Image: Mangrove LithiumMangrove Lithium was spun out from the University of British Columbia. Since BMW i Ventures led a funding round for Mangrove four years ago, the startup, founded in 2017, has become a recognised name in the German automotive sector.What makes Mangrove particularly interesting is its self-developed electrochemical production process. Conventional refineries typically rely on chemical processes that involve high usage of reagents and acids. Mangrove, however, uses a proprietary electrodialysis technology to convert lithium raw materials directly into battery-grade lithium hydroxide.The startup aptly headlined its press release about the plant opening as “North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refinery.” However, the emphasis is on ‘electrochemical’ rather than ‘first commercial lithium refinery’ in North America, as Tesla already opened a lithium refinery in Texas in January using a different method. Tesla’s facility employs an acid-free alkaline process with soda ash, rather than an electrochemical one. The factory aims to refine lithium for the batteries of around one million electric vehicles annually in the future.In contrast, Mangrove’s facility in Canada is significantly smaller in scale. The plant will initially produce 1,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide per year, enough for 25,000 electric vehicles. However, Mangrove is already planning a second facility with a capacity 20 times greater—20,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually, sufficient for the batteries of 500,000 electric vehicles. In other words, the newly opened first plant is still relatively small and likely serves more as a large-scale pilot facility than a profit-driven operation. Nevertheless, the Delta facility represents a significant step forward, demonstrating that Mangrove’s self-developed process works and can enhance the independence of North America’s supply chain.“This is a landmark moment not just for Mangrove, but for Canada,” said Dr Saad Dara, CEO and founder of Mangrove Lithium. “By commissioning the first commercial electrochemical lithium refinery in North America, we are proving that lithium can be refined domestically, sustainably, and competitively. This facility is an important step towards a fully Canadian lithium supply chain, one that strengthens our energy security, accelerates the transition to EVs, and positions Canada as a global leader in critical mineral processing.”“Canada is leveraging our critical mineral resources – including our lithium – to unlock supply chain security, job creation, and clean energy innovation,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “Mangrove Lithium’s new headquarters will house North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility –exactly the type of cutting-edge, sovereign Canadian project we need. By supporting projects like these, our new government is advancing Canada’s low-carbon potential, creating new careers, strengthening our security, and creating reliable Canadian jobs in an uncertain time.” mangrovelithium.com