Tees Valley Lithium (TVL) gained planning permission to build Europe’s largest lithium hydroxide refinery at Teesside, England.
Its owner, Alkemy Capital Investments, said the refinery will be capable of producing both lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate.
The company plans to import high-grade lithium feedstock in the form of technical grade lithium carbonate and lithium sulphate from spodumene producers in Australia and elsewhere.
The factory will be at the Wilton International Chemicals Park in the Teesside Freeport.
Construction is due to start in 2023 with production due in 2025. The refinery is expected to produce enough lithium hydroxide to supply the entire forecasted automotive demand in the UK by 2030, Alkemy said. A further 35% of its total production will be available for export.
TVL is currently in advanced discussions with a number of offtake customers, including European gigafactories and electric vehicle OEMs.
TVL appointed Wave International as its lead engineering and technology partner. Wave has completed a feasibility study. Metallurgical test work has been completed, yielding ultra-pure lithium hydroxide. It exceeds industry standards and is validated by two third party cathode active material manufacturers, said Alkemy.
Ryan Hanrahan, Director and CEO of Wave International said: “This approval is a significant milestone for the combined UK/European green energy industry, with the TVL refinery being the first merchant lithium converter to achieve full approval status in the region. With a secured site, full approvals and a feasibility study, TVL are now an advanced project and a leader amongst their peer group.”
BEST reported earlier this month that battery recycler Altilium Metals selected Teesside for its new facility – the second battery materials processing plant in a week for the region.
