Maastricht, Netherlands, 13 January 2026: Lithium Ark, the technology company pioneering a new approach to lithium refining, has submitted an application for Green+ Antwerp to be designated under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act Strategic Projects framework.
The application reflects Green+ Antwerp’s focus on strengthening European lithium processing capacity and supporting the resilience of the region’s battery materials supply chain.
Green+ Antwerp is designed to convert lithium chloride into battery-grade lithium hydroxide using Lithium Ark’s patented circular refining process. The project’s strategy is to aggregate lithium chloride from diversified sources and jurisdictions and refine it into traceable, made-in-Europe battery-grade lithium chemicals.
Europe’s strategic challenge in lithium extends beyond access to raw materials. The region also requires sufficient processing and refining capacity to convert lithium resources and intermediates into qualified battery-grade products for cathode, battery and automotive supply chains.
Peter Ehren, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at Lithium Ark, said: “Europe needs to develop not only secure access to lithium, but also the processing capacity to turn it into battery-grade materials. Our application under the Critical Raw Materials Act reflects the role Green+ Antwerp can play in strengthening that capability and building a more resilient European supply chain.”
The project is currently being advanced through technical, commercial, environmental and financing workstreams, including engineering development, feedstock sourcing, offtake engagement and assessment of potential EU funding support.
ENDS
About Lithium Ark
Lithium Ark is a technology company pioneering a patented lithium refining process that produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide directly from lithium chloride, eliminating the need to produce, transport, and reconvert lithium carbonate, while also having the ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate as required. Backed by more than 25 years of hands-on lithium expertise and three international patents, the technology reengineers conventional refining to deliver up to 89% lower carbon emissions, 75% less water consumption, and 49% lower energy use than conventional refining, while reducing costs and enabling faster, more scalable deployment.
The company’s first commercial deployment in Antwerp is being developed in the heart of Europe’s leading chemical cluster alongside industry partners. The project will showcase the refining process, support future global deployment and technology licensing, while strengthening Europe’s critical minerals supply chain. It is advancing toward Final Investment Decision as a candidate Strategic Project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. Lithium Ark has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Chile.