Trafigura backs UK lithium refinery project

Refinery can reduce Europe’s reliance on Chinese suppliers of battery-grade lithium chemicals

Commodity trading company Trafigura has agreed a deal to support the development of one of Europe’s first commercial lithium refineries as it increases its exposure to the electric vehicle (EV) and battery sectors. Under the deal, Trafigura will take an equity stake in the refinery’s developer, London-based Green Lithium. It will also supply lithium feedstock to the facility, which will be sited in northern England. The 50,000t/yr refinery will operate as a merchant facility rather than being part of a larger integrated supply operation, offering greater flexibility to produce different battery-grade chemicals to various EV and battery manufacturers. Manufacturers are developing various batt