João de Mello points the way to a leading position in European green lithium

"The technological ecosystem proposed by Lifthium Energy represents an important contribution to achieving the major goals of decarbonising the economy, providing sustainability and circularity throughout the lithium value chain," said João de Mello, chairman of Bondalti, in an interview with the "Jornal de Negócios".

He emphasised the company's commitment to developing the lithium business area, reflected in its ambition to make Lifthium Energy "one of the largest producers of green lithium in Europe".

In a context where around 90 per cent of the lithium used in batteries currently comes from China, Bondalti's chairman says that "this is a project that fulfils our vision of a European lithium hub, allowing for shorter, low-carbon logistics chains and reducing Europe's external dependence in this area".

Still according to João de Mello, "the decision to invest in a large-scale lithium treatment plant will be taken in mid-2024", after the tests that are being carried out in a pilot plant in Canada have been completed. (...) "Our strategy will be to have at least two plants by 2030 and, possibly, a third already in mind or under development by then". The first will be built in Estarreja, said the Bondalti chairman.

For the development of this project, "fully aligned with the José de Mello group", João de Mello emphasises that "given the size of the investment, we will be looking for new partners. It is a very attractive project and I have no doubt that, once the decision is made, we will have partners wanting to get involved, not only in terms of technology and raw materials, but also in terms of capital." For now, the project is part of the PRR's mobilising agenda and has been allocated 26 million euros.