Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) has announced last week that its Guben Converter has been officially granted Strategic Project status under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This prestigious designation underscores the project’s essential role in securing Europe’s supply of critical raw materials, reinforcing the EU’s ambition to build a resilient and sustainable battery metals supply chain.

The Guben Converter is one of only three Strategic Projects in Germany and the only lithium processing facility among the 47 selected projects that is capable of processing spodumene concentrate via the established sulphation–causticization route into battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide.

Rock Tech will benefit from improved access to funding opportunities (debt and equity), and stronger support from European policymakers. In detail, the designation enables Rock Tech to connect with the CRMA finance subgroup, which will provide guidance and meaningful support in finalizing the project’s financing by exploring both private and public funding sources. Furthermore, this status ensures that regional and national authorities can leverage the European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund to support the project’s development.

Therefore, the selection as a Strategic Project is an important milestone that confirms Rock Tech’s strategy and highlights the critical importance of building local processing capacity for lithium extraction from primary sources while leveraging proven and established technology.

“Receiving Strategic Project status is a transformational milestone for Rock Tech and our stakeholders,” said Dirk Harbecke, CEO of Rock Tech. “It validates the critical role of our Guben Converter in Europe’s mineral strategy and paves the way for streamlined development and financing. We look forward to working closely with European institutions and industry partners to advance our project.”

The Critical Raw Materials Act, adopted by the European Union, aims to bolster domestic supply chains for essential raw materials while reducing dependency on external sources. By prioritizing Strategic Projects, the EU is ensuring stable access to materials crucial for the green energy transition, including lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, and more.

Rock Tech remains committed to advancing the Guben Converter in alignment with best environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices while supporting Europe’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

ABOUT ROCK TECH

Rock Tech’s vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company’s proposed Lithium Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech’s goal is to create a closed-loop lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further.