Rio Tinto opens $A2 billion lithium projects in Argentina

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 22:15 · Archive

Rio Tinto has opened two new lithium plants in Argentina with a combined $A2 billion investment.

Rio Tinto has inaugurated two new lithium plants in Argentina's Catamarca province, marking progress in its strategy to build a large-scale lithium business. The Sal de Vida plant and the Fenix 1B expansion project carry a combined price tag of $US1.4 billion ($A2 billion) and will produce 25,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent annually for use in electric vehicle batteries.

Both projects use direct lithium extraction, or DLE, technology. Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott said: 'We live in an era in which the world needs more lithium. At Rio Tinto, we have set ourselves the goal of reaching 200,000 tonnes of annual production capacity, with opportunities to raise that figure much higher.' The company's flagship Rincon project in Argentina's Salta province is expected to produce 60,000 metric tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent.

DLE technology is backed as more sustainable than open-pit mines and evaporation ponds, and cuts production time significantly. Rio Tinto is positioning itself among the first major companies to build a large-scale business around the technology, despite lingering questions over costs, scalability and long-term performance. French miner Eramet has also deployed DLE technology since late 2024 in Argentina at its Centenario Ratones project.

How it is being reported

• Rio Tinto opens $A2b lithium projects in ArgentinaRio Tinto has marked a milestone by opening two new lithium plants in Argentina, worth a combined investment of around $A2 billion.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 21:48
• Rio Tinto opens $A2b lithium projects in ArgentinaRio Tinto has marked a milestone by opening two new lithium plants in Argentina, worth a combined investment of around $A2 billion.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 21:48

In this story: Rio Tinto · Argentina · Simon Trott · Eramet · Catamarca · Salta

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