Le lithium, le prix en baisse aprés la flambée.

[energy_isere]

suite de ce post du 18 mai 2025 viewtopic.php?p=2411579#p2411579

Rio Tinto and Codelco to collaborate on Chilean lithium project
Situated in the Atacama region, the Salar de Maricunga is claimed to hold significant lithium reserves and potential for scalable, cost-effective production

Swagath Bandhakavi 20th May 2025

Rio Tinto and Corporación Nacional Del Cobre de Chile (Codelco) have entered into binding agreements to establish a joint venture for the development and operation of a lithium project in Chile’s Salar de Maricunga.

This alliance aims to bolster both Rio Tinto’s and Chile’s positions in the global energy transition supply chain.

The Salar de Maricunga, located in the Atacama region, is recognised for its substantial lithium reserves, offering scalable and low-cost production potential. The brine in the area is claimed to possess one of the highest concentrations of lithium globally.


Under the terms of the agreement, Rio Tinto will acquire a 49.99% stake in Salar de Maricunga, the entity through which Codelco manages its licenses and mining concessions in the area. This acquisition will involve Rio Tinto financing studies and development costs.

Rio Tinto has committed to an initial investment of $350m in the company to support further studies and resource analysis, advancing the project towards a final investment decision.

Upon proceeding with the project, an additional $500m will be allocated for construction expenses, with these milestones expected to be reached by the end of the decade. An additional $50m will be invested if the joint venture successfully delivers its first lithium output by 2030.

Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said: “Codelco is a strategic partner for Rio Tinto in Chile, with this agreement building on our copper joint ventures.

“We aim to bring significant investment and long-term benefits to the Atacama region as we advance Maricunga and Nuevo Cobre together, with a focus on responsible sustainable development including shared infrastructure and solutions to minimise water usage.”

Both partners will contribute to additional capital requirements proportionate to their ownership in the joint venture. The collaboration will focus on updating the project’s declared reserves and resources and advancing studies to guide future investment decisions.

The joint venture plans to engage closely with local communities, support infrastructure development like power and roads, and utilise advanced extraction, processing, and re-injection technologies to optimise mineral recovery and reduce environmental impact.

Codelco chairman Máximo Pacheco said: “This project continues our lithium diversification strategy, which is essential for the energy transition, with a world-class partner in Rio Tinto that represents the most attractive option for Codelco and the country.”

The transaction is anticipated to conclude by the end of Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions.

https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/news/r ... m-project/

[energy_isere]

suite de ce post du 2 mars 2025 viewtopic.php?p=2407659#p2407659

Argentina authorises Rio Tinto’s expansion of Rincon Lithium Project
The expansion plans aim to enhance the existing 3,000-tonne starter plant with an additional 57,000-tonne facility, extending the mine's operational lifespan to 40 years

Swagath Bandhakavi 21st May 2025

The Argentine government has authorised the $2.5bn expansion of Rio Tinto’s Rincon Lithium Project, marking the first mining initiative approved under the nation’s new investment incentive programme.

The announcement came from Daniel Gonzalez, Secretary for Mining and Energy Coordination, during a press conference in Buenos Aires, reported Reuters.

Concerns have been raised within Argentina’s mining sector regarding delays in the approval of seven other projects submitted under the RIGI programme, which was introduced nine months ago.

Roberto Cacciola of the CAEM mining chamber addressed these concerns, acknowledging industry anxiety over the status of mining RIGIs.

The administration of President Javier Milei is seeking to enhance South America’s mining sector as a strategy to attract foreign currency and stabilise an economy currently challenged by high inflation.

As the fourth-largest global supplier, Argentina plays a crucial role alongside Chile and Bolivia in a “lithium triangle” that contains major reserves of this essential metal used in electronic devices and electric vehicles.

While South America also exports silver and gold, with significant copper projects under construction, these ventures have yet to reach production stages. The RIGI programme has also attracted interest from Canadian company McEwen Copper and South Korea’s Posco.

Situated in Salta Province, the Rincon project involves extracting lithium through brine using a production wellfield and includes processing and waste management facilities.

The project utilises direct lithium extraction technology, which supports water conservation and reduces waste while ensuring consistent production of lithium carbonate.

The expansion plans involve augmenting the current 3,000-tonne starter plant with a 57,000-tonne plant, extending the mine’s operational life to 40 years.

Construction on this expanded facility is anticipated to begin in mid-2025, pending necessary permits, with initial production set for 2028 and a three-year period to reach full capacity. This expansion is expected to create jobs and economic opportunities for local businesses.

Rio Tinto announced its investment in expanding Rincon in December 2024 as its first commercial-scale lithium operation.

Initial production at the 3,000-tonne starter plant was achieved by the company in November 2024, 32 months after acquiring the greenfield project.

https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/news/a ... m-project/

[energy_isere]

suite de ce post du 1er dec 2024 : viewtopic.php?p=2397695#p2397695

Rio Tinto joins forces with ENAMI for Salares Altoandinos lithium project
Rio Tinto will acquire a controlling 51% stake in the Salares Altoandinos lithium project, while ENAMI will maintain a 49% stake

Swagath Bandhakavi 23rd May 2025

Rio Tinto has been designated by Empresa Nacional de Minería (ENAMI) as the preferred partner for the Salares Altoandinos lithium project in Chile’s Atacama region.

ENAMI is a state-owned mining entity in Chile.

Under the agreement, Rio Tinto will acquire a controlling 51% stake in the Salares Altoandinos lithium project, while ENAMI will maintain a 49% holding. This transaction awaits finalisation through binding agreements, regulatory approvals, and customary conditions.

The collaboration is said to mark a significant step for Rio Tinto as it seeks to expand its presence in the global lithium market, critical for energy transition technologies.

The company’s growing portfolio now encompasses key assets across South America, Canada, and Serbia, bolstered by its recent acquisition of Arcadium Lithium.

Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said: “We are honoured to have been selected by ENAMI as the preferred partner for the Salares Altoandinos project, which has the potential to be a world-class lithium development.

“We welcome the opportunity to develop our partnership with ENAMI, building on our interests in Nuevo Cobre and Salar de Maricunga, and to support Chile’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of minerals critical to the energy transition.”

The partnership follows a recent agreement between Rio Tinto and Codelco to form a joint venture for developing a lithium project at Salar de Maricunga, also in the Atacama region. Under this arrangement, Rio Tinto will finance necessary studies and development costs for a 49.99% stake in the venture managed by Codelco.

Rio Tinto’s strategy leverages its established position in the Lithium Triangle to drive synergies across value chains. The company’s financial strategy includes an anticipated capital expenditure of $10-11bn annually, aimed at maximising shareholder returns through strategic investments.

The firm aims to prioritise sustainable practices in its operations, including minimising freshwater use and engaging local communities. Its initiatives also focus on advanced processing technologies and brine reinjection studies to mitigate environmental impacts.

In Argentina, Rio Tinto plans to expand its operations into large-scale super-hubs through projects like Rincon, Olaroz, Fenix, Sal de Vida, and Cauchari. These developments aim to enhance competitiveness and scalability by utilising common infrastructure across multiple sites.

https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/news/r ... m-project/