The agreement represents a significant move for both companies as they seek to play a key role in the evolving European battery metals value chain. Credit: Juan Enrique del Barrio/Shutterstock.

UK-based lithium refinery developer Green Lithium has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with mining giant Rio Tinto to establish a lithium supply chain commercial alliance.

The agreement represents a significant move for both companies as they seek to play an integral role in the rapidly evolving European battery metals value chain.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Green Lithium CEO Sean Sargent said: “The EV [electric vehicle] and battery revolutions are fundamental to reducing the carbon emissions that contribute to global climate change.

“By building our refineries, we will accelerate the adoption of EVs and sustainable energy storage through the increased supply of low-carbon, battery-grade lithium chemicals. Fulfilling this vision requires the right partners, and in Rio Tinto we have found an exceptional potential commercial partner.”

The partnership aligns with the companies’ shared vision of creating an end-to-end value chain that enhances security of supply for critical industries within the UK and EU.

See Also:

Green Lithium’s large-scale lithium refinery at PD Ports is expected to provide much-needed support to the automotive and battery manufacturing industries in the UK and EU.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and 250 full-time after launching operations.

Rio Tinto minerals sales vice-president Philippe Bourdages said: “Rio Tinto and Green Lithium share ambitions related to decarbonisation and today’s announcement is an important step forward in our journey towards unlocking the end-to-end battery metals supply chain in Europe.

“Alongside Green Lithium, we are looking to supply the global rollout of green battery technology to feed the significant European market demand.”