Global mining major Rio Tinto has teamed up with UK-based lithium refinery developer Green Lithium to establish an end-to-end lithium supply chain for the UK and EU's automotive and battery industries.

This partnership aligns with the shared goals of both companies to support decarbonisation efforts and address the growing demand for sustainable battery materials in Europe.

Rio Tinto VP mineral sales Philippe Bourdages says the partnership is a key step in building Europe’s battery metals supply chain.

“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."

Green Lithium’s plans to construct and operate a large-scale lithium refinery in Teesside, UK, form the backbone of the partnership. The refinery will produce high-purity lithium chemicals for the UK and EU markets, using advanced process technology designed for clean, low-carbon processing of spodumene concentrate.

Despite being a significant market, Europe lacks domestic lithium refining capacity, with the supply chain currently dominated by East Asian players.

Green Lithium CEO Sean Sargent highlighted the importance of the partnership in achieving the company’s vision of supporting the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable energy storage.

“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 has also garnered support from the UK government, with Industry and Decarbonisation Minister Sarah Jones saying it will contribute to the local economy and critical minerals supply chain. "This is great news for Green Lithium and Rio Tinto and will not only support high-skilled jobs in the North East, but boost our critical minerals supply chains as we continue to build a cleaner, greener future for our automotive industry and drive forward our mission to net zero.”