Valmet to deliver valve solutions to Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber lithium refinery in Kokkola, Finland

Valmet Oyj’s trade press release on September 7, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. EEST

Valmet will deliver a comprehensive package of critical valves and valve automation solutions to a lithium project run by Sibanye-Stillwater’s subsidiary Keliber Oy in Kokkola, Finland.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter 2023. Valmet’s full scope delivery to the lithium project also includes the Valmet DNA automation system. The order was announced in April 2023.

The construction of the lithium refinery started in March 2023 and the production ramp-up is planned for the second half of 2025.

“The production of battery chemicals is a new and demanding industry. Our aim is to develop a sustainable operation to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide. We therefore also expect our partners to deliver both the technologically most reliable, environmentally efficient solutions and know our production requirements well. Valmet has strong experience in delivering valve solutions to demanding chemical processes, as well as a comprehensive product portfolio that matches our production. It’s also important to us that original spare parts, as well as maintenance and expert services, are easily and timely available to us in all stages of production,” says Juha Kerttula, Electrical and Automation Manager of Keliber.

“The selection of optimal valves and actuators specifically for the requirements of each process can contribute to the operational reliability of production, a reduction in water consumption, energy efficiency, and minimized emissions or impurities. With seamless integration between valves and the Valmet DNA automation system, we will be able to identify potential issues in the process very broadly and thus improve reliability in the customer’s process throughout the lifecycle. We are honored by Keliber’s trust and look forward to our collaboration in this landmark operation,” says Marko Lindeman, Director, Finland and Baltics at Valmet’s Flow Control business line.

3D photo of the lithium refinery in Kokkola, Finland (by Birgitta Hjelm-Luontola/Sweco)

Technical information about the valve delivery

Valmet will supply the Keliber lithium refinery with mission-critical valves and valve automation solutions. The delivery includes Neles™ ball valves, segment valves, butterfly valves and globe valves for on-off and control applications as well as Flowrox™ valve solutions for demanding conditions. The control valves are equipped with Neles™ ND9000 series valve controllers, which have the capability of advanced performance follow-ups and enable predictive maintenance planning activities.

About the Sibanye-Stillwater Keliber lithium project

The Keliber lithium project is an advanced lithium project, located in Kaustinen and Kokkola, Finland. The project aims to be the first European producer of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from its own mined ore reserves, thus contributing towards the green transition by facilitating the electrification of transportation. The Keliber lithium project is being developed by Keliber Oy, a subsidiary of Sibanye-Stillwater, a multinational mining and metals processing Group, with the Finnish Minerals Group, a state-owned company developing the value chain of lithium-ion batteries in Finland, the second largest shareholder. For more information on the project, refer to www.sibanyestillwater.com/business/europe/keliber.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Marko Lindeman, Director, Flow Control Sales and Services, Finland and Baltics, Flow Control business line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 515 3656
Juha-Pekka Jalkanen, Director, Process Automation, Automation Systems, Valmet, tel. +358 50 344 7464

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions, we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers’ performance forward – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet’s net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.   

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