HELM AG ("HELM") announces a prospective partnership between its subsidiary LevertonHELM and Mangrove Lithium, a leading lithium technology company from Canada. The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") to jointly explore the co-development of a European lithium refining facility. This facility will focus on the sustainable production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate for use in electric vehicle batteries, utilizing Mangrove’s Clear-LiTM electrochemical technology.

This MoU follows a successful commercial demonstration of Mangrove's lithium refining technology, which converts lithium sulfate from recycled battery materials into battery-grade lithium hydroxide. LevertonHELM is highly impressed with the high purity lithium hydroxide, high yields, and low production costs achieved through Mangrove's patented Clear-LiTM electrochemical refining technology.

Projects like this are essential for ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals for the European Union’s energy transition. LevertonHELM’s extensive lithium processing experience combined with Mangrove Lithium’s cutting-edge refining technology aims to set a milestone in the European renewable energy sector by creating a strong, local, circular supply chain for battery-grade lithium products.

The agreement marks a significant milestone for HELM in enhancing its role in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. “We are excited to advance our lithium processing capabilities through our partnership with Mangrove. This project aims to actively contribute to closing the recycling loop, which is crucial for reducing Europe’s dependence on lithium imports,” says Stephen Elgueta Wallis, Vice President of Energy Materials at HELM.

Mangrove CEO and Founder, Saad Dara, remarks, “We are thrilled to collaborate on this groundbreaking project with LevertonHELM. By combining our expertise in electrochemical technologies with their extensive experience in the lithium and chemical industries, we aim to eliminate bottlenecks in the lithium supply chain and establish a more robust and sustainable lithium source to meet Europe's increasing demand.”

“Few companies have as deep an understanding of lithium as LevertonHELM. Their expertise and commitment to quality make them the ideal partner to adopt Mangrove’s technology. This potential partnership marks a significant step for Europe towards achieving circularity, quality, and independence,” said Francisco Velasco, VP Commercial at Mangrove Lithium.

Mangrove Lithium, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, specializes in patented electrochemical lithium refining technology. This innovative process efficiently converts lithium from various sources into high-purity battery-grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate. Mangrove's technology promises the highest purity lithium hydroxide and carbonate at potentially lower costs, while also reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional refining methods. Mangrove has received backing from notable investors, including Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BMW i Ventures, and the Business Development Bank of Canada.