Western Finland is now home to Europe’s first fully integrated lithium production chain, linking mining, concentration and refining operations within a 43-kilometre radius.
The €783 million Keliber project, backed primarily by Sibanye-Stillwater, is expected to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide for Europe’s growing electric vehicle and electronics sectors. Hannu Hautala, CEO of Keliber, said the development would strengthen European supply chain independence from imports.
Key developments include:
- Annual production target of 15,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide
- Around 300 jobs expected across mining and refinery operations
- Six additional mining sites planned in the Kaustinen region
- Finland estimated to hold some of Europe’s largest lithium reserves
Richard Stewart, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, described the project as strategically important for the company’s European expansion, while local residents continue to debate its economic benefits and environmental impact.
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 