Rio Tinto starts tellurium production at Kennecott copper operation
2022-05-13 15:23:19 [Print]
Rio Tinto has started producing tellurium at its Kennecott copper operation in Utah, becoming one of only two US producers of the critical mineral used in advanced thin film photovoltaic solar panels.
The tellurium will be refined in North America by 5N Plus, a global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, under a commercial agreement between 5N Plus and Rio Tinto. The refined tellurium will primarily be supplied to First Solar under an existing supply contract.
Approximately 20 US tons (18 tonnes) of tellurium will be produced per year through a new $2.9 million circuit built at the Kennecott refinery.
The tellurium will be refined in North America by 5N Plus, a global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, under a commercial agreement between 5N Plus and Rio Tinto. The refined tellurium will primarily be supplied to First Solar under an existing supply contract.
Approximately 20 US tons (18 tonnes) of tellurium will be produced per year through a new $2.9 million circuit built at the Kennecott refinery.
