Imerys, the global leader in specialty minerals for industry, continues to develop its lithium production project for batteries, reaching a significant milestone with the confirmation of the future locations for the EMILI project’s conversion plant and loading station.
- Conversion Plant in La Loue, Saint-Victor: Imerys has identified the La Loue site, situated in the city of Saint-Victor near Montluçon in the Allier department, as the designated location for its future conversion plant. Positioned on an existing industrial estate, the La Loue site is strategically suited for converting mica concentrate from Beauvoir Kaolins in Echassières into lithium hydroxide. The proposed plant aims to produce approximately 34,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually, contributing to the capacity to equip around 700,000 electric vehicles per year for French and European battery manufacturing plants.
- Loading Station in La Fontchambert, Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort: The loading station for lithiniferous mica concentrate from Echassières is confirmed to be located in La Fontchambert, city of Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort. The logistical plan involves transporting the concentrate via pipeline over 15 km, loading it onto trains at La Fontchambert, and transferring it via the Gannat – Montluçon railway line to the La Loue conversion plant. This approach emphasizes Imerys’ commitment to utilizing existing infrastructure, minimizing the reliance on lorries, and aligning with environmentally and socially responsible logistics solutions.
Guillaume Delacroix, Vice-President Performance Minerals EMEA – APAC, expressed the significance of Imerys’ commitment to structuring an industrial sector that integrates all stages of lithium production. The EMILI project, part of Imerys’ ambition to contribute to the energy transition and secure lithium supplies for the European electric vehicle battery production industry, is set to enter a new phase with a forthcoming public debate starting in March. Imerys anticipates creating over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, fostering economic dynamism in the Allier and neighboring departments.
Claude Riboulet, President of the Allier Departmental Council, acknowledged the support of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Regional Council and the Allier Departmental Council in advancing the EMILI project. The confirmed locations mark a positive step forward, and the public debate is expected to refine the project’s integration for the benefit of the local community.
Imerys aims to bring “Made in France” lithium to the market by 2028, contributing to the energy and climate revolution in the evolving landscape of mobility. 
