NOVEMBER 21, 2017 / 7:31 PM / UPDATED A DAY AGO Rio Tinto,...

NOVEMBER 21, 2017 / 7:31 PM / UPDATED A DAY AGO
Rio Tinto, China's private equity prepare to bid for lithium producer SQM
Reuters Staff

LONDON/VANCOUVER (Reuters) - Rio Tinto RIO.L), Canada’s Wealth Minerals and Chinese private equity firm GSR Capital are considering a bid for a stake in Chilean lithium producer SQM (Sociedad Quimica Y Minera) SQMa.SN, banking sources told Reuters.


An aerial view shows the brine pools and processing areas of the Soquimich (SQM) lithium mine on the Atacama salt flat, the world's second largest salt flat and the largest lithium deposit currently in production, with over a quarter of the world's known reserves, in the Atacama desert of northern Chile, January 10, 2013. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado
Canada’s Potash Corp of Saskatchewan (POT.N) (POT.TO) must divest its 32 percent stake in the Chilean company as part of its merger with rival Agrium Inc (AGU.TO).