SYDNEY, Australia — Shares in lithium producer Arcadium Lithium soared almost 50 percent in Sydney on Monday after mining giant Rio Tinto confirmed a potential acquisition of the US-based firm.
Rio Tinto said in a statement it had approached the company regarding the potential “non-binding” acquisition.
Article continues after this advertisement“There is no certainty that any transaction will be agreed to or will proceed,” it said.
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Arcadium shares surged 46 percent to their highest since June.
Article continues after this advertisementRio Tinto and Arcadium Lithium said they would not comment further.
Article continues after this advertisementIf the deal goes ahead, it would transform Rio Tinto into the world’s third-largest lithium supplier.
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However, the lithium industry is struggling with an oversupply and falling electric vehicle sales, pushing prices down and leading mines around the world to shut or scale back production.
Article continues after this advertisementArcadium Lithium announced earlier this year it was mothballing a mine in Western Australia, citing low prices.
Australia is the world’s biggest supplier of lithium, which is used in a variety of products including hybrid and electric car batteries, laptops, and phones.
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