Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH

The journey of Vulcan Energy Resources began in 2018, born from a vision to revolutionize the lithium industry and empower a carbon-neutral future. Founded by geologists Dr. Francis Wedin and Dr. Horst Kreuter, the company was conceptualized in Australia with a clear and ambitious goal: to develop the world's first lithium company with a net-zero carbon footprint. This pioneering spirit led them to the Upper Rhine Valley in Germany, home to Europe's largest lithium resource, which also boasts a high-quality geothermal resource in the same reservoir. This unique combination became the cornerstone of Vulcan's integrated approach to producing both lithium and renewable energy, a project aptly named the 'ZERO CARBON LITHIUM™' project. From its inception, Vulcan has been a disruptor, challenging the traditional, carbon-intensive methods of lithium extraction. Instead of relying on hard-rock mining or vast evaporation ponds, Vulcan has pioneered a method that utilizes geothermal brine. This innovative process involves pumping hot, lithium-rich brine from deep underground wells. The geothermal heat is harnessed to provide the energy needed for the direct lithium extraction (DLE) process, a de-risked technology that efficiently separates the lithium. The result is a premium, battery-quality lithium hydroxide product with no fossil fuels burned and a co-product of renewable energy that can be supplied to local communities.

This journey from a bold idea to a tangible operation has been marked by significant milestones and strategic partnerships. After going public on the Australian stock market in June 2018, Vulcan has rapidly advanced its project. The company has secured key exploration licenses in Germany and Italy and has already entered into binding offtake agreements with major players in the automotive and battery manufacturing sectors, including Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Renault. These agreements underscore the immense demand for a sustainable and European-sourced lithium supply chain. To further bolster its capabilities, Vulcan has made strategic acquisitions, including geothermal power plants and engineering firms, allowing it to become an operational renewable energy producer. The company's multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts in geothermal energy, lithium chemistry, and chemical engineering is the driving force behind its progress. With a strong focus on research and development, including its proprietary 'VULSORB®' sorbent, Vulcan is not just building a business; it is creating a new, sustainable industrial model. As Europe accelerates its transition to electric mobility, Vulcan Energy Resources is strategically positioned at the heart of this transformation, ready to supply the critical raw materials needed to power a cleaner tomorrow, for Europe, from Europe.