Hannu Hautala – Keliber aiming for the first vertically integrated lithium producer in Europe

Climate change concerns us all, affecting the success of companies, investors and consumers – now and in the future. Lithium use has increased significantly particularly in the electric vehicle market. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are light, and they weigh approximately 75% less than similar lead-acid batteries, which makes a lithium-ion battery an excellent choice for electric cars or bikes. The growing demand for hybrids, rechargeable hybrids and electric vehicles strongly increases the demand for lithium. In 2019, overall lithium demand amounted to over 270,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Lithium demand is predicted to grow to 900,000 LCE tonnes by 2027, and to almost 2.8 million LCE tonnes by 20401.

Sustainable lithium from Europe: Keliber holds several advanced lithium deposits in a Central Ostrobothnian area that spans over 500 km². Observations of lithium have been made in the region as early as late 1950s. The known lithium reserves of Central Ostrobothnia have been estimated to be among the most significant in Europe. The area has excellent potential for increasing ore reserves and discovering new deposits. Keliber operations in Finland will enable efficient transport to customers, as our production is located near future demand. Environmental and labour laws will be strictly followed while capitalizing on Finland’s reliable and sound societal infrastructure. Advanced production process is a central part of responsible and sustainable lithium chemical production. Keliber concentrator plant will be located in the vicinity of the ore reserves in Kaustinen, and the chemical plant will be located slightly over 50 kilometers away in the Kokkola Industrial Park, near the Port of Kokkola. According to company estimates, the construction stage will start in 2022.

Keliber’s end product, battery-grade lithium hydroxide, is predicted to become the most used and sought-after lithium chemical after the mid 2020s.

Biography

Senior executive with an international track record in various technology industries: Manufacturing, Metals, Mining, Electronics Manufacturing Services and Logistics. Experienced in General Management, Industrial Services, Business Integration and Change Management. Adapts with versatile cultures and business environments and leads people to deliver measurable results. Focus of leadership work is equally on people and on numbers. Beside Finland has lived and managed business in Germany, Hungary and Estonia.

Hannu Hautala, CEO at Keliber, hannu.hautala@keliber.fi

Keliber Oy, Ristirannankatu 1, 67100 Kokkola, Finland, www.keliber.fi

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