Rock Tech Lithium's Ontario Converter Project Gains Momentum with Critical Minerals Processing Fund Approval

Ontario’s recent authorization and deployment of the CAD $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund marks a pivotal moment for domestic battery supply chain development. Rock Tech Lithium’s planned Lithium Conversion Facility in Red Rock, Ontario stands to directly benefit from this strategic initiative, positioning the company as a key contributor to North America’s lithium independence.

Project Synergy and Regional Integration

The proposed converter in Red Rock aligns strategically with provincial efforts to build regional processing capacity. Located approximately 60 kilometers from Rock Tech’s Georgia Lake mining operation, the facility represents an integrated approach to lithium supply chain development. This geographic proximity enables a vertically integrated model that could anchor downstream battery and electric vehicle manufacturing investments across Ontario.

The converter’s design foundation rests on Rock Tech’s fully permitted facility in Guben, Germany—a project recently recognized as a strategic initiative under the European Critical Raw Materials Act. This pre-validated engineering blueprint reduces technical risk and accelerates Ontario’s capacity to deliver battery-grade lithium products to global markets.

Production Capacity and Investment Foundation

Rock Tech has invested over CAD 65 million and accumulated more than 350,000 engineering hours in developing its lithium conversion infrastructure. The Ontario facility is engineered to produce up to 36,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent annually, while the complementary Guben converter targets 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year.

According to Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech Lithium: “Ontario’s commitment through the Critical Minerals Processing Fund demonstrates clear leadership in battery materials. Our Red Rock converter, leveraging the proven engineering from our EU CRMA Strategic Project, is uniquely positioned to deliver the processing capacity the province requires for competitive advantage.”

Strategic Importance for Energy Transition

The fund represents a critical step toward reducing North American reliance on offshore processing. By enabling midstream critical mineral projects, Ontario creates the infrastructure necessary to support the continent’s energy transition while strengthening domestic supply security. Rock Tech Lithium’s converter directly addresses this mandate by converting mined lithium into battery-ready material within provincial borders.

The company’s commitment to ESG-compliant sourcing and circular economy principles—including recycled material integration—aligns with broader sustainability objectives. The Georgia Lake Project ensures stable, responsibly sourced raw material supply for North American operations, developed in partnership with local First Nations communities.

Forward Development and Stakeholder Engagement

Rock Tech continues collaborative discussions with provincial partners, Indigenous communities, and industry stakeholders to establish an integrated, competitive lithium supply ecosystem in Ontario. The convergence of mining operations at Georgia Lake and processing capabilities in Red Rock creates a foundation for long-term economic development and supports Canada’s position in the global battery value chain.