en.Wedoany.com Reported - European Metals is testing the tunnel kiln process at its Cinovec lithium project on the Czech-German border, with preliminary results indicating that a single tunnel kiln could replace two gas-fired rotary kilns in the original plant configuration. Executive Chairman Keith Coughlan stated that adopting the tunnel kiln represents a potentially significant change in the Cinovec project's final feasibility study, which could reduce capital expenditure through the use of standard components and modular construction. Additionally, operating costs would be lowered due to the reduced roasting temperature for lepidolite concentrate and the choice of electric rather than gas-fired kilns. He also noted that using green electricity to heat the kilns could significantly reduce the project's carbon footprint, helping Cinovec become a leading low-carbon lithium carbonate producer.

Compared to the rotary kiln configuration in the final feasibility study, using a gas-fired tunnel kiln is expected to reduce capital expenditure by approximately $112 million and operating costs by $10 million annually. European Metals stated that Geomet has been studying the feasibility of using tunnel kilns at the Cinovec project since 2022, when a basic scope engineering study was completed. The switch to tunnel kilns is not expected to impact the project timeline, as their footprint matches that of the equivalent rotary kiln process train. A final decision on whether to adopt the tunnel kiln configuration is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Cinovec lithium project is owned by Geomet, a joint venture between Czech energy utility CEZ (51% stake) and European Metals (49% stake).