Rio Tinto now holds a 53.9% stake in Nemaska Lithium, giving it majority control after increasing its share from the 50% stake it acquired through the Arcadium Lithium purchase in March 2025. The Government of Quebec, through Investissement Québec, retains a 46.1% stake.
The acquisition expands Rio Tinto’s integrated lithium business in Quebec, covering the Whabouchi spodumene mine and the Bécancour lithium‑hydroxide plant. The company is investing more than US$300 million in 2026 to develop its lithium operations, while Quebec will invest up to US$200 million in equity subscriptions.
Construction at the Bécancour plant reached 60 % completion by the end of 2025, and engineering is now finished. Commissioning is scheduled for 2026, with first production expected in 2028. Rio Tinto is also evaluating the Whabouchi mine and its own Galaxy mine to secure a steady spodumene supply for the plant.
Jérôme Pécresse, Rio Tinto’s Aluminium & Lithium chief executive, said the majority stake will help the company “take our world‑class lithium business to the next level of growth and performance, notably through Nemaska Lithium.” He added that the move “will enable us to better support the long‑term development of Nemaska Lithium, which will expand our integrated lithium product offering.” Pécresse also emphasized Rio Tinto’s commitment to Quebec and Canada as a key partner in the future‑materials sector.
Strategically, the move aligns with Rio Tinto’s diversification beyond iron ore and its goal of building a portfolio of future‑facing metals. Securing majority control allows the company to build a fully integrated lithium supply chain in Quebec—from mining to chemical processing—positioning it to supply battery‑grade lithium to North American electric‑vehicle and energy‑storage markets.
The acquisition positions Rio Tinto to capitalize on the growing demand for lithium, a critical component for electric vehicles and renewable‑energy solutions. The partnership with the Quebec government underscores the project’s importance for regional economic development and the critical‑minerals sector.
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