- UK (UKEF) and Finish (FINNVERA) export credit agencies have expressed their interest to support the Guben Lithium Converter project with up to EUR 150 million in credit guarantees.
- In addition to the proposed senior debt tranche from the European Investment Bank (EIB), Export Credit Agency (ECA) support represents a vital component of the debt financing structure for large-scale infrastructure projects like the Guben Converter.
- Amidst market turmoil and Lithium price uncertainty Rock Tech’s Guben Converter – a strategic project under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act – remains the largest committed stand-alone Lithium refinery project in Europe.
Toronto, ON, 21 May 2025 – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”)is pleased to announce it has received up to EUR 150m in government-backed support from export credit agencies via conditional, non-binding expressions of interest. Specifically, UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Finnish export credit agency (Finnvera) have expressed their interest to support the Guben Converter. In addition, discussions with further export credit agencies from Europe, Australia and China are ongoing to support the procurement of key equipment items from these countries. ECA support will be additional to the proposed European Investment Banks’s (EIB) senior debt tranche of EUR 150 million (as announced by the Company in a previous press release).
“We welcome the strong backing from Export Credit Agencies in supporting the Guben Converter project. Their engagement reflects confidence in our vision, the business case and the strategic importance of this facility for Europe’s green energy transition.” says Chris Wright, Rock Tech’s CFO.
In detail, the debt financing will benefit from the project’s European sourcing scheme, making the project eligible for credit guarantees from major European export credit agencies. Large packages for supplies and services are to be contracted with business & procurement partners based in United Kingdom and Finland, and other EU countries. Subject to the due diligence being completed concurrently in accordance with their policies and applicable OECD consensus guidelines by the lending consortium and the ECAs, UKEF and Finnvera have expressed their initial interest in supporting the project via guarantees towards the lenders.
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—enough to supply over 500,000 electric vehicles per year.
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, 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.
