Rio Tinto Advances Two Major Lithium Projects in Argentina to Scale Up Its Lithium Business Centered on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Technology
Rio Tinto has advanced two major lithium projects in Argentina, scaling up its lithium business anchored on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. The Sal de Vida plant in Catamarca Province represents a total investment of US$1.4 billion. Its Fenix 1B expansion will add 25,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annual capacity once commissioned. Lithium carbonate is a core feedstock for power battery manufacturing. The Rincon project in neighbouring Salta Province is designed for an annual output of 60,000 tonnes. Under Rio Tinto’s plan, the combined annual lithium capacity of its Argentine assets will rise to 200,000 tonnes by 2028.
Both the Fenix and Rincon projects deploy DLE technology to extract lithium from salt brine. This process cuts production cycles relative to conventional evaporation pond methods. That said, the industry still sees uncertainties over the technology’s cost economics, scalability and long-term operational reliability at commercial scale. Rio Tinto is one of the pioneering large mining companies building a sizable lithium portfolio around the DLE pathway. Argentina has introduced tax and regulatory incentives to attract foreign investment. As part of South America’s “Lithium Triangle” together with Chile and Bolivia, it holds approximately 60% of global lithium reserves. Argentine mining authorities project that the country could surpass Chile and become the world’s leading lithium producer by 2029.
Post time: Nov-11-2026
