The German companies Knauf Gruppe, GP Günter Papenburg AG, and Roxtec, as well as the German Institute of Lithium (ITEL) have formed a consortium aimed at developing and producing lithium from deposits in Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction has announced, adding that the move opens up new prospects for the development of the lithium industry in the country.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting in Germany between Kazakhstan’s minister of industry and construction, Kanat Sharlapaev, and Manfred Grundke, member of the supervisory board of GP Günter Papenburg AG. The parties have agreed to create a working group aimed at exploring the potential for cooperation in the field of lithium mining and use.
The Ministry of Industry and Construction earlier this month said that Kazakhstan produces 19 of the 34 critical raw materials listed by the European Union. Kazakhstan also has the potential to establish a cluster for the production of battery raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium, which are essential for the production of electric vehicles.
