Nano One prequalifies Rio Tinto Li for LFP production

Executive Summary

• Nano One Materials Corp. announced the pre‑qualification of Rio Tinto lithium carbonate feedstocks for its One‑Pot LFP cathode active material (CAM) production process.
• Qualified feedstock includes 10 t of C‑sample lithium carbonate from Rio Tinto’s Fenix site and kilogram‑scale A‑sample qualification from the Olaroz site, with pre‑commercial samples from the Rincon project also evaluated.
• The collaboration is intended to de‑risk supply chains for Nano One licensees, accelerate customer acceptance, and potentially shorten qualification timelines by up to one year.

Key Details

• Feedstock Qualification – Fenix (Argentina): C‑sample (tonne‑scale) lithium carbonate qualified; 10 t purchased for pilot and customer validation work.
• Feedstock Qualification – Olaroz (Argentina): A‑sample (kilogram‑scale) lithium carbonate qualified as part of a diversified sourcing strategy; progressing toward C‑sample qualification.
• Pre‑commercial Samples – Rincon (Argentina): Evaluated for future supply, supporting long‑term material availability.
• Testing Protocol: Nano One uses staged testing from A‑sample (kg) → C‑sample (1–10 t) before D‑sample commercial plant trials.
• Strategic Impact: Pre‑qualification aims to accelerate licensee adoption of Nano One’s LFP CAM technology, reduce supply‑chain risk, and fast‑track qualification programs by up to one year.
• Rio Tinto Capacity Outlook: Rio Tinto plans to expand Tier 1 lithium assets to >200,000 t per year LCE by 2028, enhancing long‑term feedstock security for Nano One partners.

Notable Quotes

“We are adding value to our technology and licence offering by prequalifying 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