Rock Tech Lithium has partnered with Canada’s BMI Group to develop its lithium converter facility in Red Rock, Ontario. The collaboration is expected to take the form of a general partner/limited partner structure, with Rock Tech controlling the general partner and BMI acting as lead limited partner and anchor investor. Rock Tech will retain full control over project development, engineering, operations and key technical and strategic decisions.
Rock Tech is developing an integrated lithium platform in Canada, connecting upstream supply from the Georgia Lake project with downstream production at the Red Rock Converter. The project aims to create a domestic supply chain from mine to battery-grade lithium salts that aligns with IRA and CUSMA requirements, enhancing Canada’s critical minerals processing capabilities and supporting North American and European supply chains.
As part of the partnership, BMI Group plans to invest C$$200m (US$144m), with Rock Tech and additional partners contributing further equity over time. The project aims to establish processing capacity in Canada, enhancing value creation, supply security and planning certainty for North American industrial off-takers.
“BMI Group’s significant investment is a strong market signal. An experienced Canadian partner committing at this level demonstrates that our project is not only technically and economically compelling – it also enjoys the confidence of professional investors,” said Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO Rock Tech. “This partnership structure reflects our philosophy: we bring the technology, the operational expertise and the proven converter concept. Our partners invest the capital with expected high returns. Together, we deliver.”
To advance near-term development, including a feasibility study, the partners plan a non-dilutionary funding program of up to C$30m (US$22m) matched by government contributions. The funds will support engineering, environmental and permitting work, and early site development ahead of a final investment decision by the end of 2026.
The Red Rock Converter leverages Rock Tech’s project in Guben, Germany, which is fully engineered and permitted, and designated a strategic project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. The Canadian facility will be built on BMI’s 337-acre industrial site, located 100km east of Thunder Bay and 60km south of Rock Tech’s Georgia Lake lithium deposit.
“As long-horizon developers, BMI Group sees its partnership with Rock Tech as one that will position Northwestern Ontario as a key hub in sovereign defence and battery materials supply chains,” said says Paul Veldman, CEO BMI Group.
“Our Red Rock platform provides industrial-ready infrastructure that compresses timelines from site selection to production. This investment reflects our confidence in Rock Tech’s technology, market strategy, leadership and long-term vision. Through our Canadian and European investor base, we are aligned on the need for secure, allied critical minerals processing capacity and the multi-sector coordination to get it done.”
Related news, Advanced cylindrical cell battery technology powers next-generation electric BMW i7