Rio Tinto and Green Lithium have announced a partnership to establish an end-to-end lithium supply chain in the UK, aimed at supporting the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) metals in Europe. The initiative is designed to enhance the supply of low-carbon, battery-grade lithium chemicals, which are crucial for the automotive and manufacturing sectors as they transition towards sustainability.
Sean Sargent, CEO of Green Lithium, emphasized that their refinery in Teesside will play a vital role in increasing the availability of environmentally friendly lithium. This facility will focus on producing high-purity lithium chemicals from spodumene concentrate, utilizing advanced, low-carbon processing technologies.
The collaboration is particularly significant given Europe’s rising demand for battery materials, alongside a notable lack of domestic lithium refining capabilities, which are largely dominated by Chinese companies. UK Industry and Decarbonization Minister Sarah Jones highlighted that the partnership will not only create high-skilled jobs in the North East but also strengthen the UK’s critical minerals supply chain, contributing to the nation’s net zero goals.
Rio Tinto is also working to revive its Jadar lithium project in Serbia, which, if fully operational, could become Europe’s largest lithium mine, capable of producing enough lithium for one million electric vehicles and meeting a substantial portion of the continent’s lithium needs.