Rio Tinto now owns 53.9% of Nemaska Lithium, leaving the Québec government with 46.1%. This ownership change allows Rio Tinto to assume direct management and apply its expertise to the project.

The partners plan to invest more than US$500 million combined during 2026 to develop the Bécancour lithium hydroxide plant, which reached 60% construction completion late last year.

Commissioning at the Bécancour plant should begin in 2026, targeting initial production by 2028.

Currently, Rio Tinto is evaluating the Whabouchi and Galaxy mines to secure the best spodumene supply strategy.

Jérôme Pécresse, Aluminium & Lithium Chief Executive at Rio Tinto, said that these activities in Québec are central to expanding the company’s integrated lithium business and global material supply.