Lithium developer on German sub-builder’s radar

Canada’s E3 Lithium says a “teaming agreement” with German submarine and ship builder TKMS creates a strategic framework for bringing Canadian lithium into European defence supply chains including those involved in upgrading the country’s naval fleet.

TKMS, the former Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems, is one of two qualified suppliers for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), which aims to buy up to 12 next-generation, Arctic-capable submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.

TSX-listed E3 Lithium put out a prefeasibility study in 2024 for a proposed C$2.5 billion direct lithium extraction project at Clearwater in Alberta, Canada.

“Partnering with TKMS allows us to connect Canada’s critical minerals industry with strategic global markets while supporting a transformative national defence program,” E3 Lithium CEO Chris Doornbos said.

“This agreement is a strong step toward leveraging Canada’s lithium resources to create sustainable economic value, advance technology transfer and strengthen industrial ties with Germany and allied nations.”

He said the strategic partnership with TKMS created a path for collaboration on research, technology transfer and investment into E3 in support of the CPSP.

TKMS chief sales officer Thomas Keupp said the CPSP ws a cornerstone of Canada’s naval capability.

Critical minerals were “essential to the technology that powers tomorrow’s submarines”.

“Through this agreement with E3 Lithium we are not only securing access to a sustainable supply of lithium but also strengthening the industrial partnership between Germany and Canada,” Keupp said.

“This cooperation reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term capability development.”