Finland has operationalised Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project, covering the entire value chain from mining and concentration to refining, within a compact 43-km radius. The initiative marks a major step toward strengthening Europe’s battery supply ecosystem.
The Keliber Project
The project, known as Keliber, is located in Kaustinen (western Finland) and represents Europe’s first domestic battery-grade lithium production system.
Key Features
Integrated Domestic Value Chain:
- From Mining & beneficiation to refining lithium hydroxide in Kokkola
- Eliminates need for long-distance processing
Production Capacity:
- Around 15,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually
Project Ownership:
- Operated by Keliber Oy
- Majority-owned by Sibanye-Stillwater
- 20% stake held by Finnish Minerals Group
Investment Size:
- €783 million project
- Partly financed by European Investment Bank
Phased Rollout
- Mining Operations: Began at Syväjärvi mine in early 2026
- Processing Stage: Ore transported to a nearby concentrator → converted into sand-like lithium concentrate
- Refining Stage:
- Refinery under construction at Kokkola
- Initial testing already underway
- Output Target: Battery-grade lithium hydroxide for EV and electronics industries
Strategic Importance
- Lithium is a critical raw material for:
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
- Electronics and battery storage systems
- The project:
- Reduces Europe’s dependence on Asia and Australia imports
- Addresses a structural gap in the EU battery value chain
- Strengthens supply chain security
Despite this, Europe is still expected to remain partially dependent on external lithium sources.
Future Outlook
Short-Term:
- Refinery test runs (with water) underway
- First lithium shipments expected by year-end
Positive Scenario:
- Boost to Europe’s EV battery manufacturing
- Encouragement for similar integrated projects across EU
Challenges:
- Possible delays in commissioning
- Environmental concerns or regulatory hurdles
- Continued reliance on imports if scale-up is slow