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.

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.

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.

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.”