TSX-V-listed Rock Tech Lithium has signed agreements with Siemens Canada to advance the development of a digital twin and with Siemens to support Rock Tech's project team with the ongoing definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Red Rock lithium converter project, in Ontario.

The agreements represent the first implementation phase under a strategic memorandum of understanding  signed by the parties in March, which established a roadmap to bring advanced German lithium conversion expertise and industrial digitalisation technology to the planned Red Rock converter.

Using a digital twin of the converter and other Siemens services, Rock Tech aims to have the Red Rock converter serve as a blueprint for future converters in Canada and allied markets.

Siemens' digital twin technology creates a virtual, physics-based model of the plant's processes, energy flows, and material streams, enabling Rock Tech to test, optimise, and validate design choices, efficiency, emissions, and operational reliability before major capital is committed.

While the first step is to implement a digital process twin, the digital twin technology will cover the entire project lifecycle: from the feasibility study through engineering and construction to operations. The parties will also evaluate the potential application of the cooperation to future projects in other G7 countries.

Siemens Canada will also support Rock Tech's project team by providing specialised support in process control, instrumentation and automation architecture as part of the DFS for the Red Rock converter.

Work on the DFS started at the end of June and is expected to be finalised by mid-December.

"The partnership with Siemens strengthens German-Canadian cooperation and supports Rock Tech's objective of establishing the Red Rock converter as a strategic contributor to resilient G7 critical minerals supply chains. The Rock Tech–Siemens collaboration provides a concrete industrial example of how German engineering expertise and Canadian resources can jointly build resilient lithium supply chains for the G7," comments Rock Tech CEO Mirco Wojnarowicz.

In Canada, Rock Tech relies, among other sources, on its wholly-owned Georgia Lake project, which is intended to provide a stable and sustainable supply for the North American market. By integrating recycled materials, the company aims to close the local battery loop.

The company's lithium converter projects in Guben, Germany, for 24 000 t/y of lithium hydroxide monohydrate and Ontario, for up to 32 000 t/y of lithium carbonate-equivalent form the foundation for a stable and regional supply to the battery and automotive industries.