Rock Tech Lithium Inc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Schwenk Zement GmbH & Co KG to use by-products from Rock Tech’s Guben lithium converter in Schwenk’s cement production. This collaboration aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower costs and enhance profitability for both companies.
Rock Tech estimates annual savings of up to EUR8m in operational costs, while Schwenk will invest in its facilities to process up to 200,000tpa of by-products by 2029. The leached spodumene concentrate (LSC) by-products will replace traditional cement additives, reducing Schwenk's dependency on SCMs derived from coal-based energy sources. Initial studies by the Institute of Technologies and Economics of Lithium indicate that the leach residues offer significant potential as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs).
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and the formation of a circular economy,” said Kerstin Wedemann, Rock Tech chief operations and legal officer. Johann Trenkwalder, Schwenk board member, emphasised the strategic importance of securing regional SCM sources.
In addition to generating a new revenue stream, Rock Tech will benefit from lower environmental impact and reduced transport and disposal costs. Both companies will collaborate on obtaining necessary certifications, including REACH compliance and approval from the German Institute for Construction Technology (DIBt).
Schwenk, a leading German cement manufacturer established in 1847, has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction materials sector. Rock Tech is focussed on developing sustainable lithium supply chains to support clean mobility, with plans for converters in Germany and Canada.
