Johannesburg-based Sibanye-Stillwater has secured strategic project status for its Keliber lithium and GalliCam projects under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)—a recognition that CEO Neal Froneman says validates the company’s investments in Europe.
“We are delighted that the European Commission has recognised the strategic significance of our Keliber lithium and GalliCam projects,” Froneman said.
“This affirms our commitment to regional ecosystem development and our role in the European battery materials supply chain.”
The Keliber lithium project is set to become Europe’s first producer of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from its own ore, with production expected to commence in early 2026.
The project includes multiple mining areas, a concentrator in the Kaustinen region, and a lithium hydroxide refinery in the Kokkola Industrial Park.
- Annual Production: 15,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide
- Mine Life: 18 years
- Ownership: Sibanye-Stillwater (79.8%), Finnish Minerals Group (20%), Finnish shareholders (0.2%)
- Funding: Backed by a €500-million green loan secured in August 2024
The GalliCam project, fully owned by Sibanye-Stillwater, aims to convert the Sandouville nickel refinery in France into a facility that produces Precursor Cathode Active Material (pCAM)—a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The project is still in prefeasibility, with the study expected to conclude in 2025.
Froneman described GalliCam as an “exciting and innovative opportunity”, emphasizing its role in strengthening Europe’s battery material independence.
The European Commission selected 47 out of 170 applications for strategic project status under the CRMA, which aims to enhance Europe’s access to key minerals by ensuring:
- 10% of extraction,
- 40% of processing, and
- 25% of recycling occurs within the EU by 2030.
By securing CRMA recognition, Sibanye-Stillwater strengthens its foothold in Europe’s growing battery metals sector, reinforcing its role in the continent’s green energy transition.
