big buyers entering the market, page-157

Unless I've missed something, the only connection seems to be that Rio are looking at SQM....and then they just start talking about Rio buying Galaxy? What? At least it didn't have another lengthy post from that reverse-cycle air-conditioner blowing hot air all over the place

Same thing has been going on on the KDR forum, which is still tenuous, but KDR at least has a JV with SQM to make some form link.....

Anyway, it is good to think about such things, you're right.

The problem is that we're trying to figure out what Rio's top down strategy is.

Are they looking at SQM just to get into SQM's data room, to better understand the lithium market?
Are they looking for technical expertise to help them develop Jadar?
Are they seeing a repeat of iron ore 15 years ago, and want to get in? (If this were the case, I doubt they would buy SQM or GXY, because they're too expensive)
Are they just looking to further diversify their pool of assets?
Are they looking to landbank a bunch of lithium projects?

Depending on what combination of those it is, and possibly any others that I haven't thought of, would determine what impact there was on LPD.

Maybe Rio would want the development of processing facilities brought forward, maybe they would want it delayed, maybe they would be very hands off and let them continue with the current strategy.

There's nothing of substance that I can see to narrow any of that down, but maybe others have useful perspective.