Vulcan Secures First Lithium Production licence for Lionheart
Vulcan Energy has been granted its first lithium production permit for the Phase One Lionheart Project in Germany's Upper Rhine Valley. The approval marks a significant regulatory milestone as construction progresses and the Company advances towards planned lithium production in 2028.
Vulcan Energy has received its first lithium production permit for the Phase One Lionheart Project, becoming the first company to obtain a lithium production licence in both the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field and the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
The permit represents an important step forward for Lionheart, which is currently under construction following the Company's Final Investment Decision and financing package secured in late 2025.
Phase One Lionheart is an integrated lithium and renewable energy project designed to produce 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate annually, sufficient for approximately 500,000 electric vehicle batteries each year. The project will also generate renewable geothermal electricity and heat for local communities and industry over an expected operating life of around 30 years.
The newly granted LiThermEx production licence has been awarded for an initial six-year term. Vulcan intends to extend the permit in line with the long-term development plan for Lionheart, supporting operations over the project's planned lifespan.
The approval provides a clear regulatory pathway towards the commencement of commercial lithium production, currently targeted for 2028.
Vulcan Energy Managing Director and CEO Cris Moreno said:
"Securing the first lithium production licence within the Lionheart Project marks another important milestone, and we thank the Mining Authority in Rhineland-Palatinate for their collaboration and support throughout the process.
Alongside the financing package supporting construction activities currently underway, this approval brings us another step closer to establishing a domestic European lithium supply chain powered by geothermal energy co-production.
The project will contribute to strengthening critical raw materials resilience in Germany and across Europe."
The permit highlights continued progress across key project milestones as Vulcan advances construction and development activities in the Upper Rhine Valley.