Platinum producer Sibanye Stillwater has approved the commencement of the second phase of its Keliber lithium project.
The Keliber lithium project is located in Finland and aims to develop a sustainable operation to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide, an essential component in lithium-ion batteries.
Sibanye owns about 79 per cent of the project, whereas the Finnish Minerals Group owns the remaining approximate 20 per cent.
The second phase of the project includes the construction of the concentrator and the development of the Syvajarvi open pit mine in Paivaneva. The delivery of ore from the Syvajarvi open pit mine is expected to be timed to coincide with the commissioning of the concentrator.
“We are pleased to be commencing construction of the lithium concentrator and (the) Syvajarvi mine. The Keliber lithium project remains on track to be the first integrated lithium hydroxide supplier in Europe,” Sibanye-Stillwater chief executive officer Neal Froneman said.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver this exceptional project, which will contribute to the regional economy as well as to the growth of our unique portfolio of green metals that aim to reverse climate change.”
To support the Keliber lithium project’s growth, Sibanye has signed a contract with Metso for the delivery of an effluent treatment plant for Keliber’s lithium hydroxide refinery to be built in Kokkola, Finland.
“Metso’s scope of delivery for the effluent treatment plant includes the engineering, procurement and supply of the equipment for the full process, as well as advisory services,” Metso said.
For the concentrator plant, Metso is expected to supply all key process equipment such as crushing equipment and dewatering equipment.