MINEX Forum

Tag: Vulcan Energy

  • Vulcan Energy’s Mannheim Project Delivers 76% Lithium Resource Boost, Reinforces Europe’s Clean Tech Supply Chain

    Vulcan Energy’s Mannheim Project Delivers 76% Lithium Resource Boost, Reinforces Europe’s Clean Tech Supply Chain

    Vulcan Energy Resources has reported a 76% increase in lithium resources at its flagship Mannheim project in Germany, cementing its role in Europe’s quest for sustainable and domestic battery materials. The resource estimate now stands at 3.2 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), up from 1.83 million tonnes, following successful 3D seismic survey results.

    Located in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF), the Mannheim project uniquely combines geothermal energy generation with direct lithium extraction (DLE) from underground brine. This world-first dual-resource approach aims to deliver carbon-neutral lithium, a key ingredient for electric vehicle batteries and Europe’s green transition.

    Vulcan also revealed its first-ever geothermal resource estimate, with recoverable energy of 548 petajoules, creating operational synergies such as shared drilling, reduced fossil fuel use, and district heating partnerships — notably with Germany’s MVV Energie AG.

    CEO Cris Moreno framed the project as a “strategic decarbonisation engine”, noting its role in boosting Europe’s lithium autonomy while slashing the carbon footprint of battery production. He called it a “significant asset for Europe’s energy and critical raw materials security.”

    The company is now preparing a scoping study that will guide commercial development timelines. The phased buildout strategy allows Vulcan to generate early cash flow, scale production, and supply up to half a million EV batteries annually — without relying on imports from geopolitically sensitive regions.

    In contrast to traditional hard rock or evaporative lithium mining, Vulcan’s DLE method minimizes water use, emissions, and land disturbance, offering a compelling ESG case and potential pricing premium in the market.

    The expansion also aligns with EU Critical Raw Materials Act priorities and opens the door for long-term partnerships with carmakers, battery producers, and clean energy utilities across Europe.

  • Vulcan Energy Finalizes Acquisition of Geox, Expands Lithium and Renewable Energy Footprint in Germany

    Vulcan Energy Finalizes Acquisition of Geox, Expands Lithium and Renewable Energy Footprint in Germany

    Vulcan Energy has successfully completed the acquisition of Geox GmbH, securing 100% ownership of its geothermal wells, renewable energy generation assets, and a geothermal and lithium licence in the Landau region of Germany. This strategic move consolidates Vulcan’s upstream Phase One assets and replaces the former Joint Venture and brine offtake agreements with Geox.

    The Landau site is also home to Vulcan’s Lithium Extraction Optimisation Plant (LEOP) and the future Geothermal and Lithium Extraction Plant (G-LEP), which are central to the company’s Phase One Lionheart Project. The project aims to produce battery-grade lithium for European offtake partners and deliver renewable energy and heating to local consumers.

    As part of its development plans, Vulcan will dismantle the existing geothermal power plant at the Geox site, ramp up brine production, and begin supplying baseload renewable heating to the City of Landau. The renewable heating portion of the project has already secured a €100 million grant from the German Federal Government.

    Vulcan estimates that 20% of its Phase One upstream brine production will come from the newly acquired licence area, reinforcing its mission to deliver zero-carbon lithium alongside sustainable energy.

    Managing Director and CEO Cris Moreno stated:

    “The completion of the acquisition of Geox is the final step in consolidating our upstream renewable energy assets for Phase One, streamlining operations, and an important pre-requisite to finalising our Phase One financing package. We are at an important juncture in the history of Vulcan and look forward to sharing more developments as we transition to the construction and production phase of the project.”

  • Vulcan Energy to Begin Large-Scale Lithium Production in Germany by 2027

    Vulcan Energy to Begin Large-Scale Lithium Production in Germany by 2027

    Vulcan Energy Resources, a company focused on producing sustainable lithium, has announced its goal to begin large-scale lithium hydroxide production in Germany by 2027, after pushing back its timeline by two years. The company recently commenced operations at its lithium chloride demonstration plant in Landau and aims to produce 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually—enough to support 500,000 electric vehicles. CEO Christian Freitag cited the extended financing process as a factor in the delay, with Vulcan now raising €1.9 billion. Funding will include over €600 million in equity and €1.3 billion in loans from multiple sources, including a €500 million commitment from the European Investment Bank.

    This production marks a significant step for Europe’s energy goals, helping reduce dependence on lithium imports from China and South America. Vulcan’s extraction method, powered by geothermal energy, aligns with Germany’s goal for a low-carbon lithium source to support the EV sector’s growing demand. Vulcan has already sold its first decade’s production through agreements with major automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Renault, underscoring the anticipated demand surge in Europe for lithium-ion battery components.

  • Vulcan Energy Initiates Local Lithium Production in Germany

    Vulcan Energy Initiates Local Lithium Production in Germany

    Vulcan Energy, a lithium supplier, has commenced the production of lithium chloride at its extraction plant in Germany, marking a significant milestone in producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide. The CEO, Cris Moreno, highlighted the historic achievement, emphasizing that it is the first locally produced lithium resource in Germany.

    With licenses covering over 1,000 kilometers of land in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley region, Vulcan Energy is tapping into super-hot lithium-rich brine from underground reservoirs, utilizing geothermal energy to extract lithium. This innovative approach aligns with the European Union’s targets for sourcing critical metals needed for its green transition.

    Acknowledging the importance of securing access to critical raw materials, the German government has established a 1.1 billion-euro investment fund, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to high-tech and green projects, as announced by Vulcan Energy in February.

    Vulcan Energy, with offtake agreements with major automakers like Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Renault, has seen promising results from its lithium extraction optimization plant in Landau, Germany. The company is now gearing up for the conversion of lithium chloride into battery-grade lithium hydroxide at its new plant in Frankfurt.

    Looking ahead, Vulcan Energy aims to commission its first large-scale industrial plant by the end of 2026, with an expected annual output capable of powering 500,000 electric vehicles. Moreno expressed optimism about closing the financing for this ambitious project in the coming months.

    In February, Vulcan Energy received preliminary approval from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for debt financing of up to 500 million euros, signaling further support for its endeavors in the lithium production sector.

  • Vulcan Energy Commences Lithium Production Using Geothermal Energy in Germany

    Vulcan Energy Commences Lithium Production Using Geothermal Energy in Germany

    Vulcan Energy, a prominent lithium supplier, has heralded the initiation of lithium chloride production at its extraction facility in Germany, marking a significant milestone towards the creation of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. CEO Cris Moreno emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this endeavor, highlighting that it represents the first instance of locally sourced lithium in Germany, drawn from underground reservoirs in the country’s Upper Rhine Valley region. Vulcan Energy’s innovative approach harnesses geothermal energy to extract lithium-rich brine, aligning with the European Union’s objectives to secure essential metals for its green transition. In response to potential challenges such as financial constraints and opposition, the German government has established a substantial investment fund of 1.1 billion euros to bolster access to critical raw materials, underscoring the strategic significance of initiatives like Vulcan’s. The company, boasting of offtake agreements with major automakers, including Volkswagen and Renault, is progressing rapidly with its lithium extraction optimization plant in Landau, Germany, demonstrating promising results and operational efficiency. Vulcan’s lithium chloride output will serve as the precursor for battery-grade lithium hydroxide production at its forthcoming conversion plant in Frankfurt. Looking ahead, Vulcan aims to secure funding for its ambitious industrial plant, targeting an annual output of 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide, equivalent to powering half a million electric vehicles, with financing discussions underway and preliminary approval from the European Investment Bank.