An end-to-end lithium supply chain will be established by mining behemoth Rio Tinto (ASX, LON, NYSE: RIO) and UK refinery developer Green Lithium in order to service the automotive and manufacturing industries in the UK and the EU.

The development of our refineries, according to Sean Sargent, CEO of Green Lithium, will hasten the uptake of electric vehicles and sustainable energy storage by boosting the availability of low-carbon, battery-grade lithium compounds.

Rio Tinto and Green Lithium partnership will both profit from the rising market for electric vehicle (EV) metals as a result of their alliance. It also fits with their shared objective of assisting with decarbonization initiatives and addressing the growing demand for sustainable battery material sources.

The foundation of the recently announced cooperation is Green Lithium's ambitious ambition to construct and run a large-scale lithium mill in Teesside, England. The factory will use cutting-edge technology intended for low-carbon, environmentally conscious processing of spodumene concentrate to manufacture high-purity lithium compounds for the UK and EU markets.

Europe's rapidly increasing need for battery metals is in stark contrast to the lack of local capability for lithium refining. The fact that Chinese businesses dominate the supply chain emphasizes the strategic significance of Rio's initiative and Green Lithium.

The relationship was commended by UK Industry and Decarbonization Minister Sarah Jones, who underlined its potential to bolster the region's economy and the country's vital mineral supply chain. According to Jones, it will not only help the North East maintain its highly skilled jobs but also strengthen its vital supply chains for minerals as they work to advance our goal of net zero emissions and create a more sustainable, greener future for the automotive sector.

Rio Tinto lithium, which had its mining license revoked in 2022, has lately increased its attempts to bring its Jadar lithium mine back online in Serbia. Due to environmental concerns, the proposed mine was the target of large-scale protests that year by the local community.