Rio Tinto is investing $2.5 billion to significantly expand its Rincon lithium project in Argentina.

The company says it is aiming to produce 60,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually. 

This includes output from a 3,000-tonne starter plant and a 57,000-tonne expansion facility.  

Located in Argentina’s lithium triangle, Rincon is expected to operate for 40 years. 

Construction of the expanded plant will begin in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals, with production starting in 2028. 

A three-year ramp-up will follow, creating substantial local employment and economic benefits.  

Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said the expansion reflects the “attractive long-term outlook for lithium driven by the energy transition”. 

He highlighted Rio Tinto’s focus on low production costs and strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.  

“We are leveraging advanced technology to halve water usage in processing while strengthening partnerships with local communities and Salta province,” he said.

Stausholm also praised Argentina’s favourable investment climate, supported by reforms and the Incentive Regime for Large Investments offering tax reductions and regulatory stability.  

The project employs direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, which conserves water, reduces waste, and delivers consistent lithium production. 

Stausholm added that lithium will become a key pillar of Rio Tinto’s portfolio for decades, supported by this project and the company’s proposed Arcadium acquisition.  

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