Lithium Related Media Articles, page-24862

Question for the more technically minded folks on the LTR threads, the likes of @anatol and @Scarpa:

In their recent episode on the Rio - Arcadium deal, the Money of Mine boys were speculating about Rio's motives of pursuing Arcadium over other potential lithium targets. The boys talked about speculation that Rio prefers a long play of cheap brine assets in combination with DLE. They said Rio had recently formed an expert group around DLE and formed the view that while the technology isn't fully mature yet, it is promising.

The argument went something like this:

Rio has set its mind on acquiring a brine resource -> Rio isn't so keen on spod –> Arcadium is suitable because its spod resources are pretty thin but they have some good brine assets (plus 10 other bits and bobs around the globe that fit in nicely with Rio)

What do you make of this?

Where do you see the cost difference of brine + DLE vs. spod?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, which are always highly appreciated!