Business Finland has granted Keliber Technology Oy, a Finnish mining and battery chemical company that aims to start the sustainable production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide utilizing its own ore, investment funding of a maximum of €7 million.

The funds are designated for the acquisition of technology that significantly improves environmental protection in lithium hydroxide production and also enables the utilization of a side stream from production.

Keliber plans to build its lithium chemical plant at Kokkola Industrial Park, and the production process will be based on novel soda leaching technology. In comparison with an alternative production process, soda leaching saves energy and promotes the circular economy.

The production process will result in analcime sand as a side stream and it is planned to use this in the extension work at the Port of Kokkola. Some of Business Finland’s funding has been earmarked for the acquisition of equipment for handling the analcime sand.

The project is part of the Smart Mobility and Batteries from Finland programme. The grant from Business Finland promotes the development of a sustainable battery industry in Finland and supports the EU-level transition to low-emission transport.

A valid environmental permit is a precondition for the funding.