Rock Tech Lithium Inc. announced on February 20, 2025, the signing of a binding Business Combination Agreement with Arcore AG, a Swiss-based mining company. This merger is intended to establish a fully integrated lithium supply chain within Europe, aiming to decrease reliance on external regions for essential battery raw materials.
Effective February 19, 2025, the agreement will facilitate the creation of a new European joint venture that will oversee Rock Tech’s Guben Converter in Germany and Arcore’s Lopare project in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Rock Tech Lithium will maintain a 75% ownership stake in the new entity, with the merger expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Dirk Harbecke, CEO and Chairman of Rock Tech Lithium, highlighted the strategic importance of the merger, stating, “This is an important step for Rock Tech to become the European leader in battery raw materials supply.” Jeff Stone, Interim CEO of Arcore, added, “It is a privilege for Arcore alongside Rock Tech to play a defining role in the creation of an independent European supply chain of critical metals.”
The newly formed company will manage Rock Tech’s fully permitted lithium converter in Guben and Arcore’s lithium-boron-magnesium mining project in Lopare. The Lopare project is expected to supply Lithium Sulphate feedstock to the Guben Converter starting in 2030, fostering a circular lithium economy and significantly lowering production costs.
The Guben converter is planned to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide capable of supporting up to 500,000 electric vehicles annually. Additionally, Arcore’s Lopare deposit is projected to become one of Europe’s largest lithium mines, with estimated resources exceeding 600,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE).
Both companies have committed to adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards throughout their operations, emphasizing collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.
This merger represents a significant advancement in establishing a sustainable and competitive lithium supply chain in Europe, enhancing the continent’s battery industry and supporting its energy transition objectives.
Source: Rock Tech Lithium
