Rock Tech and Schwenk: A Game-Changing Partnership for Sustainable Cement Production
In a significant move towards sustainability in industrial practices, Rock Tech Lithium Inc. has formed a partnership with SCHWENK Zement GmbH, one of Germany's prominent cement manufacturers. This collaboration aims to transform lithium production by-products from Rock Tech's Guben Converter into valuable additives for cement manufacturing. This strategic alliance not only presents an innovative approach to waste management but also aligns with the objectives of Germany's National Circular Economy Strategy aimed at increasing the use of industrial by-products.
The essence of this agreement lies in the sale of leach residues, a by-product of lithium hydroxide production, which will be repurposed as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs). By integrating these residues into cement production, the emissions associated with traditional cement additives will be significantly reduced. In fact, it is estimated that this initiative could save up to EUR 8 million annually in operational costs for Schwenk, while also increasing the project’s Net Present Value (NPV).
Kerstin Wedemann, Chief Operations and Legal Officer at Rock Tech, emphasized the partnership's focus on sustainability: "Transforming waste into value not only enhances our profitability but also supports the cement industry's efforts to decarbonize. Our collaboration exemplifies a commitment to building a circular economy, where by-products find new life and contribute to environmental goals."
The strategic importance of this agreement is underscored by Johann Trenkwalder, a member of Schwenk's Management Board, who noted that the LSC (Leached Spodumene Concentrate) from Rock Tech represents a regionally available source of secondary raw materials that are crucial for ensuring a stable supply of high-quality cement grinding materials.
This initiative extends beyond mere economic benefits. By leveraging leach residues as SCMs, Schwenk aims to not only lower its CO₂ emissions but also reduce dependence on traditional coal-based SCMs, which are expected to become scarcer in the future due to environmental regulations. Ultimately, the partnership is poised to yield cost savings and result in a 7% reduction in Rock Tech's annual operational expenditures, effectively minimizing the environmental impact associated with waste disposal.
Looking ahead, Schwenk plans to enhance its infrastructure by investing in state-of-the-art facilities for processing up to 200,000 tonnes of these by-products annually by 2029. This commitment is reflective of Schwenk's long-term vision of collaborating with Rock Tech while simultaneously striving towards zero-waste objectives.
Furthermore, the agreement highlights a flexible approach, allowing Schwenk to utilize the leach residues during high-temperature cement processes if needed. Both parties are committed to pursuing critical certifications, such as REACH compliance and necessary approvals from the German Institute for Construction Technology (DIBt), ensuring that the innovation is ready for widespread adoption. The certification process is projected to take nearly one and a half years.
Rock Tech aims to become a leader in supplying sustainable lithium to the electric vehicle and battery industries while achieving a 100% recycling rate. By constructing Lithium converters near their customers, beginning with the Guben plant in Brandenburg, Germany, and a second facility planned in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada, Rock Tech is creating a resilient supply chain. The company's mission reflects an overarching goal of developing a closed-loop lithium production system.
With one of the strongest teams in the industry, Rock Tech adheres to strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards while advancing a proprietary refining process aimed at further enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Similarly, Schwenk, established in 1847, stands as a pillar in the construction industry, known for its commitment to sustainable practices and innovations in reducing the environmental footprint of their operations.
The partnership between Rock Tech and Schwenk signifies a forward-thinking approach aiming not only for economic gain but also for environmental stewardship and innovation in the cement industry, setting a remarkable precedent for future collaborations in industrial waste management and sustainability.