Rio Tinto achieved a 3% year-on-year increase in copper equivalent production for the first half of 2026, driven by strong operational performance across its diversified portfolio. The mining giant reported that its scale and geographical diversification underpinned resilience despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Chief Executive Simon Trott highlighted that the group is delivering growth, with copper equivalent production up 3% in the first half.

In the Pilbara region, Rio Tinto recorded its highest first half iron ore production since 2018, supported by a productivity improvement program. Oyu Tolgoi continued its ramp-up on schedule, delivering more than 30% growth in copper production for the first half. The company also noted that its integrated aluminium business sustained strong performance, while lithium operations achieved first production ahead of plan at Sal de Vida and Fénix 1B.

Operational Performance

Copper production on a consolidated basis reached 213 kt in Q2 2026, bringing the H1 total to 442 kt, a 1% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The company reduced its copper C1 net unit cost guidance to US 30-50c/lb, down from the previous range of US 65-75c/lb. Global iron ore sales for Q2 stood at 88.8 Mt, up 5% year-on-year, with Pilbara sales increasing 7% to 85.3 Mt.

Lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production rose 20% in Q2 to 14.6 kt, driven by the ramp-up at the Rincon starter plant and initial deliveries from Sal de Vida and Fénix 1B. H1 LCE production totaled 27.3 kt, a 53% increase. Bauxite production for H1 was 28.5 Mt, down 7%, while alumina production increased 8% to 4.0 Mt. Aluminium production remained stable at 1.68 Mt for the half-year.

Production and Sales Data

Project Developments

At the Simandou project, SimFer mine construction and port infrastructure are both now more than three quarters complete, with full rail commissioning achieved in Q1. Rio Tinto is progressing its next generation of copper growth options at Resolution and Winu. The company stated it is driving a step-change in operational performance to deliver industry-leading returns and growth for shareholders.

The global lithium-ion battery recycling market is projected to grow from US$ 7.3 billion in 2026 to US$ 31.8 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 23.4%. This expansion is driven by the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles, growing deployment of energy storage systems, and increasingly stringent regulations promoting battery recovery and material reuse. Lithium-ion battery recycling plays a crucial role in supporting the transition toward clean energy by recovering critical raw materials and strengthening circular supply chains.

The rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption worldwide is creating unprecedented demand for lithium-ion battery recycling. Global EV stock has surpassed 40 million vehicles, while annual sales continue to approach 14 million units. As batteries typically reach end-of-life after eight to ten years of operation, a substantial volume of spent batteries is expected to enter recycling streams over the coming decade. This trend is encouraging governments, automakers, and battery manufacturers to invest heavily in recycling infrastructure capable of recovering valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

Market Drivers and Regional Insights

Environmental regulations are emerging as another major driver of the lithium-ion battery recycling market. Governments across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific are implementing policies that require higher recycling efficiency, improved material recovery rates, and greater transparency throughout the battery lifecycle. The European Union Battery Regulation is among the most influential frameworks, establishing mandatory recycling targets and introducing battery passport systems that improve traceability.

Europe leads the global market with a 38% share in 2025, supported by stringent battery regulations and well-established recycling infrastructure. Asia Pacific remains the fastest-growing regional market, fueled by expanding battery manufacturing capacity and strong EV adoption across China, India, Japan, and South Korea. North America continues to emerge as a major growth market, supported by government incentives, infrastructure investments, and expanding partnerships between automakers and recycling companies.

Technology and Segmentation

Advancements in recycling technologies are helping companies achieve compliance while improving operational efficiency. Modern hydrometallurgical processes can recover more than 90% of key battery materials while generating lower emissions than conventional methods. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) batteries account for approximately 45% of recycled battery volumes, making them the leading battery type segment. Meanwhile, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are emerging as the fastest-growing battery type segment, supported by rising adoption across electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems.

Strategic Developments

A standout development in the lithium-ion battery value chain was Rio Tinto's continued integration of Arcadium Lithium, following its acquisition of the U.S.-based lithium company. The acquisition provides access to lithium mines, processing facilities, and resource deposits across four continents, along with an established customer base that includes Tesla. Rio Tinto plans to increase lithium production capacity to 200,000 metric tons per year by 2028, up from an expected production level of at least 61,000 metric tons in 2026.

Leading players in the recycling market include Umicore, Redwood Materials, Li-Cycle Holdings Corp., Ecobat, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). Business strategies across the industry emphasize vertical integration, direct recycling innovation, strategic partnerships, and development of advanced recovery technologies that improve efficiency while supporting circular economy objectives.