rock plant. This digital replica will enable ongoing performance optimization, predictive maintenance and de-risked commissioning.
By linking its Georgia Lake upstream supply with downstream processing at Red Rock, Rock Tech seeks to establish a resilient, CUSMA-aligned North American supply chain for battery-grade lithium. The partnership remains subject to definitive agreements and customary technical, financial and regulatory approvals.
Source: Rock Tech Lithium
