Nano One Pre-Qualifies Lithium from Rio Tinto for LFP Cathode Production and Provides Strategic Collaboration Update

Executive Summary

• Nano One announced the pre‑qualification of Rio Tinto lithium carbonate feedstocks for its One‑Pot™ LFP cathode production process.
• Qualified samples include 10 t C‑sample from Rio Tinto’s Fenix site and kilogram‑scale A‑samples from the Olaroz site, with additional Rincon project material under evaluation.
• The collaboration is intended to de‑risk supply chains for Nano One licensees and accelerate commercialization of its LFP technology, supporting the company’s licensing‑growth strategy.

Key Details

• Collaboration Scope: Pre‑qualification of high‑volume battery‑grade lithium carbonate feedstocks from Rio Tinto for Nano One’s One‑Pot™ LFP cathode active material (CAM) process.
• Qualified Materials:
• Fenix site (Salar del Hombre Muerto, Argentina): C‑sample (1–10 t scale) – 10 t purchased for pilot and customer validation.
• Olaroz site (Jujuy, Argentina): A‑sample (kilogram scale) qualified; progressing to C‑sample stage for diversified sourcing.
• Rincon project (Argentina): Pre‑commercial lithium carbonate samples evaluated for future supply.
• Testing Protocol: Nano One uses a staged qualification regime – A‑sample (kg), B‑sample (mid‑scale), C‑sample (1–10 t), and D‑sample (commercial plant) – to ensure battery‑grade quality before licensing.
• Strategic Benefits:
• Accelerates customer acceptance of Nano One’s LFP product and licensing packages.
• De‑risks supply chains for prospective licensees, potentially shortening A‑through‑C sample qualification timelines by up to one year.
• Enhances the attractiveness of Nano One’s technology licensing model by bundling pre‑qualified feedstocks with its One‑Pot™ process.
• Rio Tinto Production Outlook: Rio Tinto aims to expand tier‑1 lithium capacity to >200,000 t LCE per year by 2028, providing a robust long‑term supply base for Nano One’s partners.
• Quote (COO Alex Holmes): Emphasized that pre‑qualified feedstock adds value to the technology licensing offering and helps licensees manage supply‑chain risk while accelerating time‑to‑market for future commercial plants.

Notable Quotes

“We are adding value to our technology and license offering by pre‑qualifying feedstock that is critical to the production of LFP. This will assist our prospective licensee partners manage supply chain risks and accelerate time to market for future One‑Pot commercial plants.” – Alex Holmes, Chief Operating Officer, Nano One

Materiality Assessment: Material – Positive (the announcement signals a tangible step toward scaling Nano One’s licensing business and strengthens its supply‑chain positioning.)