Rio Tinto Eyes Arcadium Lithium Amid Price Slump
Rio Tinto Eyes Arcadium Lithium Amid Price Slump Source-mining.com Global mining giant Rio Tinto is in discussions to acquire lithium producer Arcadium Lithium, both companies confirmed on Monday. The talks come at a time when lithium prices have plunged due to oversupply, particularly from China, making the timing advantageous for Rio Tinto. If the deal proceeds, it would position Rio Tinto as one of the world’s top lithium suppliers, joining industry leaders Albemarle and SQM. The potential acquisition could value Arcadium between $4 billion and $6 billion, according to sources. Although financial details were not disclosed, the companies confirmed that the discussions were in an early, non-binding stage, with no guarantee of a final agreement. The Australian-listed shares of Arcadium surged by up to 50%, while Rio Tinto’s shares dipped by 0.2% during a public holiday in Sydney. The sharp fall in lithium prices has impacted Arcadium’s stock, which has declined by over 50% since...