Rio Tinto confirms potential for Jadar lithium project

UK-Australian resources firm Rio Tinto is confident about the potential of its underground Jadar lithium-borates project in western Serbia, indicating that it could be able to produce around 55,000 t/yr of battery-grade lithium carbonate.

The project moved into full feasibility modelling in July at a cost of almost $200mn with expected completion by the end of 2021, Rio Tinto said, with it now focusing on detailed engineering, permitting, preparation for construction and early infrastructure development.

If the feasibility study is approved, it is likely to take up to four years to develop the project, meaning that commercial production is unlikely to start before 2025. Global lithium demand is forecast to rise during 2025-30 as auto producers scale back internal combustion vehicle output and governments tighten emissions controls.

Jadar is also expected to produce around 160,000 t/yr of boric acid and 255,000 t/yr of sodium sulphate as by-products, bringing down the cost of lithium carbonate production. Boric acid, a key raw material for advanced glass and fertilizer products, will be integrated into Rio Tinto borates business.

Jadar was discovered by Rio Tinto in 2004 and is one of the largest new global lithium development projects with an ore reserve of 16.6mn t grading 1.8pc lithium oxide and 13.4pc boron trioxide. It has an indicated mineral resource of 55.2mn t and an inferred mineral resource of 84.1mn t.

By Angus Macmillan