Rio Tinto starts Quebec lithium concentration plant
(Posted on 01/10/22)
Rio Tinto has started producing spodumene concentrate, a mineral used in the production of lithium for batteries, at a demonstration plant in its Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) Quebec Operations in its metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Canada.
The plant will demonstrate at industrial scale a new spodumene concentration process that provides lithium oxide (Li20) grades and recoveries well above the industry average. The process was developed by researchers at Rio Tinto’s Critical Minerals and Technology Centre and tested on spodumene ore samples from various countries. It offers the environmental benefit of not using chemical products and generating only dry, inert residues.
RTIT Managing Director Stéphane Leblanc said: “Rio Tinto is exploring new, sustainable ways to extract battery materials for the energy transition. We are seeing strong interest in the market for a North American supply of spodumene concentrate to support production of lithium batteries. Our demonstration plant will allow us to further validate the innovative spodumene concentration process developed at our Critical Minerals and Technology Centre as we consider moving to commercial scale production.”
The demonstration plant was commissioned in June after successful laboratory testing of the new process and produced its first ton of spodumene concentrate in July 2022. It will test ore from various local suppliers including Sayona, an emerging lithium producer with projects in Québec and Western Australia.
Latest News
Rio Tinto provides Iron Ore update following Tropical Cyclone Sean
(Posted on 24/01/25)Tropical Cyclone Sean delivered record rain along parts of the Pilbara coastline of Western Australia... Read more
Rio Tinto shows greater consistency across key operations
(Posted on 19/01/25)Rio Tinto has released fourth quarter production results. Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: &ldquo... Read more
Trafigura publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
(Posted on 19/01/25)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd. has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting the Group’... Read more
NGFA comments on US East and Gulf Coast port labour deal
(Posted on 10/01/25)The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have... Read more
Vitol completes acquisition of Noble Resources
(Posted on 07/01/25)Further to the announcement of 2nd August 2024, Vitol B.V. has now completed the acquisition of... Read more
Rio Tinto progresses development of Quebec gallium extraction process
(Posted on 17/12/24)As part of a research and development programme, Rio Tinto is assessing the potential for extracting... Read more
Trafigura publishes 2024 Annual Results
(Posted on 17/12/24)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a market leader in the global commodities industry, has released results for... Read more
Anglo American completes Serpentina premium iron ore transaction
(Posted on 11/12/24)Anglo American plc has announced the completion of the transaction to combine the Serra da Serpentina... Read more
BHP Group Investor Relations Officer appointed
(Posted on 11/12/24)BHP has appointed Mark Bendall as Group Investor Relations Officer, effective 1 April 2025.Mr Bendall... Read more
Fertilizers Europe welcomes EU Members requests for tariffs on Russian fertilizers
(Posted on 04/12/24)Fertilizers Europe, the voice of the European fertilizer industry, has welcomed and fully supports the... Read more
