Rio/AGY

https://www.*****.com/news/2022-07-21/Rio-Tinto-Ford-sign-MOU-for-battery-and-low-carbon-materials-supply-to-support-net-zero-future.html

"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."

Gee it's starting to make sense for Rio & AGY to partner up.

Rio have got the bulk of the salar, the cash and the name to attract tier 1 OEM's. AGY have the knowledge, process and talent. It is constantly reported that one of the biggest challenges is the limited talent pool in the industry. Money just doesn't instantly create the experts required to bring lithium projects online. AGY/Puna have this. Rio don't.

1+1=3.

Throw some cash at AGY and help scale up to 25ktpa and beyond to serve Ford as the foundation customer. Rio keep experimenting with DLE while supply can actually be guaranteed to Ford from AGY's plant.

If Rio can get DLE to work then they have supply diversity and can utilise the whole Rincon salar.

At the same time, start developing Tonopah which will keep Ford happy with some US lithium supply in the mix also.

It just makes sense.

AGY would be in the box seat in any negotiations as this is all about processing as we've known for a long time, but thanks to Elon for letting the masses know yesterday.

AGY severely undervalued.