Stellantis and Mercedes in talks with Rio Tinto for Serbia lithium mine for EV Batteries

[AlexB]

Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Stellantis NV are in discussions with Serbia’s government to invest in lithium-processing and EV battery production, potentially adding fresh support for what may become Europe’s biggest lithium mine.

The carmakers, who are already partners in a battery joint venture, are willing to follow Rio Tinto Group’s investment in the proposed $2.4 billion mine in Serbia by developing processing and EV battery output, according to people familiar with the situation.

Stellantis, Mercedes in talks to back Serbia’s lithium plans

Creating a broader lithium industry — rather than just exporting the raw material — has been a key demand of the Serbian government.

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