Mining and battery chemical company Keliber has secured environmental permit from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland for its lithium chemical plant in Kokkola Industrial Park (KIP).
With this permit, construction work of the plant can commence this year, with production slated to start in 2024.
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The plant will manufacture battery-grade lithium hydroxide, which is required in lithium-ion batteries of electric vehicles.
Keliber CEO Hannu Hautala said: “The environmental permit for the plant and the right to start operations is good news for us and our customers, as the permit makes it possible for the project to continue within the planned timeframe.
“When Keliber’s product is launched, lithium hydroxide is expected to be in short supply, due to the ongoing green transition that will greatly increase the demand for lithium-ion batteries.”
Once operational, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 15,000t of lithium hydroxide monohydrate.
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By GlobalDataThe main raw material for the plant will be sourced by Keliber from its own ore in the Päiväneva area of Kaustinen.
The firm may also buy spodumene concentrate from other suppliers.
The lithium chemical plant will feature various buildings with a total surface area of more than 18,000m2.
During the construction phase, about 250 people will be employed. Once the plant begins production, about 75 people are expected to be employed.
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Image: Construction of the plant is set to commence this year. Credit: LEEROY Agency from Pixabay.
