Rio Tinto has officially launched two major lithium operations in Argentina’s Catamarca province, marking a significant milestone in the company’s aggressive push into the energy transition market. With a combined investment of roughly 1.4 billion dollars, the firm is ramping up production at both the Sal de Vida site and the expanded Fenix 1B facility. Together, these projects are expected to contribute 25,000 metric tons of annual lithium carbonate equivalent once they reach full operational capacity.
The development represents a blend of legacy infrastructure and fresh exploration. While Fenix has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s commercial lithium sector since 1997, the recent expansion boosts its overall target to around 40,000 metric tons per year. Meanwhile, Sal de Vida, located just twenty kilometers away, aims for an additional 15,000 metric tons annually. CEO Simon Trott noted that these sites are critical components of a larger global strategy to hit a production capacity of 200,000 metric tons by 2028.
Argentina remains a primary focus for the mining giant, but it isn’t the only priority on the map. In Salta, Rio Tinto is currently developing the massive Rincon project with an estimated price tag of 2.5 billion dollars, expecting first production by 2028. Beyond South America, the company is also diversifying its portfolio in North America by taking majority control of Nemaska Lithium in Quebec and pledging over 300 million dollars toward Canadian operations this year alone.