ROCK TECH AWARDED STRATEGIC PROJECT STATUS BY EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Rhea-AI Summary

Rock Tech Lithium (RCKTF) announces its Guben Converter Project in Germany has been designated as a Strategic Project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The converter will produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, sufficient to power over 500,000 electric vehicles.

Selected from over 170 applications, the project will benefit from the European Commission's initial €2 billion support package through loans, financing, and guarantees. The CRMA, implemented in May 2024, aims to secure sustainable supply of 17 critical raw materials essential for Europe's energy transition, while reducing dependence on third-country imports.

Positive

• Secured Strategic Project status under EU CRMA, enabling access to financial support
• Eligible for portion of €2 billion EU funding through loans and guarantees
• Annual production capacity of 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide
• Selected among 170+ applications, demonstrating strong project viability

Negative

• None.

TORONTO, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") is pleased to announce that its Lithium Converter Project in Germany ("Guben Converter") has been recognized as a Strategic Project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act ("CRMA"). This designation underscores the importance of Rock Tech's Guben Converter to the European battery materials supply chain and further accelerates the Company's mission to provide Europe with sustainable, locally produced lithium. The Guben Converter will produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually — enough to power over 500,000 electric vehicles.

The CRMA, implemented in May 2024, is a cornerstone initiative aimed at securing resilient and sustainable supply of 17 critical raw materials essential for Europe's energy transition. It enhances the EU's capacity for extraction, processing, and refining of strategic raw materials, reduces reliance on imports from third countries while upholding the highest environmental and social standards.

With over 170 applications submitted to the European Commission, Rock Tech is proud that the Guben Converter was selected in this highly competitive process. The European Commission has announced that it will initially use 2bn EUR to support selected projects through loans, financing, and guarantees.

"This milestone not only affirms the strategic value of our Guben project but also positions us as a key enabler of Europe's green industrial future. We are honored to be recognized as a Strategic Project by the European Commission and remain fully committed to advancing a secure, sustainable, and independent lithium supply for Europe." says Dirk Harbecke, CEO & Chairman Rock Tech Lithium.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, 
Dirk Harbecke
Chairman & CEO

ABOUT ROCK TECH
Rock Tech's vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company's proposed Lithium Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech's goal is to create a closed-loop lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further.

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to: the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and allocation thereof; listing of the Unit Shares on the TSX-V, including obtaining the final acceptance of the TSX-V; discussions with strategic and financial investors to explore potential opportunities for investments directly at the project level, including the Company's converter projects in Germany and Canada and the Georgia Lake Project; and Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects, and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions of the Company and, in certain cases, third party experts, that are believed by management of Rock Tech to be reasonable at the time they were made. Forward-looking information is derived utilizing numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the satisfaction of the conditions to obtain final acceptance of the TSX-V approval for the listing of the Unit Shares on the TSX-V; the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of prices of, feedstock and intermediate and final lithium products; that all required regulatory approvals and permits can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; expected growth, performance and business operations; future commodity prices and exchange rates; prospects, growth opportunities and financing available to the Company; general business and economic conditions; the costs and results of exploration, development and operating activities; Rock Tech's ability to procure supplies and other equipment necessary for its business; and the accuracy and reliability of technical data, forecasts, estimates and studies. The foregoing list is not exhaustive of all assumptions which may have been used in developing the forward-looking information. While Rock Tech considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results. Except as may be required by law, Rock Tech undertakes no obligation and expressly disclaims any responsibility, obligation or undertaking to update or to revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, to reflect any change in Rock Tech's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such information is based. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purposes of assisting readers in understanding Rock Tech's plans, objectives and goals and is not appropriate for any other purposes.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.  

 

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SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

FAQ

What production capacity will Rock Tech's Guben Converter (RCKTF) have?

The Guben Converter will produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, enough to power over 500,000 electric vehicles.

How much funding is available for RCKTF and other EU Strategic Projects?

The European Commission has allocated €2 billion initially to support selected Strategic Projects through loans, financing, and guarantees.

When was the EU Critical Raw Materials Act implemented that benefits RCKTF?

The EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) was implemented in May 2024.

How many applications competed with Rock Tech (RCKTF) for Strategic Project status?

Over 170 applications were submitted to the European Commission, with Rock Tech's Guben Converter being selected among them.

What is the significance of RCKTF's Strategic Project status under CRMA?

The status recognizes the project's importance to European battery materials supply chain and enables access to EU financial support while accelerating local lithium production.