Posted on 28 Aug 2025
Mining giant Rio Tinto plans to combine its lithium business with the aluminium product group as part of a restructuring plan that will create three core product groups, Kallanish reports.
The new Aluminium & Lithium group will be led by Jérôme Pécresse and consist of three businesses: Atlantic Operations Aluminium, Pacific Operations Aluminium, and Lithium. Rio says that the new streamlined structure will help it to focus on processing capabilities and downstream exposure.
The miner has been expanding its footprint in lithium since the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, now operating both upstream and downstream assets. Its upstream portfolio has grown recently, particularly in South America, where it produces lithium at the Rincón project in Argentina, and is involved in the new Salar de Maricunda and Salares Altoantinos projects in Chile. Its lithium mining portfolio also includes the Jadar asset in Serbia.
“A simplified business structure, grounded in our fundamental commitment to safety and with sharper focus on the most compelling opportunities we have, will enable us to deliver new standards of operational excellence and value creation,” comments new ceo Simon Trott. “It will bring greater accountability and focus to our teams, underpinned by a more disciplined approach to operational performance and capital investment.”
Trott’s reshuffle includes the exit of Sinead Kaufman, who has led the establishment of Rio’s lithium operations, and the end of the ceo Australia role with Kelly Parker departing the company after 24 years.
The other two remaining product groups are Copper and Iron Ore. The former, led by Katie Jackson, “remains well positioned to capitalise on the global energy transition,” the company states. Its focus is on the successful ramp-up of Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, the stabilising of Kennecott in the US, plus advancing future options including the Resolution Copper project in the US and partnerships such as Nuevo Cobre in Chile.
Iron Ore operations will be led by Matthew Holcz, while the borates and iron & titanium businesses will move to the chief commercial officer’s portfolio for strategic review.
Source:Kallanish
