LONDON, UK: Zinnwald Lithium plc, the German focused lithium development company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Epiroc Rock Drills AB to collaborate in the development of a state-of-the-art mine at its 100% owned Zinnwald Lithium Project in Germany.

Sweden based Epiroc is a leading productivity and sustainability partner for the mining and infrastructure industries. With ground-breaking technology, it develops and provides innovative and environmentally friendly equipment, such as drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment and tools for surface and underground applications.

It also offers world-class service and other aftermarket support as well as solutions for automation, digitalisation, and electrification.

Under the terms of the non-binding MOU, Zinnwald Lithium and Epiroc will develop plans to implement high-end technology and deliver a low-cost mining operation focused on minimising CO2 emission.

With an approved mining licence, the Project is designed to be a long-life underground lithium mine with associated processing facilities, enabling the Company to become an important local supplier of battery grade lithium hydroxide to the European battery sector.

Zinnwald Lithium CEO, Anton du Plessis, commented: “Our vision is to build a world-leading, highly economic mine that adheres to the highest environmental standards; attracting Epiroc as a partner, which shares this ethos and brings with it considerable experience and technology, is a further step towards achieving this goal. By optimising mine design and material flow for electrification and automation, our joint focus is on fossil free exploration and mining, sustainability, and circular economy, including the use of battery-operated underground mining equipment as well as loading and haulage machinery. We look forward to providing updates as our plans advance.”