Rio Tinto pumps $1.4 billion into lithium projects in Argentina
2026-10-30 11:12:59 [Print]
Rio Tinto is doubling down on Argentina's lithium market with the opening of two projects backed by a combined $1.4-billion investment.
The Fénix 1B expansion and the Sal de Vida operation in Catamarca province both achieved first production in the second quarter of 2026, ahead of schedule, and are now ramping up output. Together, they will add 25,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity once fully operational, the company said.
The $530-million Fenix 1B expansion adds 10,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity, increasing the operation's total target to approximately 40,000 tonnes.
Rio Tinto is also evaluating a further expansion at Fénix that would require about $1 billion in additional investment. The proposed Fenix II lithium plant, also planned for the Hombre Muerto salt flat, could receive a final investment decision toward the end of the decade, Trott said.
Sal de Vida, a new lithium carbonate operation about 20 km northeast of Fenix, has a target capacity of 15,000 tonnes annually. Its first phase involved an investment of $374 million.
Fenix uses direct lithium extraction (DLE), while Sal de Vida relies on conventional evaporation ponds. DLE can substantially shorten processing times by separating lithium from brine without relying on prolonged solar evaporation.
The Fénix 1B expansion and the Sal de Vida operation in Catamarca province both achieved first production in the second quarter of 2026, ahead of schedule, and are now ramping up output. Together, they will add 25,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity once fully operational, the company said.
The $530-million Fenix 1B expansion adds 10,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity, increasing the operation's total target to approximately 40,000 tonnes.
Rio Tinto is also evaluating a further expansion at Fénix that would require about $1 billion in additional investment. The proposed Fenix II lithium plant, also planned for the Hombre Muerto salt flat, could receive a final investment decision toward the end of the decade, Trott said.
Sal de Vida, a new lithium carbonate operation about 20 km northeast of Fenix, has a target capacity of 15,000 tonnes annually. Its first phase involved an investment of $374 million.
Fenix uses direct lithium extraction (DLE), while Sal de Vida relies on conventional evaporation ponds. DLE can substantially shorten processing times by separating lithium from brine without relying on prolonged solar evaporation.
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