Ford, Rio Tinto sign MOU for battery and low carbon materials supply to support net-zero future
July 21 2022 - 7:30AM
Business Wire
Ford Motor Company and Rio Tinto have signed a non-binding
global memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop more
sustainable and secure supply chains for battery and low-carbon
materials to be used in Ford vehicles.
The multi-materials partnership will support the transition
toward a net-zero future by supplying Ford, one of the world’s
largest automakers, with materials including lithium, low-carbon
aluminium and copper. It will allow Rio Tinto, a leading global
mining and metals company, to progress its commitment to work with
customers to decarbonise value chains.
Under the agreement, Ford will explore becoming the foundation
customer for Rio Tinto’s Rincon lithium project in Argentina. Rio
Tinto is currently progressing detailed planning to bring Rincon
into production and will work with Ford toward a significant
lithium off-take agreement to support its production of electric
vehicles.
The companies will work together to strengthen the supply of low
carbon aluminium for use in Ford vehicles, including metal produced
using the zero carbon ELYSIS™ smelting technology and from Rio
Tinto’s hydro-powered operations in Canada, helping Ford meet its
commitment to the First Mover’s Coalition.
Ford and Rio Tinto will also work to develop secure, domestic
supply chains for Ford across other essential commodities for the
energy transition from Rio Tinto’s operations in North America,
including copper produced with a low-carbon footprint.
The MOU builds on Ford’s relationship with Rio Tinto as a
primary aluminium raw material source for its iconic F-150, the
world’s first all aluminium body pick-up truck. The high-strength
aluminium alloys used in the Ford F-150 help improve performance
and save weight, helping it to tow heavier loads, accelerate
quicker and reduce stopping distances. Now, the companies will work
together exploring what’s possible in the energy transition with
models like Ford’s next-generational full-size electric truck.
Ford Chief Industrial Platform officer Hau Thai-Tang said: “This
is a powerful example of how Ford’s proven scale and industrial
expertise can be leveraged to accelerate the shift to EVs. We’re
applying years of shared knowledge and a strong relationship to
support production of models customers already know and love – and
potentially to help create a new generation of EVs for millions of
customers.”
Rio Tinto Chief Commercial Officer Alf Barrios said: “We are
excited to work with Ford to support the transition to net zero by
supplying a range of materials it needs for electric and
lower-carbon vehicles, and advance our commitment to work with
customers to decarbonise our value chains. Rio Tinto is uniquely
positioned to work with companies like Ford to develop more
sustainable, traceable and secure supply chains. We are investing
to grow in materials needed for the energy transition, and in
technology and partnerships to decarbonise our business and value
chains. We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our long term
relationship with Ford to support its sustainability goals.”
Notes to editors
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in
Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better
world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines
existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships
with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of
those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have
Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and
Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services.
Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility
solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides
financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs
about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company,
its products and Ford Credit is available at
corporate.ford.com.
About Rio Tinto’s Rincon lithium project
Rincon is a large lithium brine project located in the heart of
the lithium triangle in the Salta Province of Argentina. It has
potential to produce battery grade lithium carbonate with one of
the lowest carbon footprints in the industry.
Rio Tinto is currently undertaking detailed planning including
possible pathways for a smaller start-up to accelerate supply. The
company is committed to developing the project to the highest ESG
standards and is undertaking engagement with communities, the
province of Salta and the Government of Argentina to ensure an open
and transparent dialogue about the work planned.
About ELYSIS
ELYSIS is a technology company created through a partnership
between Rio Tinto and Alcoa, with support from Apple and the
governments of Canada and Quebec. ELYSIS is scaling up a
revolutionary technology that enables the production of metal
without direct carbon dioxide emissions during the aluminium
smelting process, instead emitting pure oxygen. The technology uses
inert anodes to replace the carbon anodes traditionally used during
electrolysis, the process used to make primary aluminium.
Learn more at www.elysis.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220720006043/en/
Ford Jennifer Flake M +1 313 903 0429
jflake1@ford.com Rio Tinto Matthew Klar M +1 514 608
4429 matthew.klar@riotinto.com Category: General
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