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- Imerys announces French lithium extraction plants, expected to produce 34,000 tons of lithium hydroxide, powering an estimated 700,000 electric vehicles per year
Imerys announces French lithium extraction plants, expected to produce 34,000 tons of lithium hydroxide, powering an estimated 700,000 electric vehicles per year
Imerys has confirmed the location of their new lithium extraction project (EMILI) conversion plant and loading station.
The conversion plant will be located at La Loue, in the city of Saint-Victor, while the loading station will be at La Fontchambert, in the city of Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort.
The conversion plant is projected to produce approximately 34,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually, which will equip French and European battery manufacturing plants to power an estimated 700,000 electric vehicles per year.
The lithiniferous mica concentrate from Echassières will be transported by pipeline over 15 km and loaded by train at La Fontchambert. It will then transit via the Gannat – Montluçon railway line to the La Loue conversion plant. This plan utilizes existing infrastructure and limits the use of lorries.
The EMILI project is expected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs locally, contributing to the economic dynamism of the Allier and neighboring departments. The project is part of Imerys’ aim to participate in the energy transition and secure lithium supplies for the European electric vehicle battery production industry.
Imerys aims to structure an industrial sector where all stages – from extraction to the production of lithium for batteries – are as close together as possible. This approach is intended to create a local center of excellence in lithium and battery expertise and produce lithium with minimal carbon emissions. The EMILI project is entering a new phase in its development plan, which will continue with a public debate starting in March. The goal is to bring “Made in France” lithium onto the market by 2028.
You can read more about the EMILI project here:https://emili.imerys.com/en