Rock Tech Lithium Projects 23% Reduction in Operating Costs for Guben Converter
- Rock Tech’s updated OpEx model projects a 23% reduction in operating costs for its Guben Converter, cutting lithium hydroxide production expenses from approx. EUR 5,033 to EUR 3,878 per ton.
- Based on the updated model, the Company is enhancing its competitiveness in volatile markets.
Toronto, ON, September 17, 2025 – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the development of its Guben Lithium Converter. Following a comprehensive update to its operational expenditure (OpEx) model, the Company anticipates a reduction of approximately 23% in the modeled cost of producing lithium hydroxide – from approximately EUR 5,033 per ton to EUR 3,878 per ton (based on an annual output target of 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide). This equates to an annual project OpEx reduction of approximately EUR 27.7 million, from EUR 120.8 million to EUR 93.1 million.
The modeled reduction reflects a combination of updated cost inputs across several key areas.
- Transport and Logistics: Transport and logistics expenses are projected to decline by EUR 11.7 million (47%), from EUR 25 million to EUR 13.3 million following the adoption of a revised logistics concept, which accounts for 42.2% of the total projected decrease in OpEx. The most significant component of this decrease stems from an updated spodumene supply contract with more favorable Incoterms, reducing shipping obligations and expected logistics costs by EUR 10.4 million.
- Reagent Procurement: Revised supplier offers reduce reagent procurement costs by EUR 2.8 million, from EUR 25.9 million to EUR 23.1 million, contributing approximately 10.1% of the total projected savings.
- Fixed Costs: Refined estimates of annual fees, office expenses, insurance coverage and IT costs are projected to decrease by EUR 4.2 million, from EUR 10 million to EUR 5.8 million, accounting for approximately 15.2 % of total OpEx savings.
- Leach Residue Reuse: The Company expects a positive cost impact of up to EUR 6.3 million by reusing leach residues instead of disposing of them, under a memorandum of understanding with Schwenk Zement GmbH & Co KG, a well-known German company in the cement industry. This initiative contributes approximately 22.7% of the total OpEx reduction. The companies intend to finalize binding offtake agreements for the leach residues in due course.
- Additional Savings: In addition, the Company expects to further reduce its costs through maintenance savings and refined labor estimates, resulting in an additional EUR 2.7 million in project OpEx reduction.
Increased energy costs are expected to be mitigated by a sustainable long-term energy supply agreement currently under negotiation with Enertrag SE.[1] This cost improvement positions Rock Tech as an internationally competitive player in the lithium-refining market.
Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech, says:
This significant cost reduction is a major step forward,
“In today’s volatile market, establishing a lean and competitive project is not just beneficial—it’s essential. For our equity and debt financing partners, OpEx is one of the most critical benchmarks for project viability. By reducing our modeled costs by 23%, we are not only improving competitiveness but also significantly strengthening the financing case for Guben.”
The Company is also conducting a parallel review of capital expenditures (CapEx). An updated financial model and full profitability analysis will be published once the review is complete in the coming weeks.
Rock Tech remains committed to building one of Europe’s first lithium hydroxide converters, supporting the transition to sustainable mobility with reliable, local supply of critical battery materials.
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Rock Tech Lithium Projects 23% Reduction in Operating Costs for Guben Converter, source
