The issue is that investments in additional iron ore capacity and upgrading have long lead times, writes Clyde Russell.

The mining giant is facing rising pressure from Turquoise minority shareholders to boost the offer.

The move comes at a time when India is offering $2.4 billion of incentives for companies to build battery cells locally for electric vehicles.

The $825 million acquisition of Rincon gives Rio Tinto a large undeveloped lithium brine project located in the heart of South America's lithium triangle.

Rusal owns a 20% stake in Queensland Alumina, which is operated by Rio Tinto.

Nickel is the metal that has grabbed the most headlines so far this year.

J Capital Research on Thursday published a report saying the lithium miner should be valued roughly 90% above its current market cap.

New Hope, which operates the 10Mtpa Bengalla mine on Australia’s east coast, has held talks with prospective customers in Europe.