Company Overview

Rio Tinto Lithium is the lithium-focused business activity within Rio Tinto Group, the global mining and metals company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and Melbourne, Australia. The business operates within Rio Tinto’s broader critical minerals strategy and focuses on the exploration, development, and production of lithium materials used primarily in electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, and other electrification technologies. Rio Tinto participates in the mining industry, battery materials supply chain, and broader energy transition sector through its lithium investments and operating assets.

The company’s lithium strategy has evolved significantly since the early 2020s through acquisitions and project development initiatives. Key revenue and growth drivers include lithium brine and hard-rock development projects, particularly in Argentina and other resource-rich jurisdictions. Rio Tinto’s lithium platform expanded materially following the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium in 2025, adding a global portfolio of lithium extraction, processing, and marketing operations. Rio Tinto’s strategic advantages include its scale as a diversified miner, established global logistics and infrastructure capabilities, access to capital, and existing relationships with industrial and automotive customers seeking long-term battery materials supply.

Business Operations

Rio Tinto conducts lithium activities through its broader minerals and battery materials portfolio. Its core lithium operations include the Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina, lithium processing and development assets acquired through Arcadium Lithium, and related exploration activities. The business generates revenue primarily through the production and sale of lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and other battery-grade lithium products used in electric mobility and energy storage applications. Rio Tinto’s lithium operations complement its larger mining portfolio, which also includes iron ore, aluminum, copper, and critical minerals.

The company operates internationally, with lithium-related assets and commercial exposure across South America, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia-Pacific. Rio Tinto controls significant mining, refining, and processing infrastructure through both wholly owned operations and acquired subsidiaries. Major strategic assets include the Rincon brine operation and the lithium conversion facilities associated with Arcadium Lithium. Rio Tinto has also pursued technology development related to direct lithium extraction and sustainable processing methods intended to reduce water usage and environmental impact. Data regarding certain operational technologies and commercial arrangements remains limited based on available public sources.

Strategic Position & Investments

Rio Tinto has positioned lithium as a central component of its long-term growth strategy tied to global electrification and decarbonization trends. The company has invested heavily in battery materials as part of its effort to diversify beyond iron ore and strengthen exposure to energy transition commodities. A major strategic milestone was the announced acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, which significantly expanded Rio Tinto’s lithium resource base, downstream processing capacity, and customer relationships within the battery supply chain.

Additional investments include the continued development of the Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina, where Rio Tinto has committed substantial capital toward commercial-scale production. The company has emphasized vertically integrated lithium production capabilities, including extraction, refining, and specialty chemical processing. Rio Tinto’s broader investment strategy also includes copper, scandium, and other critical minerals linked to renewable energy infrastructure and electrified transportation. The company continues evaluating emerging extraction technologies and partnerships intended to improve operational efficiency and supply chain resilience.

Geographic Footprint

Rio Tinto operates globally across more than 30 countries, with dual headquarters in London and Melbourne. Its lithium business has a particularly strong presence in Argentina through the Rincon project and acquired South American lithium operations. Through Arcadium Lithium, Rio Tinto expanded its operational footprint into additional lithium-producing regions including parts of Australia, the United States, and broader Latin America.

The company maintains commercial and operational influence across North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East through mining, refining, logistics, and commodity marketing networks. Rio Tinto supplies industrial customers, battery manufacturers, and automotive supply chains worldwide. Its global scale provides access to infrastructure, transportation networks, and long-term customer contracts that support international expansion within the battery materials sector.

Leadership & Governance

Rio Tinto operates under a multinational governance structure consistent with major publicly listed mining companies and is listed on exchanges including the London Stock Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange. The company emphasizes operational discipline, long-term capital allocation, decarbonization initiatives, and responsible resource development as part of its stated leadership strategy. Governance oversight includes sustainability, environmental management, and stakeholder engagement across its mining operations.

Key leadership includes:

• Jakob Stausholm – Chief Executive Officer
• Peter Cunningham – Chief Financial Officer
• Bold Baatar – Chief Commercial Officer
• Katie Jackson – Chief Executive, Copper
• Kellie Parker – Chief Executive, Australia
• Sinead Kaufman – Chief Executive, Minerals
• Dominic Barton – Chair of the Board

Rio Tinto’s leadership has publicly identified lithium and other critical minerals as long-term strategic priorities tied to electrification demand and global energy transition investment. Certain leadership responsibilities may evolve following integration activities associated with Arcadium Lithium and other portfolio changes.