In a significant move towards advancing the European battery metals industry, Green Lithium, a UK-based developer of low-carbon lithium refineries, has signed a memorandum of understanding with global metals giant Rio Tinto. The collaboration aims to establish a commercial partnership to build a secure and sustainable lithium supply chain, ensuring the stability of the UK’s and EU’s automotive and battery manufacturing sectors.
The partnership is set to play a crucial role in the rapidly evolving European battery metals value chain. Both companies share a common vision of creating an end-to-end supply chain that will not only bolster production but also support decarbonization efforts across the continent. The agreement underscores the importance of safeguarding supply to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable energy storage solutions.
Sean Sargent, CEO of Green Lithium, emphasized the environmental impact of the partnership, stating, “The EV and battery revolutions are essential in reducing carbon emissions. By building our refineries, we aim to accelerate the shift towards EVs and sustainable energy storage through increased production of low-carbon, battery-grade lithium chemicals. This ambitious vision requires the right partners, and in Rio Tinto, we’ve found an exceptional potential collaborator.”
The agreement is a key milestone in Rio Tinto’s strategy for unlocking the battery metals supply chain in Europe. Philippe Bourdages, Vice President of Minerals Sales at Rio Tinto, noted the shared ambitions with Green Lithium, adding that the partnership will help meet the European market’s growing demand for green battery technology.
The UK government has welcomed the news, with Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation, stating, “This partnership will not only create high-skilled jobs in the North East but also strengthen our critical minerals supply chains as we continue working towards a cleaner, greener future and our net-zero goals.”
