Abu Dhabi’s KEZAD to host Dhs5bn lithium processing plant

Image: AD Ports Group

The UAE is taking a significant step towards becoming a hub for the processing of lithium, a critical component in electric vehicles (EVs) and the renewable energy revolution.

Titan Lithium Industries announced plans to establish a new lithium processing plant at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) at the cost of Dhs5bn. The UAE-based company signed a 50-year land lease agreement with KEZAD to build the plant in Khalifa Industrial Area (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah).

The plant, which will be developed in three stages and spread over 290,000 square metres, aims to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide for battery makers and electric vehicle OEMs around the world.

Aligned with KEZAD and UAE’s goals of sustainable development

This collaboration between Titan and KEZAD aligns with the UAE’s broader goals of innovation and sustainable development, as highlighted by Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of KEZAD Group: “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 COP28 summit in the UAE, and the vision of the leadership of the country.”

It also reinforces AD Ports Group‘s strategy to be involved across the entire supply chain in the automotive industry with end-to-end logistics solutions, from the factory to the end customer.

Vaibhav Jain, founder and president of Titan Lithium Industries, emphasised the global significance of this project, envisioning the UAE as a key player in the lithium processing industry. “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.”

Beyond its global impact, the project promises to create significant job opportunities and stimulate the local economy, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in the lithium processing industry.

It also contributes to the UAE’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with a commitment to increase the share of electric and hybrid vehicles to 50% of all sales by that time.

The proposed plant prioritises sustainability, employing stadvanced technologies and best practices to minimise environmental impact.

Once established, the plant will be importing approximately 150,000 tonnes of Lithium annually from its mines in Zimbabwe for processing through the adjacent Khalifa Port.

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