Rio Tinto Group has held preliminary talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding the development of one of the world’s biggest hard rock lithium deposits. The discussions are in their early stages and focus on transforming the Roche Dure resource into a lithium mine. This potential venture signals Rio Tinto's growing enthusiasm for battery metals.
The world's largest iron-ore miner has been strategically shifting its focus to critical minerals like lithium, capitalizing on market opportunities despite recent price fluctuations. Involvement in such a large deposit in the DRC would significantly expand Rio Tinto's global lithium footprint. This move aligns with its diversification strategy.
While the outcome of these talks remains uncertain, the potential for Rio Tinto to develop a major lithium project in the DRC is a significant strategic development. It could provide a substantial long-term supply of lithium, crucial for the electric vehicle value chain. This exploration of new market entry points underscores the company's commitment to future-facing commodities.
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