Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group, the largest operator of integrated economic zones, has partnered with UAE-based Titan Lithium to establish a cutting-edge lithium processing plant in Khalifa Industrial Area (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah) through a 50-year land lease agreement.
The plant, to be developed in three phases with an investment of US$1.3 billion by Titan Lithium, will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide for global battery manufacturers and electric vehicle OEMs. Covering over 290,000 square meters, this facility marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s emergence as a major player in the global lithium processing market.
“The establishment of the lithium processing plant aligns with the UAE’s broader goals of innovation and sustainable development, as well as KEZAD Group’s goals for sustainable development. It is an extension of synergies announced during the COP28 summit in the UAE, and the vision of the leadership of the country,” stated Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of KEZAD Group.
This collaboration also aligns with AD Ports Group’s strategy to integrate across the automotive industry supply chain, offering end-to-end logistics solutions from factory to end-customer.
Upon completion, the plant will import approximately 150,000 tonnes of lithium annually from Titan Lithium’s mines in Zimbabwe for processing at Khalifa Port. This exemplifies the symbiotic ecosystem fostered by AD Ports Group in Abu Dhabi, where significant developments within one of its vertically integrated clusters generate revenue synergies benefiting the entire ecosystem.
“Our facility in KEZAD is not just an investment in the future of Abu Dhabi and Titan Lithium Industries, but a stride towards a sustainable and better future for the world. Lithium is the new oil, and through this project, we are positioning the UAE, and specifically Abu Dhabi, as a pivotal hub in the lithium processing domain,” stated Vaibhav Jain, founder and president of Titan Lithium Industries.
According to a statement, the project is set to generate numerous employment opportunities, bolster the local economy, and position Abu Dhabi as a leader in the lithium processing industry. As the world embraces renewable energy sources, the importance of lithium as a cornerstone in this transition becomes increasingly apparent.
Employing state-of-the-art technologies and adhering to the highest sustainable practices, the proposed plant will prioritize environmental responsibility while spearheading the global electric vehicle revolution.
Additionally, the availability of processed lithium is pivotal for manufacturing battery packs used in electric vehicles, a rapidly expanding sector in the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
In line with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, the UAE has pledged to increase the proportion of electric and hybrid vehicles to 50% of all vehicle sales by 2050, thereby driving up demand for battery materials within the country.
