(Sydney, 5 December 2025). The German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce is delighted that ASX-listed Vulcan Energy Resources successfully secured an equity investment of €150m (A$268m) through the German Raw Materials Fund (GRMF) for their Lionheart lithium and renewable energy project in the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany. This marks GRMF’s first capital deployment since its inception in 2024 and the first Australian company to directly receive benefits from the Raw Materials Fund.
“The necessity to diversify Critical Minerals supply chains in both countries and invest in local projects created a big opportunity for Vulcan Energy and its primary German holding subsidiary, Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH. It is a first big step, rightly so, to bring Australian expertise in the resources sector to Germany – a partnership that is built on common values and ambitious targets on both sides.” Dr Jens Goennemann, Chairman of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, shares.
The Raw Materials Fund of the German Federal Government, administered by Germany’s state-owned development bank Credit Institute for Reconstruction (KfW), commenced in 2024, aiming to support Critical Minerals projects worldwide that benefit the raw materials needs of Germany’s manufacturing industry. It generally sees a project involvement between €50m and €150m. Vulcan Energy receiving an investment on the upper end of the bandwidth highlights the significance of the project to Germany and its economic goals.
“We often seek opportunities for German companies in Australia and hear from fantastic projects here, but it is equally as exciting for us to see Australian companies taking advantage of bilateral collaboration and expanding to Europe, especially Germany. Vulcan Energy’s commitment to the Lionheart lithium and renewable energy project will forge paths for other companies to follow and continue to strengthen Australian-German ties.” Marko Walde, Executive Director of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, states.
Alongside the successful Competence Centre for Mining & Resources, a project supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Australien) established its Mining and Resources Cluster in 2021 after identifying the commitment of Germany’s and Australia’s governments to invest and support the sector due to the crucial need to diversify the supply chain and build upon each other’s expertise. Furthermore, the German-Australian Critical Minerals Alliance was founded to provide an exclusive platform for projects and opportunities in the critical minerals sector. Net-zero targets, the growing demand for EVs and the need for technological advancement see a jump in the use of lithium and other critical minerals.
Jürgen Wallstabe, Senior Cluster Manager – Mining and Resources, said: “We already see a lot of collaboration happening in Australia, especially in Western Australia. Germany’s wealth of expertise in technology and engineering, combined with Australia’s knowledge and provision of critical minerals provide the perfect environment for successful cooperation. Vulcan Energy committing to Germany is only the start of a long-lasting Critical Minerals partnership.”
Further Links:
- Vulcan Energy ASX Release
- Media Release by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (de)
- Information on the Raw Materials Fund
About the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce:
The German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Australien), with offices in Sydney and Melbourne, has over 45 years of experience, a competent team of experts and partners who understand all facets of the Australian market. AHK Australien is part of the global network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), with over 150 offices in over 90 countries. AHKs are key players in promoting German foreign trade and business development on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany.