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/

[energy_isere]

suite de ce post du 17 aout 2023 viewtopic.php?p=2375280#p2375280

La Californie commence à extraire le lithium de son gisement géant

Par Laurent GAUTHIER le 21 mai 2025

Nous avons relaté dans nos colonnes les projets d’extraction du lithium en Alsace dans des puits géothermiques. Ce lithium, appelé lithium géothermal et issu de procédés dits DLE (pour Direct Lithium Extraction), extrait la précieuse substances de saumures, c’est-à-dire de l’eau très concentrée en sel et extraite de sources profondément enfouies sous le sol.

Cette technique présente plusieurs avantages : rapidité, faible surface mobilisée et moindres impacts écologiques. Il est également possible de produire de l’énergie géothermique par la même occasion. Et c’est un projet de ce type qui a démarré en 2024 en Californie, dans l’Imperial Valley.

Lancement de la première phase du projet

Le projet phare est appelé Hell’s Kitchen. Il est mené par la société Controlled Thermal Resources. C’est un projet de grande envergure. Qu’on en juge : un investissement de 1,85 milliard de dollars, destiné à produire 40 MW de chaleur et 25 000 tonnes d’hydroxyde de lithium chaque année. À terme, la production devrait être portée à 350 MW de chaleur et 175 000 tonnes de lithium par an.

Le groupe automobile Stellantis a massivement investi dans ce projet : plus de cent millions de dollars en août 2023. Un investissement qui lui permettra de se réserver une part de la production, à savoir 65 000 tonnes par an d’hydroxyde de lithium, et ce, pour les dix prochaines années. Ces investissements, combinés à ceux de General Motors et du DOE (Departement of Energy étasunien), ont permis le lancement du projet. La construction a ainsi démarré en 2024.

Un gisement total colossal

Ce projet phare de la région, a cependant accusé un an de retard, du fait de conflits juridiques relatifs aux études environnementales. Ces conflits ont été tranchés en début d’année, permettant au projet de tout juste redémarrer. La première phase du projet est planifiée pour 2026 en ce qui concerne la production d’énergie et 2027 pour la production de lithium.

D’après le Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory du DOE, la région contiendrait plus de 3,4 millions de tonnes de lithium exploitables (l’étude est accessible en source ouverte). Cela permettrait d’équiper plus de 375 millions de véhicules électriques. Plus que d’habitants aux États-Unis, donc. Justifiant ainsi pleinement le nom de la vallée, qui, sous l’engouement, a pris depuis le nom de Lithium Valley.

https://www.revolution-energetique.com/ ... ent-geant/

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suite de ce post du 12 nov 2023 : viewtopic.php?p=2380033#p2380033

Saskatchewan gives green light to Prairie lithium project

19th May 2025 By: Mariaan Webb

ASX-listed Arizona Lithium on Monday announced that it had received approval for Phase 1 of its Prairie lithium project in Canada, stating that it was the first lithium brine project in Saskatchewan – and one of the first in North America – to secure initial production approval.

Phase 1 involves production at Pad #1 using a commercial-scale direct lithium extraction (DLE) unit with capacity to produce 150 t/y of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The company said the unit represented a full commercial-scale DLE system that could be replicated to scale up production in future phases.

Alongside the production approval, Arizona Lithium also unveiled an updated well network model, based on data from its 2024 drilling and completion programme. The model significantly increased the estimated indicated resource that could be produced – up 120% to 17 000 t/y LCE, from the previous 7 700 t/y used in the project’s prefeasibility study.

“These approvals are another massive milestone in project development,” said Arizona Lithium MD Paul Lloyd. “The regulatory framework in Saskatchewan provides project developers with a clear permitting path and the ability to establish operations.”

Saskatchewan Minister for Energy and Resources Colleen Young welcomed the approval, saying the Prairie project had been at the forefront of lithium exploration and development in the province.

“Over the past five years, there has been significant investment in lithium exploration and mineral acquisitions in Saskatchewan,” she said. “As a result, we have learned that south-east Saskatchewan hosts the highest-grade lithium brines in Canada. The Prairie lithium project has led the charge in resource and process developments, and we are pleased to see it reach this milestone.”

https://www.miningweekly.com/article/sa ... 2025-05-19

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suite de ce post du 10 mai 2025 viewtopic.php?p=2411042#p2411042

Lithium de Manono : AVZ ouvre la voie à une résolution à l’amiable avec la RDC


Agence Ecofin 26 mai 2025

Début mai 2025, AVZ et KoBold Metals ont annoncé un accord-cadre dont l’objectif est de permettre le développement du gisement de lithium Manono en RDC. L’une des étapes pour y arriver est la suspension de la procédure initiée par AVZ contre le gouvernement congolais auprès du CIRDI.

L’australien AVZ a annoncé lundi 26 mai la suspension temporaire de la procédure d’arbitrage engagée contre la RDC devant le Centre international pour le règlement des différends relatifs aux investissements (CIRDI). Cette décision, en vigueur jusqu’au 23 juin 2025, s’inscrit dans le cadre des discussions en cours avec l’américain KoBold Metals et pourrait ouvrir la voie à un règlement à l’amiable du différend relatif au projet de lithium Manono.

Lancée en juin 2023, la procédure visait à contester le refus de Kinshasa d’accorder à AVZ un permis d’exploitation. Mais un accord-cadre signé le 7 mai 2025 entre KoBold et AVZ prévoit désormais une compensation équitable pour AVZ en échange de la cession de ses parts, ainsi que la suspension de l’arbitrage. Le CIRDI indique sur son site que la procédure est suspendue « conformément à l’accord des parties ».

D’après AVZ, cette suspension vise à favoriser les échanges avec les autorités congolaises. La société ne donne aucun détail sur d’éventuelles discussions bilatérales, mais rappelle que « le gouvernement des États-Unis a encouragé les parties à prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour créer un climat propice à des discussions ». L’accord-cadre entre KoBold et AVZ s’inscrit dans un contexte diplomatique plus large où les États-Unis mènent en parallèle des discussions avec la RDC pour un accord stratégique « minéraux contre sécurité », et tentent de faciliter un accord de paix entre la RDC et le Rwanda.

L’accord « minéraux contre sécurité » proposé par des officiels congolais à Washington, viserait à pacifier l’est du pays en échange de conditions préférentielles pour les investisseurs américains dans le secteur minier. Selon le Financial Times, un accord pourrait être conclu d’ici fin juin, mais ses contours restent flous.

Reste que le contentieux avec l’État congolais n’est pas le seul frein au développement du projet Manono. Une autre procédure d’arbitrage est en cours, cette fois contre la société publique Cominière, accusée d’avoir rompu son partenariat avec AVZ pour s’associer au chinois Zijin.

https://www.agenceecofin.com/actualites ... vec-la-rdc

[energy_isere]

Nigeria to launch lithium processing plants with Chinese investment
These plants are part of Nigeria's commitment to leveraging its extensive mineral wealth for economic development.

May 27, 2025

Nigeria is poised to inaugurate two major lithium processing plants this year, signalling a strategic move away from the export of raw minerals towards enhancing domestic value, according to a Reuters report.

The country’s Mining Minister, Dele Alake, announced on Sunday that these facilities, backed by Chinese investors, are expected to catalyse job creation, technological advancements and manufacturing growth within Nigeria.

A $600m (N949.66bn) lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border is scheduled for commissioning within this quarter, according to Alake.

Additionally, a $200m lithium refinery on the outskirts of Abuja is approaching completion, the report said.

These plants are part of Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging its extensive mineral wealth for economic development.

The minister revealed plans for two more processing plants in Nasarawa state, adjacent to the capital Abuja, due to be operational before the third quarter of 2025.

Chinese companies including Jiuling Lithium Mining Company and Canmax Technologies have provided more than 80% of the financing for the four facilities, as disclosed by governors from the respective states hosting the plants.

The remaining shares are held by a local company, Three Crown Mines. The Chinese partners have not yet commented on this development.

“We are now focused on turning our mineral wealth into domestic economic value – jobs, technology and manufacturing,” Alake was quoted as saying by the news agency.

The focus on domestic processing follows a 2022 study by Nigeria’s Geological Survey Agency, which identified substantial high-grade lithium deposits across several Nigerian states, sparking significant international interest.

These discoveries are integral to Nigeria’s broader reforms aimed at revitalising its underdeveloped mining sector, which presently contributes less than 1% to the national gross domestic product.

Nigeria has introduced other measures including the restriction of unprocessed mineral exports, formalising artisanal mining and establishing a state mining company offering up to a 75% stake to investors.

In April last year, the Nigerian Government announced that new mining licences would be granted exclusively to companies with plans for local mineral processing, marking a departure from the long-standing policy of exporting unprocessed raw materials.

A government spokesperson highlighted the objective to maximise the value derived from Nigeria’s solid mineral deposits.

https://www.mining-technology.com/news/ ... t/?cf-view

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suite de ce post du 10 mars 2024 viewtopic.php?p=2387702#p2387702

Augmentation de 37 % de la ressource en Lithium du projet PAK Lithium au Canada.

FRONTIER LITHIUM'S FEASIBILITY STUDY CONFIRMS CA$932M NET PRESENT VALUE AND LOW-COST CONCENTRATE SUPPLY FOR PAK LITHIUM PROJECT

News provided by Frontier Lithium Inc. May 28, 2025,

Frontier Lithium Inc. is pleased to report the results of its Definitive Feasibility Study ("FS" or "Study" or "DFS") for the Mine and Mill segment of PAK Lithium Project ("PAK Project" or "Project") near Red Lake, Ontario. The Study confirms the Project could generate an estimated CA$11 billion in net revenue over a 31-year mine life, with an after-tax net present value (NPV) of CA$932 million, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 17.9%, and average annual pre-tax earnings of $285 million in steady-state operations. These robust economics land the Project competitively in the global hard rock lithium cost curve, supporting Frontier's goal to become North America's lowest-cost producer of spodumene concentrate.

Building on a 37% increase in mineral reserves, the Study establishes a stronger foundation for an extended mine life, greater scale, and improved economic outcomes for the Project. The Project has also been streamlined to produce a single, high-quality spodumene concentrate (SC6), aligning with market demand and enhancing operational focus.

..............................

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/f ... 23138.html

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suite de ce post du 26 octobre 2024 : viewtopic.php?p=2401054#p2401054

ioneer quadruples Rhyolite Ridge reserves, costs double

Cecilia Jamasmie | June 2, 2025 |

Australia’s ioneer (ASX: INR) has quadrupled ore reserves at its Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project in Nevada, US, sharply increasing both the project’s mine life and its development cost.


The company’s flagship project now hosts 1.92 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) and 7.68 million tonnes of boric acid equivalent (BAE). This reserve boost extends the expected mine life to 95 years, up from 26 years outlined in the 2020 definitive feasibility study.

Annual life-of-mine production is now pegged at 17,200 tonnes of LCE and 60,400 tonnes of boric acid, a compound widely used in construction, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Nearly half the mineral resource has been converted to reserve, making Rhyolite Ridge the world’s largest known lithium-boron deposit, according to ioneer.

The extended mine life and higher output come at a cost. Capital expenditure has more than doubled to $1.67 billion, up from around $800 million. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) have risen to about $7,500 per tonne of LCE, though the first 25 years of operation are expected to average a lower AISC of $5,745 per tonne.

The good news is that the project’s post-tax net present value has increased to $1.5 billion from $1.26 billion, with a revised “unlevered” internal rate of return of 14.5%, down from 20.8%.

“Today’s updated reserve and mine plan allows ioneer to match prevailing market conditions and blend or prioritize ore to produce a valuable boric acid co-product, whose market is uncorrelated with the project’s primary lithium product,” managing director Bernard Rowe said. “No other lithium project offers this level of flexibility and economic advantage.”

Market headwinds
That flexibility could prove vital. Lithium prices have plummeted since their 2022 highs, causing investor caution. In February, ioneer lost its would-be joint venture partner Sibanye-Stillwater (JSE: SSW)(NYSE: SBSW), partly due to the weak pricing environment.

Still, the company remains optimistic. It plans to focus on high-boron ore during the first 25 years of production, which could yield around 19,200 tonnes of LCE and 116,400 tonnes of boric acid annually. Boric acid is projected to account for roughly 25% of revenue over that period, helping to support margins when lithium prices are under pressure.

“In periods of low cycle lithium pricing, like today, we plan to prioritise the high-boron ore production to optimise the relative proportion of total revenue derived from boric acid,” Rowe said.

Shares in the company jumped more than 4% on the news, closing in Sydney at A$0.13 each, which leave ioneer with a market capitalization of A$295 million (about $190 million).

Rowe recently said the company aims to sell 40% of the project to one or two investors.

https://www.mining.com/ioneer-quadruple ... ts-double/

[energy_isere]

Bolivian court pauses Chinese, Russian lithium deals

Staff Writer | June 2, 2025 |

Bolivia’s plans to emerge as a major lithium producer have hit an impasse after a local court ordered the suspension of two major extraction deals signed last year valued at more than $2 billion, MSN reported.


The contracts were signed in 2023 and 2024 respectively with China’s CBC consortium, which includes battery manufacturer CATL, and Russia’s Uranium One Group, a subsidiary of state nuclear firm Rosatom, as revealed by publications including Bolivia-based El Deber.

The deals aimed to establish direct lithium extraction (DLE) facilities in the Salar de Uyuni in southwest Bolivia. The salar is host one of the world’s largest lithium reserves, and forms part of the larger Lithium Triangle shared with Chile and Argentina.

The suspension order was issued last week by a mixed court of Colcha K, a village located in the Potosí region, after a legal complaint was filed by Indigenous groups arguing that the projects had violated their environmental rights and were allowed to proceed without formal consultation.

Both projects have yet to receive legislative approvals but had already initiated preliminary activities on-site, which the local group claimed were conducted without proper authorization or environmental assessments.

35,000 tonnes

Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), Bolivia’s state-owned lithium company, holds a 51% stake in the two ventures. Together, the proposed plants are expected to produce 35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate a year, Omar Alarcon, head of YLB, said in a press conference last year.

As reported by the Argentine paper Infobae, the court ruling will prohibit YLB as well as the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, from undertaking any administrative or operational steps related to the contracts until the judicial process is concluded.

However, the Bolivian government has maintained that it has yet to be formally notified of the court ruling, and insists that until official communication is received, the legislative process surrounding the contracts will continue.

Ministers’ response

Álvaro Arnez, vice-minister of Alternative Energies, in a statement to El Periódico de la Energía, brushed aside allegations that unauthorized exploratory operations were already impacting local water availability.

Meanwhile, Minister of Economy Marcelo Montenegro dismissed the ruling as a “politically motivated obstacle to regional development.”

In addition to the environmental concerns, questions have also been raised regarding the financial and operational responsibilities assigned to the Bolivian state. For instance, the Uranium One contract obliges YLB to repay all construction and exploration costs, despite the Russian partner having no obligation to operate the plant, according to Fundación Milenio, a think tank.

The court order underscores the ongoing political instability that continues to hinder Bolivia’s efforts to develop its vast lithium reserves, which the government estimated at 23 million tonnes in a study.

https://www.mining.com/bolivian-court-p ... ium-deals/

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suite de ce post du 11 aout 2024 : viewtopic.php?p=2396217#p2396217

Rio Tinto revising cost of Serbia lithium project

Reuters | June 4, 2025

Rio Tinto is revising the cost of its Serbian lithium project that the European Commission identified as one of 13 strategic new critical material projects, Chad Blewitt, managing director of the Jadar lithium mine, said on Wednesday.


The project is contested by green groups and many Serbs on environmental grounds, and sparked massive street protests in 2022 which led the government to revoke all Rio Tinto’s exploration licences. The Constitutional Court overturned the decision last year and reinstated the licences.

“The last time we went out to market and looked at the budget, it was over 2.55 billion euros ($2.91 billion). So we are currently in the midst of updating that capital cost,” Blewitt told Reuters.

“The strategic project status that we received today requires us to meet European Union environmental and human rights standards, and that will be reflected in the final capital cost.”

He could not be drawn into an estimate of the revised cost or timeline for the project – which was initially forecast to start production in 2027 – saying the Anglo-Australian giant also needed to obtain a field exploitation licence.

“Once we… get the licence, we can then go and update the project schedules and have a look at costing. So I don’t want to give a definitive date.”

Rio is the only major mining company to bet heavily on lithium – used in electric vehicle batteries – accelerating its push over the past six months with three new deals: its $6.7 billion buy of US-based Arcadium Lithium and two projects in Chile for more than $1 billion.

With the lithium market in the doldrums as a wave of new supply overwhelms weaker-than-expected demand for EV batteries, it will take years to know whether this bet will have paid off, although demand projections for the metal are more positive into the next decade.

If implemented, Rio Tinto’s Jadar project could meet 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs. But protesters in Serbia have threatened to block roads and railways if the project goes ahead.

“Whatever happens next will involve multiple stages of scrutiny and public consultation,” Blewitt said. “It (the project) positions Serbia at the forefront of the green and digital revolution.”

($1 = 0.8748 euros)

https://www.mining.com/web/rio-tinto-re ... m-project/