Overview
- Rio Tinto now holds a 53.9% stake in Nemaska Lithium and has taken direct management control, with Quebec retaining 46.1%.
- Quebec will subscribe up to an additional US$200 million in shares, while Rio Tinto plans to invest more than US$300 million in 2026 to advance its lithium operations in the province.
- The partners will continue funding the Bécancour lithium hydroxide plant, which targets first production in 2028.
- Rio Tinto is evaluating ore supply options for Bécancour, including Nemaska’s Whabouchi deposit and its own Galaxy project.
- Quebec Economy Minister Jean Boulet called this the province’s final investment in Nemaska, noting roughly US$1.1 billion committed since 2020.