AMG Successfully Opens Europe’s Pioneer Lithium Hydroxide Refinery

AMG Critical Materials N.V. celebrated the opening of its new lithium hydroxide refinery in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Operated by AMG Lithium B.V., the facility marks a major milestone as Europe’s first lithium hydroxide refinery and is set to significantly boost the region’s battery materials supply chain. The refinery has begun producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide, crucial for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, with an initial annual production capacity of 20,000 tons—enough to power approximately 500,000 EVs.

This is the first of five modules planned for the site, and the production capacity of the initial module is already sold out. AMG’s strategic goal is to scale production to 100,000 metric tons annually by 2030, pending market conditions. This expansion would allow AMG to capture up to 14% of Europe’s projected lithium demand for batteries, with Benchmark forecasts estimating a total demand of 700,000 metric tons by the end of the decade.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of AMG N.V., highlighted the importance of the refinery, stating, “We are the first mover, making a decisive contribution to securing the supply of lithium for Europe’s industry. Our complete lithium value chain enhances Europe’s self-sufficiency and aligns with the goals of the European Critical Raw Materials Act.”

The facility’s primary focus is to supply European manufacturers, supporting the region's transition to climate-neutral mobility by ensuring a local source of lithium hydroxide, a key material for EV battery cathodes. In addition, Dr. Stefan Scherer, Managing Director of AMG Lithium GmbH, emphasized AMG’s commitment to innovation, stating that the company is developing advanced materials to support the growth of next-generation, sulfur-based all-solid-state batteries, working closely with industry leaders.

With this new facility, AMG positions itself at the forefront of Europe’s clean energy transition, reinforcing its role as a key player in the EV supply chain and contributing to the continent's long-term energy independence. The Bitterfeld refinery marks a significant step forward for Europe’s battery industry, ensuring a stable and sustainable lithium supply for years to come.

AMG's mission is to deliver critical materials and process technologies that contribute to a lower carbon world. To achieve this, AMG focuses on producing and developing energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. The company also manufactures advanced systems aimed at reducing CO2 emissions in aerospace engines, as well as providing materials for CO2 reduction across various industries.

In its Lithium segment, AMG operates throughout the lithium value chain, working to lower the carbon footprint of both suppliers and customers. Its Vanadium segment is a global leader in recycling vanadium from oil refining byproducts, integrating vanadium with its titanium and chrome operations. AMG’s Technologies segment leads the global market in advanced metallurgy and equipment engineering for aerospace engines. This division also drives the development of AMG’s LIVA batteries, while supporting the company’s mineral processing in graphite, antimony, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates worldwide, with production facilities in Germany, the UK, France, the US, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka, along with sales and customer service offices in Japan.