TKMS and E3 Lithium Sign Teaming Agreement to Support Canada's Submarine Program and Critical Minerals Supply

April 08, 2026

TKMS and E3 Lithium signed a Teaming Agreement to establish a strategic framework for cooperation in support of Canada’s future submarine capabilities under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

The Teaming Agreement sets the stage for collaboration on research, technology transfer and investment initiatives of mutual interest. The cooperation aims to integrate Canadian critical minerals into the submarine supply chain, with potential benefits for both domestic industry and international export markets.

“The CPSP represents a cornerstone of Canada’s naval capability, and critical minerals are essential to the technology that powers tomorrow’s submarines,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer at TKMS. “Through this agreement with E3 Lithium, we are not only securing access to a sustainable supply of lithium but also strengthening the industrial partnership between Germany and Canada. This cooperation reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term capability development.” 

Under the agreement, TKMS and E3 Lithium, a leader in Canada’s lithium sector with the country’s largest lithium resource, will explore opportunities to leverage Canada’s lithium production for strategic applications. E3’s Clearwater Project, a direct lithium extraction development, is expected to produce up to 36,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium at full capacity, supporting potential supply to German and allied industrial customers.

E3 Lithium will bring its extensive expertise in lithium resource development, extraction technology, and processing, contributing to the creation of a robust supply chain that can support both Canada’s submarine program and potential international opportunities.

“Partnering with TKMS allows us to connect Canada’s critical minerals industry with strategic global markets while supporting a transformative national defense program,” said Chris Doornbos, CEO at E3 Lithium. “This agreement is a strong step toward leveraging Canada’s lithium resources to create sustainable economic value, advance technology transfer, and strengthen industrial ties with Germany and allied nations.”

The Teaming Agreement also provides a foundation for exploring further cooperation on international projects that incorporate critical minerals into advanced technology platforms, leveraging TKMS’s global naval portfolio and E3’s leadership in the Canadian lithium sector. 

Source : ThyssenKrupp