Vulcan Energy provided an update on Phase One of its Lionheart Project, which aims to integrate lithium extraction with renewable energy production to serve Europe’s electric vehicle market. After engaging with offtake partners and consulting industry specialists, the company finalized a qualification strategy to pre-qualify its battery-quality lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), branded V-Li0N, ahead of full commercial production. Sample batches have already been dispatched to several strategic offtake partners for testing under real-world battery manufacturing conditions.
This pre-qualification approach is intended to fast-track the start of sales of qualified material and refine production processes before the main plant becomes operational. Production and dispatch of V-Li0N are being carried out at Vulcan’s CLEOP qualification plant. Internal and external laboratory analyses confirm that the material consistently meets battery-grade specifications. Vulcan commenced operations at CLEOP on November 8, 2024, and achieved its first battery-quality V-Li0N output on January 13, 2025.
V-Li0N represents Europe’s first domestically produced, battery-quality lithium hydroxide covering the full value chain from raw brine to final product. The process employs sustainable techniques, including an Adsorption-Desorption with Lithium Extraction (A-DLE) method and fully electrified LHM manufacturing powered by electrolysis. The lithium is sourced from deep, heated geothermal brines, and the project co-produces renewable energy for local communities.
This qualification campaign serves as a demonstration of Vulcan’s ability to deliver consistent, high-purity LHM to support the burgeoning EV supply chain. Managing Director and CEO Cris Moreno commented that finalizing the qualification strategy is a key step toward producing Europe’s first homegrown battery-quality LHM and strengthening the resilience of the continent’s critical raw material supply chain. He added that discussions with offtake partners remain constructive and that the qualification process is progressing smoothly.
Source: Vulcan Energy blog
