Rincon Project, Argentina

Rincon Lithium Project

SALAR DEL RINCÓN, SALTA PROVINCE, ARGENTINA

The Rincon Lithium Project – a large, undeveloped lithium-brine project located in the heart of the ‘lithium triangle’ in Argentina – will be a valuable source of rapidly produced, high-quality lithium for the global energy transition.

A long-life, scalable resource capable of producing battery-grade lithium carbonate from raw brine, the project will help us deliver this vital resource to the global energy industry while meeting our commitment to decarbonise our operations by 2050.

Rincon strengthens our battery materials business and positions Rio Tinto to meet the double digit growth in demand for lithium over the next decade, at a time when supply is constrained. We will be working with local communities, the Province of Salta and the Government of Argentina as we develop this project to the highest ESG standards.”

- Jakob Stausholm, Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto

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Lithium, a material for the future

A vital component for clean technologies such as electric vehicles and battery storage, lithium will play an essential role in the transition to a low carbon economy. With double-digit demand growth forecast for lithium over the next decade, our Rincon Lithium Project will be an important source of supply of battery-grade lithium carbonate for the electric-vehicle market.

Next steps

We are now developing a small starter battery-grade lithium carbonate plant with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes per year and production is expected to commence by the end of 2024. Our initial investment also includes early works to support a full-scale operation, including power line and associated substations, construction camp and airstrip.

We are also conducting studies, developing our strategy and timing, and securing updates to existing environmental impact assessment permits. We will be engaging with local communities, the Province of Salta and the Government of Argentina to ensure the project is developed to the highest environmental, social and governance standards.

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