Johannesburg, – Sibanye-Stillwater, a global precious metals and base metals mining company, today announced that its Keliber lithium project and GalliCam project have been designated as strategic projects by the European Commission under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This significant recognition underscores the company’s strategic investments in Europe and its commitment to strengthening the region’s access to critical battery materials.
“We are delighted that the European Commission has recognised the strategic significance of our Keliber lithium project and the GalliCam project by granting them strategic project status under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act,” said Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater. “This designation validates our long-term vision and investment strategy in Europe, and reinforces our role in building a secure and sustainable battery materials supply chain for the continent.”
The CRMA aims to bolster Europe’s access to key minerals by ensuring at least 10% of extraction, 40% of processing, and 25% of recycling occurs within the EU by 2030. Out of 170 applications received, only 47 projects were awarded strategic project status, highlighting the exceptional nature of Sibanye-Stillwater’s initiatives. This designation unlocks potential benefits, including streamlined permitting processes and access to funding opportunities, accelerating the development and deployment of these critical projects.
Keliber Lithium: Europe’s First Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide Producer
The Keliber lithium project, located in Finland, is poised to become Europe’s first fully integrated battery-grade lithium hydroxide producer from its own ore. This represents a pivotal step towards reducing Europe’s reliance on imported lithium and securing a domestic supply for the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) battery market.
The project encompasses several mining areas, a concentrator in the Kaustinen region, and a state-of-the-art lithium hydroxide refinery in the Kokkola Industrial Park. The integrated nature of the operation, from ore extraction to refined lithium hydroxide production, ensures quality control and supply chain security.
Production is expected to commence in the first half of 2026, with the facility ultimately expected to produce approximately 15,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually over an 18-year mine life. This output will cater to the increasing demand for high-quality lithium hydroxide, a key component in advanced battery chemistries used in EVs and energy storage systems.
Sibanye-Stillwater currently owns 79.8% of Keliber, with the Finnish Minerals Group holding 20% and other Finnish shareholders holding the remaining 0.2%. This partnership leverages the expertise of both companies to ensure the successful development and operation of the project.
The project has secured a significant €500-million green loan in August 2024, demonstrating the confidence of financial institutions in the project’s viability and sustainability. This funding will be instrumental in supporting the construction and ramp-up of the Keliber facility.
GalliCam: Repurposing for Precursor Cathode Active Material Production
The GalliCam project, wholly owned by Sibanye-Stillwater, represents an innovative approach to securing Europe’s battery material independence. The project aims to repurpose the Sandouville nickel refinery in France to produce precursor Cathode Active Material (pCAM) for Europe’s electric vehicle battery supply chain.
Currently in the prefeasibility stage, the study is expected to be completed in 2025. This assessment will determine the technical and economic feasibility of converting the existing nickel refinery into a pCAM production facility. pCAM is a crucial intermediate material in the production of Cathode Active Material (CAM), another essential component of EV batteries.
“The GalliCam project is an exciting and innovative opportunity,” Froneman emphasized. “It allows us to leverage existing infrastructure and expertise to create a new, strategically important production capability within Europe.”
The project’s success would significantly reduce Europe’s dependence on imported pCAM, strengthening the continent’s entire battery value chain. It also aligns with the broader European strategy of fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
Strategic Alignment and Future Outlook
The designation of both Keliber and GalliCam as strategic projects under the CRMA underscores Sibanye-Stillwater’s commitment to regional ecosystem development and its pivotal role in securing Europe’s battery materials supply chain. The company’s investments in these projects demonstrate a long-term vision for sustainable growth and a dedication to supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams,” Froneman concluded. “We are confident that these projects will contribute significantly to Europe’s energy transition and create long-term value for our stakeholders.”
About Sibanye-Stillwater
Sibanye-Stillwater is a global precious metals and base metals mining company with a diversified portfolio of operations in Southern Africa, North America, and Europe. The company is a leading producer of gold, platinum group metals (PGMs), and base metals, and is committed to sustainable mining practices and responsible corporate citizenship.
