Nobian joins forces with Veolia to advance lithium production for batteries

Nobian and Veolia Water Technologies Inc. sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint commercialization of Nobian’s newly patented lithium chloride conversion process.

• Nobian recently developed a new patented process to convert lithium chloride into lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), a key raw material for lithium-ion vehicle batteries.
• Veolia has confirmed the viability of the new lithium chloride conversion process through rigorous pilot-scale testing using its proven HPD™ evaporation and crystallization technology.
• With the collaboration both companies aim to scale this new production method for LHM, as well as to meet the growing European and global demand for battery materials.

Breakthrough in lithium refining from lithium chloride

Nobian, a leading provider of salt-based chemicals in Western Europe, has recently developed and patented an innovative and sustainable process that converts lithium chloride into lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) - a key raw material for lithium-ion batteries. Using electrolysis and crystallization, lithium chloride is converted into LHM. Veolia, a global leader in water treatment technologies and lithium compounds production, has validated the process’ efficiency and applicability through rigorous testing, leveraging its HPD crystallization technology at its state-of-the-art Research, Development and Piloting facility in Plainfield, IL (USA).

Scaling up sustainable lithium production

The cooperation between Nobian and Veolia aims to combine the expertise from both companies to further scale lithium production, contributing to Europe’s strategic independence in lithium supply. Both companies will explore the integration of Nobian’s new lithium conversion process into Veolia’s HPD technology, creating a commercially viable joint proposition.

Expanding lithium supply

Following the testing phase, Nobian and Veolia will seek strategic partners across the value chain, engaging lithium chloride suppliers, technology providers, customers, investors, and potential licensees throughout Europe and globally. This initiative supports the development of a sustainable European lithium battery value chain, leveraging mutual capabilities, ensuring a more reliable and eco-friendly lithium supply for future energy needs.

Strengthening the European battery industry

With growing demand for lithium batteries in Europe, the region faces shortages in affordable lithium resources and production capacity. Hence it is important to scale up the production of lithium-ion batteries and their raw materials in Europe. By utilizing existing chlor-alkali infrastructure in the Netherlands and Germany, Nobian’s new developed process enhances efficiency while reducing investment and operating costs. Veolia, with over 1,000 evaporation and crystallization installations across more than 30 countries, brings deep expertise in lithium-related technologies.

Growing Greener Together

Coert van Lare, Director Innovation Program Renewable and Circular at Nobian: ‘With our lithium conversion process, Nobian plans to contribute to the growing global demand for affordable and low-carbon lithium-based batteries. This collaboration with Veolia strengthens the European battery value chain and contributes to the optimal use of critical raw materials. Additionally, we are ready to license our technology globally. The collaboration with such a reliable and globally recognized partner as Veolia allows us to advance our lithium conversion technology.’

Markus Mingenbach, Senior Vice President Chlor-Alkali & Chloromethanes at Nobian: ‘This collaboration has the potential to significantly accelerate sustainable lithium production. Leveraging over 100 years of experience and our robust infrastructure in Europe, we are poised to transition our lithium chloride conversion process from pilot scale to commercial production. This initiative not only strengthens the European lithium battery value chain but also aligns with Nobian’s Grow Greener Together sustainability program.’

Mark Boone, Executive Vice President for evaporation and crystallization technologies at Veolia: ‘With our proven track record in scaling up, supplying and guaranteeing unique integrated crystallization systems for high purity products in the chlor-alkali and battery material industries, Veolia is ideally positioned for this project. The recovery of strategic metals and salts stands as a priority offering in our portfolio, perfectly aligned with our GreenUp strategic plan’s mission to depollute, decarbonize and regenerate resources to accelerate industry’s ecological transformation. We are excited to partner with Nobian, contributing our comprehensive expertise to commercialize their lithium conversion technology while advancing Europe’s essential minerals security and driving forward the decarbonization of transportation.’