Global miner Rio Tinto , will tackle one of the biggest technological challenges in the lithium industry as it takes the lead in Chile's first major project involving the battery metal in years, alongside state-run copper producer Codelco.

By Mathew Cohen Rio Tinto has secured approval for its $2.5bn lithium mining project in Argentina's Salta province, becoming the first mining venture to win backing under the government's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI).

Rio Tinto and Codelco formed a joint venture to develop a high-grade lithium project in Chile. Read why this partnership is bullish for lithium and investors in the LIT ETF.