Rock Tech Lithium and Ronbay Technology have established a strategic partnership aimed at reshaping the battery materials supply chain in Europe. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2025, connects Rock Tech’s operations in Germany with Ronbay’s facility in Poland, forming a vital battery materials corridor in central Europe.
The partnership focuses on integrating lithium processing and cathode material production, establishing a direct supply line between the two locations. Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech, stated, “Ronbay’s interest in locally sourced lithium is a clear indication of our strategic alignment. This partnership accelerates our commitment to building a resilient battery value chain in Europe.”
Ronbay, a leading producer of cathode active materials based in Ningbo, China, has been expanding its footprint in Europe through acquisitions. Their supply chain head emphasized the collaboration’s goal of accelerating localization of raw materials, enhancing their presence in the European market.
Key Areas of Cooperation The MoU outlines multiple areas for collaboration, including: – Integration of supply chains for lithium hydroxide from Germany to Poland – Sharing technical resources and expertise – Joint initiatives for market development and customer acquisition – Exploration of investment opportunities and financial collaboration – Introduction of engineering and construction partners
Profiles of Rock Tech and Ronbay Rock Tech Lithium is focused on producing premium lithium hydroxide, with their Guben Converter project being one of the first facilities in Europe dedicated to lithium hydroxide production. This facility is crucial for localizing critical minerals essential for the energy transition. Ronbay Technology specializes in mid- and high-nickel ternary materials, vital for high-performance electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and recently acquired Johnson Matthey’s cathode facility in Konin, Poland.
Geographic Importance The collaboration establishes a strategically advantageous battery materials corridor: – **Guben, Germany:** Near the Polish border, Rock Tech’s converter will process lithium raw materials into battery-grade lithium hydroxide. – **Konin, Poland:** Situated approximately 230 km from Guben, Ronbay’s facility will convert lithium hydroxide into high-performance cathode materials.
This proximity reduces transportation distances and carbon emissions compared to traditional supply chains that usually rely on Asian sources for these materials.
Production Capacity and Impact The partnership is set to significantly bolster Europe’s battery materials manufacturing capabilities. Rock Tech’s facility aims to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, supporting over 500,000 electric vehicles per year. Wojnarowicz noted that this production volume addresses a critical supply chain bottleneck, as European automakers have depended on Asian sources for battery materials.
Ronbay’s Polish facility is targeting an annual production capacity of 25,000 tonnes of cathode active materials by 2026, focusing on advanced materials for high-energy-density batteries favored by premium car manufacturers.
Strategic Importance for European Battery Manufacturing The partnership tackles essential challenges in European battery manufacturing, including: – **Localizing Battery Materials Production:** Europe currently relies on imports for lithium hydroxide and cathode materials. This collaboration enables complete localization of production for these components, enhancing quality control, cost management, and adherence to environmental standards. – **Reducing Dependencies on Asia:** By establishing production capacity in Europe, the partnership mitigates risks associated with geopolitical tensions, transportation delays, and compliance issues with European regulations. The direct supply line decreases transportation distances from thousands of kilometers to just a few hundred. – **Creating an Integrated Ecosystem:** The collaboration fosters an integrated battery materials ecosystem, offering benefits such as reduced transportation emissions, enhanced quality control, accelerated innovation, and regional economic development through job creation.
Support for Europe’s Battery Industry Goals This partnership aligns with Europe’s strategic objectives to develop its battery industry, supporting key initiatives such as the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the European Battery Alliance (EBA). The collaboration enhances domestic capabilities for processing critical materials and contributes to building a competitive battery manufacturing sector.
Investment and Economic Implications The partnership opens avenues for joint investments between Rock Tech and Ronbay. Although specific financial details are not disclosed, Ronbay has committed to providing potential investments for the Guben project. The partnership’s investment exploration framework allows for risk-sharing, combining expertise, and optimizing capital across the supply chain.
Developing advanced manufacturing facilities requires substantial capital, with industry estimates suggesting investments of $400-700 million for lithium hydroxide conversion facilities and $300-500 million for cathode material plants. This partnership not only stands to impact company-specific finances but also promises significant regional economic development through job creation and industrial capability growth.
In summary, the Rock Tech and Ronbay partnership is poised to reshape the European battery supply chain, enhancing local production capabilities, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
