[SMM News] Rio Tinto cuts jobs at Québec lithium project

Published: Nov 13, 2026 21:49 (GMT+8)
Rio Tinto is laying off 68 workers at its Nemaska Lithium Project in Québec, Canada, by December as construction slows and funding is unresolved. The project needs another C$500 million to finish. However, Québec government has ruled out more funding. It is planned to produce the equivalent of 28,000 mt/year of lithium carbonate, with first production previously targeted for 2028.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Cobalt products stage a "major counteroffensive" as spot quotes collectively rebound from year-to-date lows; refined cobalt jumps 40,000 in a single week [Weekly Review]
4 hours ago
Cobalt products stage a "major counteroffensive" as spot quotes collectively rebound from year-to-date lows; refined cobalt jumps 40,000 in a single week [Weekly Review]
Read More
Cobalt products stage a "major counteroffensive" as spot quotes collectively rebound from year-to-date lows; refined cobalt jumps 40,000 in a single week [Weekly Review]
Cobalt products stage a "major counteroffensive" as spot quotes collectively rebound from year-to-date lows; refined cobalt jumps 40,000 in a single week [Weekly Review]
4 hours ago
[SMM News] Chile’s lithium output to reach 335,000 mt in 2027
15 hours ago
[SMM News] Chile’s lithium output to reach 335,000 mt in 2027
Read More
[SMM News] Chile’s lithium output to reach 335,000 mt in 2027
[SMM News] Chile’s lithium output to reach 335,000 mt in 2027
Chile’s lithium production is forecast to rise 3.1% year on year to 335,000 mt in 2027, according to state copper commission Cochilco. Output is expected to reach 325,000 mt in 2026, up from 311,000 mt in 2025. In January-July 2026, carbonate accounted for 74% of Chilean lithium exports, sulfate 21% and hydroxide 5%.
15 hours ago
[SMM News] GFEX to launch lithium hydroxide futures on Nov 26 and options on Nov 27
15 hours ago
[SMM News] GFEX to launch lithium hydroxide futures on Nov 26 and options on Nov 27
Read More
[SMM News] GFEX to launch lithium hydroxide futures on Nov 26 and options on Nov 27
[SMM News] GFEX to launch lithium hydroxide futures on Nov 26 and options on Nov 27
China’s Guangzhou Futures Exchange will begin trading lithium hydroxide futures starting November 26(th) and lithium hydroxide options on November 27th, according to two separate statements on Friday. The futures margin is set at 11%, and the daily price limit at 18% of the basis price on the first trading day. The first contracts listed are for delivery between June and November 2027. GFEX has offered lithium carbonate futures since July 2023, and lithium hydroxide becomes the second lithium contract on the exchange.
15 hours ago