Infinity Lithium has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with thyssenkrupp BU Mining to assess the potential to use green hydrogen to power the lithium chemical conversion process.

The company said the MoU marks both parties' intentions to apply green hydrogen energy applications for pyrometallurgical equipment relevant to lithium chemical conversion processes.

According to Infinity Lithium, the technology advancements the companies would make can be integrated into both the San Jose Lithium Project and the Infinity GreenTech novel lithium hydrometallurgical conversion processes.

Additionally, it said the project could utilise green hydrogen as the energy source to power the rotary kiln required under the sulphate roast stage of the process flowsheet. 

The parties will examine further strategic opportunities and the collaboration under the MoU relating to San José and the application to Infinity GreenTech's technological developments.

Ryan Parkin, chief executive officer and managing director of Infinity Lithium, said the parties "are bringing world-leading technologies" to "progress sustainable industrialisation."

thyssenkrupp BU Mining CEO Jan Lüder said: "Global demand for raw materials is rising all the time, while there is consciousness about the finite nature of resources and the need to protect the environment.

"As one of the world's leading engineering and equipment supply companies for the mining industry, we are aware of our customers' needs to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations."