The MoU signifies a key step forward for the ELi process, a technology that is poised to revolutionise lithium hydroxide production.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration, allowing Rio Tinto to evaluate the ELi technology through extended testing and potentially negotiate an evaluation license. The partnership may involve Rio Tinto funding optimization tests and updates to the process design. Additionally, both parties could collaborate on detailed design and cost estimation for a demonstration plant in Argentina, subject to Rio Tinto’s approval.
These efforts aim to advance the ELi technology to Technology Readiness Level 7 through future trials. If successful, RAM and Rio Tinto may pursue a binding agreement for field trials and explore a commercial agreement to apply the ELi process to Rio Tinto’s lithium brine assets.
Chris Reed, Neometals managing director, stated: “We are naturally excited to collaborate with Rio Tinto to explore the potential to bring this technology closer to market. Rio Tinto is a global leader in energy transition commodities with scale, development capabilities and financial strength. We are confident ELi can be an ideal complement to Rio Tinto’s direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies to further enhance the value of their Tier 1 portfolio.”
The ELi process is designed to be licensed to lithium producers for a royalty fee, promising improved efficiency in producing lithium hydroxide monohydrate and lithium carbonate. The collaboration includes services such as commercial licensing, detailed process designs, engineering schematics, equipment lists, and support for operational efficiency and startup guidance.
This partnership aligns with broader efforts to enhance sustainable resource extraction. For instance, Rio Tinto recently invested C$7.6 million in an industrial demonstration project at its Lac Tio mine in Quebec, Canada, with C$2.5 million from the Quebec government. This project focuses on ore sorting technology to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
By combining RAM’s innovative ELi process with Rio Tinto’s expertise, the collaboration seeks to advance lithium production technology, supporting the global demand for sustainable energy materials.
