AMG Critical Materials has agreed to acquire the approximately 71% of Zinnwald Lithium it does not already own for approximately $56 million, funded equally in cash and new AMG shares, in a move the Dutch critical materials company describes as a major strategic step in consolidating Europe’s critical minerals industry.
AMG has held a stake in Zinnwald Lithium and a board representative since 2023. The full acquisition brings under single ownership the Zinnwald Lithium project in Germany — a multi-product deposit containing lithium, potassium and tin, and one of the most significant hard-rock lithium resources in Europe. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. In the interim, Zinnwald Lithium will continue limited test work and studies to maintain permitting and project status under an existing cash management plan.
AMG chairman and CEO Dr Heinz Schimmelbusch said the company’s near-term focus post-completion would be on advancing technical development studies, with a staged approach favouring a smaller-scale initial scope over a single large-scale build. “This approach will enable AMG to leverage its world-class mining and processing capabilities,” he said.
AMG Lithium CEO Dr Stefan Scherer outlined an 18 to 24 month programme to define and advance a sustainable and profitable project scope, combining AMG’s existing mining experience with newly developed processing technology aimed at improving the project’s environmental footprint and operating cost position. Community and stakeholder engagement is also planned as the project advances.
