- Rock Tech’s updated OpEx model projects a 23% reduction in operating costs for its Guben Converter, cutting lithium hydroxide production expenses from approx. EUR 5,033 to EUR 3,878 per ton.
- Based on the updated model, the Company is enhancing its competitiveness in volatile markets.
Toronto, ON, September 17, 2025 – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the development of its Guben Lithium Converter. Following a comprehensive update to its operational expenditure (OpEx) model, the Company anticipates a reduction of approximately 23% in the modeled cost of producing lithium hydroxide – from approximately EUR 5,033 per ton to EUR 3,878 per ton (based on an annual output target of 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide). This equates to an annual project OpEx reduction of approximately EUR 27.7 million, from EUR 120.8 million to EUR 93.1 million.
The modeled reduction reflects a combination of updated cost inputs across several key areas.
- Transport and Logistics: Transport and logistics expenses are projected to decline by EUR 11.7 million (47%), from EUR 25 million to EUR 13.3 million following the adoption of a revised logistics concept, which accounts for 42.2% of the total projected decrease in OpEx. The most significant component of this decrease stems from an updated spodumene supply contract with more favorable Incoterms, reducing shipping obligations and expected logistics costs by EUR 10.4 million.
- Reagent Procurement: Revised supplier offers reduce reagent procurement costs by EUR 2.8 million, from EUR 25.9 million to EUR 23.1 million, contributing approximately 10.1% of the total projected savings.
- Fixed Costs: Refined estimates of annual fees, office expenses, insurance coverage and IT costs are projected to decrease by EUR 4.2 million, from EUR 10 million to EUR 5.8 million, accounting for approximately 15.2 % of total OpEx savings.
- Leach Residue Reuse: The Company expects a positive cost impact of up to EUR 6.3 million by reusing leach residues instead of disposing of them, under a memorandum of understanding with Schwenk Zement GmbH & Co KG, a well-known German company in the cement industry. This initiative contributes approximately 22.7% of the total OpEx reduction. The companies intend to finalize binding offtake agreements for the leach residues in due course.
- Additional Savings: In addition, the Company expects to further reduce its costs through maintenance savings and refined labor estimates, resulting in an additional EUR 2.7 million in project OpEx reduction.
Increased energy costs are expected to be mitigated by a sustainable long-term energy supply agreement currently under negotiation with Enertrag SE.[1] This cost improvement positions Rock Tech as an internationally competitive player in the lithium-refining market.
“This significant cost reduction is a major step forward,” says Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech. “In today’s volatile market, establishing a lean and competitive project is not just beneficial—it’s essential. For our equity and debt financing partners, OpEx is one of the most critical benchmarks for project viability. By reducing our modeled costs by 23%, we are not only improving competitiveness but also significantly strengthening the financing case for Guben.”
The Company is also conducting a parallel review of capital expenditures (CapEx). An updated financial model and full profitability analysis will be published once the review is complete in the coming weeks.
Rock Tech remains committed to building one of Europe’s first lithium hydroxide converters, supporting the transition to sustainable mobility with reliable, local supply of critical battery materials.
About the Guben Converter
The Guben Lithium Converter is a pioneering facility in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany, by the German-Canadian company Rock Tech Lithium Inc. This plant is set to become Europe’s first commercial lithium hydroxide refinery aiming to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery grade lithium hydroxide annually (equivalent to approximately 30 GWh of battery capacity) – enough, based on an average consumption of 0.8kg per kWh and 60 kWh per EV, to supply batteries for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles per year.[2]
Strategically located near major automotive and battery manufacturing hubs the Guben Converter is designed to strengthen Europe’s battery supply chain by processing spodumene concentrate secured via leading trading partner C&D Logistics (Qingdao) Co., Ltd. The Converter will utilize advanced crystallization technologies, supplied by GEA Group AG, to ensure high-purity lithium production with minimal environmental impact. The leading international engineering firm Worley Ltd. has been selected as construction partner (EPCM) for the plant.
Recognized as a strategic project under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act[3], the Guben Converter underscores Europe’s commitment to securing essential materials for the energy transition. The project is expected to create approximately 200 jobs and represents a significant step toward regionalizing and decarbonizing the lithium supply chain in Europe.
On behalf of the Management
Mirco Wojnarowicz
CEO, Rock Tech Lithium Inc.
ABOUT ROCK TECH
Rock Tech is enabling the battery age by making the battery industries in Europe and North America more independent and competitive. The Company’s goal is to ensure the supply of high-quality, locally produced lithium – supporting a resilient, sustainable, and transparent value chain from mine to battery-grade material.
Rock Tech relies on responsible sourcing, state-of-the-art and proven technologies, and a clear focus on circular economy principles. The Company’s lithium hydroxide converter projects in Guben, Germany (24,000 tonnes LHM per year) and Ontario, Canada (up to 36,000 tonnes LCE per year) form the foundation for a stable and regional supply to the battery and automotive industries. The Guben converter has been recognized as a strategic project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
The raw materials for Rock Tech’s converter projects are sourced exclusively from verifiably ESG-compliant suppliers. In Canada, Rock Tech relies, among other sources, on its wholly owned Georgia Lake Project, which ensures a stable and sustainable supply for the North American market and is being developed in close partnership with local First Nations communities. By integrating recycled materials, the company aims to close the local battery loop.
With its facilities, Rock Tech makes a central contribution to battery-grade material sovereignty and the achievement of climate targets. The company works in partnership with industry, policymakers, and community groups, and is committed to open communication and the highest environmental standards.
[1] There can be no assurance that the ongoing negotiations with Enertrag SE will result in a definitive agreement or that any such agreement, if completed, will be on terms favorable to the Company or will achieve the anticipated benefits.
[2] https://www.lithium-battery-manufacturer.com/how-much-lithium-is-needed-for-a-1-kwh-battery/
[3] Please see the Company’s news release dated March 26, 2025 for more information.
