Mercedes-Benz Group AG is planning a strategic partnership with the German-Canadian company Rock Tech Lithium. From 2026, Rock Tech wants to supply the automobile manufacturer with up to 10,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually – from the new factory in Guben, Brandenburg. The material is required for the batteries of electric vehicles.
The two companies signed an agreement to this effect during a visit by a German business delegation led by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Canada.
Rock Tech Lithium extracts the raw material from a mine in Canada. The finishing is to take place in the new production plant in Guben from 2024. Rock Tech Lithium had already announced in July that it was working with a large car manufacturer on a “roadmap” for CO2-neutral production of lithium hydroxide at the new location. According to Mercedes-Benz, it will only produce electric vehicles from 2030 onwards.
Markus Schaefer, Member of the Board of Management and Technical Director of the Mercedes-Benz Group, said: “In order to increase the production of electric vehicles, we need access to raw materials to improve the reliability and sustainability of the electric vehicle supply chain. With the partnership with Rock Tech want we are taking a direct sourcing approach to ensure lithium supply for Mercedes Benz battery production.”
