Sustainable Conveyor Solutions for Sibanye-Stillwater's Keliber Lithium Project in Battery Industry
Kopar has partnered with Sibanye-Stillwater's Keliber lithium project, which aims to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide (LiOH) from its own ore, first in Europe. The LiOH refinery is under construction in the Kokkola Industrial Park.
Environmental considerations are paramount in the industry, and the Keliber lithium project provides a sustainable source of strategically located and fully integrated battery metals which are critical to the clean energy transition. Kopar's mechanical and pneumatic conveying systems are expected to offer reliable and sustainable solutions for the processes at the refinery.
Kopar will supply the Keliber lithium project with mechanical conveyors for handling raw materials and pneumatic conveyors for handling fine, powdery material in production. Conveyor systems are made of special wear-resistant steel. The cooperation will also enable life cycle services for conveyor systems in the future. Regular maintenance increases the lifespan and decreases long-term operating costs of the equipment.
Christian Henriksson, Project Manager at Kopar, oversees the projects' technical requirements to ensure the best possible delivery. Kopar will also provide the Keliber lithium project with its expertise in process development regarding conveyors.
Henriksson emphasizes that the collaboration with Sibanye-Stillwater's Keliber project team has been highly successful: "Despite tight deadlines, we have been able to offer flexibility on both sides and move the project forward together."
The battery industry is a growing sector, and the Keliber lithium project has provided valuable insights for Kopar into battery materials and their refining processes. The project has taught about the different processes used by various manufacturers in the battery industry, which will contribute to the design of similar projects.
While Sibanye-Stillwater's Keliber lithium project is still in early stages, Kopar is excited to continue collaborating with its professionals.
For more information about Sibanye-Stillwater's Keliber lithium project, please visit
https://www.sibanyestillwater.com/fi/liiketoiminta/eurooppa/keliber/
Reference details
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Industry sectorBattery chemicals
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LocationFinland
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