Rio Tinto Takes Majority Control of Nemaska Lithium

Rio Tinto has secured a majority stake (53.9%) in Nemaska Lithium, following equity investments made since March 2025 by both Rio Tinto and the Canada===Government of Quebec, through Canada===Investissement Québec. As the majority shareholder, Rio Tinto will now directly manage Nemaska Lithium, leveraging its expertise to develop an integrated lithium business in Canada===Quebec. The partners will continue to fund the project, including the lithium hydroxide plant in Bécancour, which is 60% complete and expected to begin production in 2028. The Canada===Government of Quebec will invest up to $200 million, while Rio Tinto plans to invest over $300 million in 2026. This strategic move, partly stemming from Rio Tinto's acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, aims to enhance Rio Tinto's world-class lithium business and solidify Canada===Quebec's position as a key player in lithium development.