Tees Valley Lithium has been shortlisted by a major automotive OEM as the preferred lithium refiner for some of its European lithium supply chain.
The UK refiner’s owner, Alkemy Capital Investments, said discussions are advancing well with automotive OEMs and others, for access to the multi-train facilities of Tees Valley Lithium. This would be using either an intermediate lithium sulphate produced at Port Hedland in Australia or lithium sulphate produced elsewhere for refining into battery grade lithium products to access international markets via the Teesside Freeport.
It said OEMs are moving upstream in order to secure raw material supplies. These investments, and the number of lithium mining projects in development, are expected to increase the supply of raw materials for the battery transition.
That will need extra refining capacity. It added that this mid-stream refining capacity continues to be a potential bottleneck in the global lithium supply chain, despite investments by OEMs.
Alkemy’s proposed Boodarie and Wilton refineries have been reviewed by a global automotive OEM, it said. Alkemy has been shortlisted as a favoured refining partner for lithium hydroxide and carbonate.
It is in advanced discussions with potential suppliers, including several industry-leading lithium miners, well-known automakers, global commodity traders and battery recyclers. It is also talking to European gigafactories and chemicals companies. It expects to enter into significant offtake or partnership deals.
Alkemy has secured a 9.6 ha brownfield site with full planning permission at the Wilton International Chemicals Park in Teesside to build the UK’s first lithium hydroxide processing facility. It expects it to be Europe’s largest.
Photo: Teesside, Tees Valley Combined Authority