SYDNEY -- Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto will invest $900 million in a joint venture with Chilean state-owned Codelco, expanding its lithium interests despite a protracted slump in prices for the key battery metal.
Move comes despite protracted slump in prices for the battery ingredient

Rio Tinto plans to invest in Salar de Maricunga, in Chile's lithium-rich Atacama Desert salt flats, as part of its strategy to be a leading supplier of materials for the clean energy transition. © AP
SYDNEY -- Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto will invest $900 million in a joint venture with Chilean state-owned Codelco, expanding its lithium interests despite a protracted slump in prices for the key battery metal.